Ben Shephard, who will be on TV this weekend as Tipping Point: Best Ever Finals airs on ITV1, has previously opened up about several health challenges he has faced.
Telly fave Ben turned 50 a few months ago, in December 2024. And as he approached the milestone birthday, the This Morning co-host discussed a range of health issues with his fans online.
He has previously addressed how a back injury has dogged him since 2018, as well as a painful leg injury he suffered in 2021 which led to surgery.
But Ben has also shared details concerning other aspects of his wellbeing, including a ‘hereditary’ diagnosis.
Ben Shephard health issues
Ben was forced off air in 2021 as the then-GMB presenter recovered from an op on his leg. He sustained an injury while playing football, rupturing the ACL in his right leg.
Ben also suffered a tear to his meniscus, the cartilage that helps cushion between the thighbone and shinbone.
He also admitted at the time that physiotherapy sessions had left him sore.
Ben said: “It’s agony at times, as anyone who’s been through this will know. But a necessary evil. We’re taking it slowly. But we’re getting there, I think.”
He also said of the moment he discovered he was injured: “Without realising, I have ruptured my ACL, I’ve torn the meniscus and I’ve fractured part of my leg as well.
“I carried on playing for 25 minutes. It turns out I severed all of my nerves which is why I carried on playing.”
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Ben on his ‘middle aged’ back injury
Meanwhile, this past December, Ben provided an update about the ongoing situation with his back.
Ben noted: “I have spent a long time working hard to try and reinforce it, so I have a very strong core and very tight glutes.”
Despite his “middle aged” back injury, keeping fit is still a priority for Ben. He has no further plans to add to his completed marathons tally of 14, but he explained he still targets managing 50 pull-ups, weightlifting, using a rowing machine, and cold water dips.
Ben reflected on Insta while filming Down Under: “Of all the things I’m regularly told by you guys in response to my challenge things like ‘take time to rest’, ‘don’t overdo it’, ‘you can slow down’ and things along those lines. As a rule, it’s just not like me, wanting to slow down, but being in New Zealand, having more time, surrounded by this incredible scenery has shifted my thoughts.
“I’m intrigued as to how that will feel when I’m back home with Christmas coming and life flying at us. But I’m going to try to hold onto what I’ve learnt – rest isn’t wasted time, it’s the foundation that everything else is built on. That feels quite profound – I’m def getting old!”
Ben Shephard ‘wouldn’t rule out’ changing his appearance
Back in 2015, Ben – who had just turned 40 at the time – indicated he wouldn’t “rule out” taking action himself as he detailed how his father had undergone an eyelid lift.
Ben insisted he hoped he’d ‘grow old gracefully’. But Ben also noted his dad – in his early seventies when the interview was conducted – had surgery and felt it was an improvement.
“I wouldn’t rule out doing something,” Ben suggested to the Mirror at the time.
“I’ve sorted out my teeth now, which my wife had gone on about for years. My wisdom teeth were all smashed up. So I have adjusted bits and bobs along the way.”
Ben Shephard on his eyesight struggles
Ben’s eyes and vision also came into focus in September 2024 as he spoke about an issue that’s left him struggling to see on This Morning.
Speaking about his glasses, Ben said on the daytime show: “It’s uncomfortable, my varifocals are giving me some jip. I am not sure they’re the answer.”
And amid some teasing from co-host Cat Deeley, Ben played up to back and forth about him ‘aging’.
Cat playfully teased Ben: “Can you sound any older? Your what-focals are giving you some jip?”
Playing along, Ben echoed Cat: “My varifocals are giving my jip. Cat, sort me out.”
And when Cat momentarily switched to a different topic, saying “we have got a great show for you today”, Ben joked: “I can’t see it but it sounds amazing.”
Ben shares his ADHD diagnosis
Additionally, in August of last year, Ben revealed an ADHD diagnosis.
“I’m bad at switching off and look at my phone a lot for work, which drives [wife] Annie mad,” he told the Daily Mail.
Ben added: “I have ADHD, it runs in my family. So I can navigate several different channels at the same time.”
He’d previously voiced suspicions he may have ADHD when speaking to Woman. He’d said at the time: “I don’t have an official diagnosis. But a member of my family has been diagnosed with it and it’s usually hereditary in some capacity. I did a few tests online that have indicated that I do have a leaning towards that side of neurodiversity, undoubtedly.”
Tipping Point: Best Ever Finals is on ITV1 on Sunday 23 February at 5.30pm.
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