Ben Shephard is known for his professionalism and charm on This Morning, but in a rare moment of vulnerability, 

the presenter recently opened up about a personal challenge his family has been facing. During a heartfelt discussion on the show, 

Ben, 50, reflected on the emotional shift in his household after his eldest son, Sam, left for university.

A Conversation That Struck a Chord

On a recent episode of This Morning, Ben and his co-host, Cat Deeley, welcomed a specialist to discuss a study conducted by University College London (UCL). 

The study suggested that people tend to be happier in the morning than in the evening, a finding that led to a broader discussion about personal happiness and emotional well-being.

As part of the segment, viewers were invited to share their thoughts on what affects their mood throughout the day. 

One viewer, Nicole, reached out to express her struggles with loneliness after her children had left home. Her message resonated deeply with Ben, who admitted that he and his wife, Annie, were navigating similar emotions as their own son embarked on his university journey.

Ben Shephard’s Personal Struggle

Acknowledging Nicole’s feelings, Ben responded with empathy, saying, “We’re struggling with this as well in our house.” He went on to share that his eldest son, Sam, had recently left for university, leaving behind a noticeable void in their home.

Ben, who has been married to his wife Annie since 2004, explained how the transition had affected their family dynamics. The couple, who first fell in love in 1994, have two sons—Sam, who is nearly 20, and Jack, who is now 18. With both boys reaching adulthood, the Shephard household is undergoing a significant change, something that many parents can relate to.

Coping with the Empty Nest Syndrome

In an effort to help Nicole—and others experiencing the same emotions—Ben shared some personal strategies that have helped him and Annie adjust to the change.

“One of the things we do when Sam’s gone back to uni is we organize to actually do something,” Ben explained. He and Annie make a conscious effort to plan outings, whether it’s going for a walk, having a drink, or enjoying dinner together. These activities provide a distraction from the quietness of the house and help them reconnect as a couple.

Cat, who listened intently, agreed with Ben’s perspective, commenting on how the silence in an empty home can sometimes feel overwhelming. “It’s the quiet that makes you feel melancholic,” she observed.

Ben elaborated on this, humorously noting that while having his sons at home often meant dealing with mess and crowded spaces, their absence created an unexpected emptiness. “It’s enormous. I’ve got men living in my house and it’s really annoying—they take up so much space. And when they’re gone, the sofas are empty, there’s not as much mess.”

A Message of Encouragement

Despite the emotional adjustment, Ben emphasized the importance of staying positive and finding ways to embrace the change. His advice to Nicole was simple but meaningful: “So we try and go out and do something together, reconnect, and then try and come back—and it doesn’t seem quite so empty, I think.”

Ben’s openness about his family’s experience provided comfort and reassurance to many viewers who might be facing similar struggles. By sharing his personal story, he reminded parents that while transitions can be difficult, they can also be opportunities to strengthen relationships and create new experiences.

A Private Family Life

While Ben is a well-known figure on television, he tends to keep his private life away from the public eye. His marriage to Annie has been a cornerstone of his personal happiness, and together, they have built a loving family. Over the years, they have supported each other through various challenges, and this latest chapter in their lives is just another moment of growth.

As Ben continues to balance his career with family life, he remains dedicated to both his work and his loved ones. His heartfelt admission on This Morning not only shed light on the personal realities of parenthood but also served as a reminder that even public figures face the same emotional ups and downs as everyone else.

Through his words, Ben offered encouragement to parents dealing with similar experiences, proving that while change can be difficult, it also opens the door to new beginnings.

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