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Metro
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
GMB star reveals six-pack in Superman-style transformation after turning 50
Good Morning Britain star Ben Shephard has recreated his Men's Health cover from 13 years ago as he spoke about staying fit in his 50s. The ITV presenter, 50, revealed that the key to his workouts was not a specific exercise but instead was 'consistency.' He also admitted that health and fitness were 'easier' to maintain in his 50s compared to when he was in his 30s. The This Morning star told Men's Health UK: 'I have a deeper understanding of what I have to put myself through to build lean muscle and reduce body fat. '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.' In his cover shoot for the publication, Ben posed shirtless with exercise equipment, including a wall ball and a 10kg weight training disc, but said that his abs were 'really made in the kitchen.' He continued: 'My wife does most of the cooking, and I'm turning around saying, 'I've got to have enough protein.' '[We came up with an agreement that I would get what I needed in terms of protein during the day so I could enjoy our dinners. 'You can leave stuff out that you don't necessarily want, but we still want to share that moment in the evening.' Ben said he appreciates his body even more now than when he posed for Men's Health in 2012. He said: '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.' He also said he 'loves' the idea of recreating the Men's Health shoot for a second time when he turns 60. Ben's career kicked off in 1998 when he began presenting Channel 4 spin-off show The Bigger Breakfast, alongside presenters including Melanie Sykes and Dermot O'Leary. For the broadcaster, he also hosted T4, What's Cooking and Control Freaks. Between 2004 and 2006, Ben helmed the first three series of ITV spin-off programme The Xtra Factor. More Trending In 2000, he joined breakfast show GMTV and became Fiona Phillips' co-host five years later after the departure of Eamonn Holmes. In 2014, Ben started co-presenting Good Morning Britain alongside Kate Garraway and Susanna Reid. He quit the show a decade later to host This Morning with Cat Deeley. The full interview is available in the June issue of Men's Health UK, on sale now . Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Lorraine Kelly reveals heartbreaking impact of surgery on beloved granddaughter MORE: Good Morning Britain 'to undergo biggest overhaul in 11 years' ahead of major change MORE: Richard Madeley admits what 'saved his 39-year marriage' to Judy Finnigan
The Irish Sun
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Zoe Ball pays heartbreaking tribute to her late partner on anniversary of his tragic death and shares touching message
ZOE Ball has posted a heartbreaking tribute to her late partner to mark the eight-year anniversary of his death. It came after the BBC Radio 2 favourite, 54, 6 Zoe Ball has posted a heartbreaking tribute to her late partner eight years after his death Credit: PA 6 Zoe uploaded her emotional picture and caption tribute to Billy on Instagram Credit: Instagram/ZoeBall 6 The cameraman took his own life in 2017 Credit: Instagram In a hugely emotional message uploaded after It showed the cameraman, who The cameraman and technician had worked on the The Xtra Factor and Famous and Fearless TV shows to name a few. read more zoe ball In a comment on her recent post, one of Zoe's followers wrote: "It's 8 years for us tomorrow. I always feel weirdly connected to you because we went through the same thing within 24 hours of each other. We have now set up a charity to help children bereaved by suicide. We run the only peer support group in the whole of the UK x" Zoe then replied: "Oh my goodness. What an incredible positive thing to do to help. for something good to come from such pain. all my love and respect. zo x" She then replied to another fan and further opened up on her state of mind at the tough time of year. She wrote: "It's like all the time yet no time at all. missing his laughter and minxy ways." Most read in Celebrity One supportive follower put: "Big hug. Go get in the garden." Zoe Ball says it's 'lovely to be back' as she returns to BBC Radio 2 after stepping down from breakfast show Another wrote: "Love always my darling." A third then put: "Love and prayers sent to you and his friends and family xx" LOVE STORY Zoe and Billy were 2017. They began dating after Zoe split up with DJ Fatboy Slim. You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, Papyrus, Samaritans, Zoe's telly star dad Johnny Ball told the 'She is very happy at the moment, and that is lovely.' Strictly Come Dancing presenter Just days before Billy's death, she had Speaking about his passing, Zoe previously told the 'And then I have to stop and say, 'Everyone who loved him knew. None of us found an answer, none of us saved him'. 'To move forward you have to accept that. Which is very difficult.' In March 2018 the star explored the reasons for suicide in BBC One's 6 The pair got together in 2017 Credit: Fame Flynet 6 Zoe told how she missed Billy's 'laughter' Credit: Instagram/Zoetheball 6 It came after Zoe's return to Radio 2 Credit: BBC/PA Wire
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Zoe Ball pays heartbreaking tribute to her late partner on anniversary of his tragic death and shares touching message
