ITV’s This Morning host Ben Shephard has revealed the toll years of wear and tear have taken on his body, opening up about ongoing struggles with chronic pain that stem from two major injuries.
Speaking candidly in a new interview, the 50-year-old presenter shared that his back and knees are far from recovered after suffering a slipped disc in 2018 and a devastating leg injury during a football match just a few years later — which included a ruptured ACL, torn meniscus, and a fractured leg.
“I’m in a state,” Ben confessed to Men’s Health Magazine, admitting he still deals with pain daily. “My back is in a state and my knees are in a state… but that’s the reality.”
Despite this, Ben has no plans to slow down. Motivated by a desire to stay active with his teenage sons, Sam and Jack, the presenter has embraced a new approach to fitness — focusing on low-impact functional training, stretching, and Pilates to prevent further injuries.
“I don’t want to be in a position where I can’t play golf with my sons or ski with my mates,” he said. “I’m just so scared of doing my knee again.”
Ben now trains under the guidance of his long-time personal trainer, Steve Coleman, and starts each day with foam rolling and mobility stretches. His weekly routine includes four strength sessions and regular spin classes.
He also credits his wife of over 20 years, Annie, for helping him maintain balance at home — especially when it comes to food. The couple has struck a deal that allows Ben to stick to his high-protein goals during the day while still enjoying shared meals in the evening.
With a realistic outlook on aging, Ben reflected: “I’m conscious that I’ve probably got less time ahead of me than behind me… so I want to make it count.”
