21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ben Shephard shares 'bucket list moment' as he enjoys break from This Morning
Ben Shephard delighted fans as he continued to celebrate his milestone 50th birthday.
Lorraine: Ben Shephard chats about his cover for Men's Health
Ben Shephard has delighted fans by sharing his 'bucket list moment' amid his break from This Morning.
The former Good Morning Britain presenter, 50, has been celebrating his milestone birthday over recent months with a series of challenges he set himself.
He's been keeping his Instagram followers updated along the way, as he vowed to be 'the fittest I've ever been' before his 50th birthday.
Before turning 50 in December, Ben attempted cold water swimming, walking 5k and braving ice baths.
He's now continued his celebrations with a family trip to Australia.
Sharing a peek into his travels with his sons, Ben wrote: ' So this is just a little bit exciting!!!!
'As part of my 50th year celebrations continue (have I mentioned I've turned 50) a proper bucket list moment, as we've just landed in Australia with the family - to support the British and Irish Lions across their tests!!!!
'I'm doing a bit of work but mostly doing a lot of cheering, supporting and merch acquiring…Lions Suitcases anyone.
'Can't wait for later - thoughts on the score??? Also in Brisbane for a few days any recommends will be gratefully received!'
Fans and friends alike rushed to share their support, with Loose Women 's Katie Piper writing: 'That's such a great thing to do as a family.'
'So exciting,' This Morning regular Ashley James said, while Helen Skelton wrote: 'What an adventure,' and Gaby Roslin said: 'Have an amazing adventure.'
Carol Vorderman shared her own anecdote, commenting: 'Omg Ben I was filming in Brizzie and across Queensland in 1989 (it was very different then) and bumped into the Lions in a bar in Cairns Took me days to recover but what a laugh First time I ever had shots of tequila … it wasn't a 'thing' 40 years ago Bloody hell… life's never dull Have a great great time.'
'Have fun big man there is some@great place to eat out there enjoy,' Jamie Oliver added.
Ben proved his challenges to be as fit as he could be paid off with a shoot in May showing off his six-pack.
Recreating his Men's Health cover from 13 years ago, the TV presenter revealed his toned body, saying: 'To get stronger, physically and mentally, is definitely harder the older you get. In my forties, I was still on the attack. In my fifties, I'm on the defensive.
'It's all about how I prolong things now – not going out and smashing it left, right and centre.
'Proving to yourself you have the discipline to do something, proving you can be accountable to yourself is incredibly seductive and infectious. The more you get of that, the more you want it.'
Ben went on to explain that he appreciates his body now more than his 2012 photoshoot, and would 'love' to recreate it again when he turns 60.
He told Men's Health: 'I think I value the condition I'm in now more than in 2012. I've got more lean muscle, that's for sure.
'There are parts of my body that are bigger. I think my body fat is a little bit higher than it was then. Back then it was probably single figures and I think I'm about 10.5% to 10.8% now – which is extraordinary when you think I'm 13 years older.'