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ZOE Ball has posted a heartbreaking tribute to her late partner to mark the eight-year anniversary of his death. It came after the BBC Radio 2 favourite, 54, returned to the station following her decision to quit the Breakfast Show. 6 Zoe Ball has posted a heartbreaking tribute to her late partner eight years after his death Credit: PA 6 Zoe uploaded her emotional picture and caption tribute to Billy on Instagram Credit: Instagram/ZoeBall 6 The cameraman took his own life in 2017 Credit: Instagram In a hugely emotional message uploaded after her broadcasting comeback, Zoe posted a picture of former partner Billy Yates along with the caption: "8 years forever in our hearts Billface." It showed the cameraman, who passed away in May 2017, donning a blue vest and baseball cap as he perched on the back of a motorbike. The cameraman and technician had worked on the Antiques Roadshow, The Xtra Factor and Famous and Fearless TV shows to name a few. The Sun revealed the tragic news that Billy had been found dead at his home in Putney, South London on May 4, 2017, after taking his own life. In a comment on her recent post, one of Zoe's followers wrote: "It's 8 years for us tomorrow. I always feel weirdly connected to you because we went through the same thing within 24 hours of each other. We have now set up a charity to help children bereaved by suicide. We run the only peer support group in the whole of the UK x" Zoe then replied: "Oh my goodness. What an incredible positive thing to do to help. for something good to come from such pain. all my love and respect. zo x" She then replied to another fan and further opened up on her state of mind at the tough time of year. She wrote: "It's like all the time yet no time at all. missing his laughter and minxy ways." One supportive follower put: "Big hug. Go get in the garden." Zoe Ball says it's 'lovely to be back' as she returns to BBC Radio 2 after stepping down from breakfast show Another wrote: "Love always my darling." A third then put: "Love and prayers sent to you and his friends and family xx" LOVE STORY Zoe and Billy were first pictured together back in February 2017. They began dating after Zoe split up with DJ Fatboy Slim. You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, 116 123 Zoe's telly star dad Johnny Ball told the Mirror at the time: 'We are very happy that she is finding a new lease of life. 'She is very happy at the moment, and that is lovely.' Strictly Come Dancing presenter Zoe was madly in love with the cameraman. Just days before Billy's death, she had gushed about the romance, admitting she was enjoying 'one last hurrah' before hitting the menopause. Speaking about his passing, Zoe previously told the Radio Times: "Even now I sometimes think, 'I'm a resourceful woman, I'm a bright woman. . . why could I not save him?' 'And then I have to stop and say, 'Everyone who loved him knew. None of us found an answer, none of us saved him'. 'To move forward you have to accept that. Which is very difficult.' In March 2018 the star explored the reasons for suicide in BBC One's Zoe's Hardest Road Home. 6 The pair got together in 2017 Credit: Fame Flynet 6 Zoe told how she missed Billy's 'laughter' Credit: Instagram/Zoetheball 6 It came after Zoe's return to Radio 2 Credit: BBC/PA Wire
Scottish Sun
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside X Factor's fresh backlash as former host reveals she was sacked and ex judge slams bosses over ‘lack of support'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DESPITE being off the air for seven years, The X Factor has faced a fresh backlash. It came after a former host revealed she was sacked from the ITV talent show, while an ex judge slammed bosses over their "lack of support". Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 9 Music mogul Simon Cowell is the creator of The X Factor Credit: Rex 9 Dannii Minogue has opened on on how her time on X Factor turned 'toxic' Credit: Rex 9 The singer revealed that the show took a toll on her mental health Credit: Youtube 9 Former Xtra Factor host Fearne Cotton had a similar experience Credit: YouTube Created by music mogul Simon Cowell in 2004, The X Factor brought the world huge stars like One Direction and Little Mix. With its prime time Saturday night slot, at its peak the show was attracting 19.4 million viewers. But over the years the sparkle of the show started to fade, and it was was eventually cancelled in 2018. Since The X Factor was axed, more and more people have started to reveal their own personal experiences with the show. In a new interview former judge Dannii Minogue, 53, revealed how the "toxic" culture on the X Factor forced her to quit the show. The singer and TV star opened up to Fearne Cotton on her Happy Place Podcast - who in turn revealed she was "sacked" from hosting the spin-off show, The Xtra Factor. Both women joined the famous show in 2007, with Fearne only lasting one year on the series. Speaking about her short time with the show, the podcaster said to Dannii: "The last time I worked with you was when I did one season on Extra Factor. "Before I left/Got Sacked. Not quite sure, blurry lines. Very blurry lines." The pair then compared notes on the gruelling work schedule, which included long hours that took its toll on them. Simon Cowell brands X Factor group 'most annoying' act Dannii revealed: "The next day (after the live show) we would go straight into rehearsing the songs for the next week, which none of the other judges went to. "And I was always there at 10am and I'd get home at 1.30am, it'd take me three hours to wind down from the adrenaline." Echoing these gruelling hours, Fearne replied: "It was crazy. I mean, I remember even doing the judges, not the judges houses, what's the boot camp before that? Yeah. "And we were all in this big house/hotel. I'm not sure what it was. 9 Dannii and Fearne appeared on the same series of X Factor together Credit: Rex Features "And you would film all day until, you know, sort of 6am till midnight. "You'd be on your knees and then you try and sleep and all the contestants would be up practicing their songs, playing the piano and you're like, this is torture. Absolute torture. "I mean, the schedule was a joke. It's a hardcore show to be part of. It's one of those shows where you think, do I want to work in TV anymore? Like this is too much." 'TOXIC ENVIRONMENT' Dannii then went onto reveal how the "toxic environment" created by drama between the judges led to her walking away in 2010 for the sake of her own wellbeing. She admitted: "I definitely had a moment where I was just like, 'If this is what it is, I don't know if it's worth it for me'. 'I feel like I got caught up in a lot of kerfuffle where it was just not my personality to be involved. 9 Dannii revealed the show took its toll her Credit: ITV 'But I felt like there was a machine keeping it going because it was incredible for the show.' She added: 'On my last season of X Factor, 20 million people watched the final, but I just got to a point where I didn't want to be a part of it any more. 'I thought, this show is going that way. In my soul, I'm going in a completely different direction. 'I dug deep into myself and found some strength [to quit].' Dannii revealed that she feels she has been taken care of more whilst presenting BBC Three's dating show I Kissed A Boy. She revealed there was round-the-clock mental health care to all participants and the crew, including her. Dannii said: 'That was the first time they thought my mental health was important, ever. 'It would have been really helpful back in The X Factor days to have anything like that.' 9 Dannii's last series of The X Factor was in 2010 Credit: Handout 'DUTY OF CARE' Dannii and Fearne aren't the only ones to voice concerns over the impact filming The X Factor had them. The show's host Dermot O'Leary - who fronted the series from 2007 to 2014, before returning for the final three series - talked about how the show would be different if it was on TV in 2025. 'If the show was made now, it'd be made differently,' the This Morning host revealed. 'The culture is different, but it was pretty much always celebratory. "Look, not everyone on the show is going to knock it out of the park. "Not everyone is going to have the best experience. 9 Dermot O' Leary was the host of The X Factor - seen here with One Direction in 2010 Credit: Rex "But most of the people we had on were treated really well, and a lot of people who have talked negatively about their experiences are talking about what happened after they left." Continuing he added: "So if there is a duty of care to be looked at, it's what happens afterwards.' Former X Factor contestants Katie Waissel and Rebecca Ferguson have also spoken up in recent years about the toxic culture on set, calling for more duty-of-care in the industry — especially on reality shows.
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Inside X Factor's fresh backlash as former host reveals she was sacked and ex judge slams bosses over ‘lack of support'
DESPITE being off the air for seven years, The X Factor has faced a fresh backlash. It came after a former host revealed she was sacked from the ITV talent show, while an ex judge slammed bosses over their "lack of support". 9 9 9 9 Created by music mogul Simon Cowell in 2004, The X Factor brought the world huge stars like One Direction and Little Mix. With its prime time Saturday night slot, at its peak the show was attracting 19.4 million viewers. But over the years the sparkle of the show started to fade, and it was was eventually cancelled in 2018. Since The X Factor was axed, more and more people have started to reveal their own personal experiences with the show. In a new interview former judge Dannii Minogue, 53, revealed how the "toxic" culture on the X Factor forced her to quit the show. The singer and TV star opened up to Fearne Cotton on her Happy Place Podcast - who in turn revealed she was "sacked" from hosting the spin-off show, The Xtra Factor. Both women joined the famous show in 2007, with Fearne only lasting one year on the series. Speaking about her short time with the show, the podcaster said to Dannii: "The last time I worked with you was when I did one season on Extra Factor. "Before I left/Got Sacked. Not quite sure, blurry lines. Very blurry lines." The pair then compared notes on the gruelling work schedule, which included long hours that took its toll on them. Simon Cowell brands X Factor group 'most annoying' act Dannii revealed: "The next day (after the live show) we would go straight into rehearsing the songs for the next week, which none of the other judges went to. "And I was always there at 10am and I'd get home at 1.30am, it'd take me three hours to wind down from the adrenaline." Echoing these gruelling hours, Fearne replied: "It was crazy. I mean, I remember even doing the judges, not the judges houses, what's the boot camp before that? Yeah. "And we were all in this big house/hotel. I'm not sure what it was. 9 "And you would film all day until, you know, sort of 6am till midnight. "You'd be on your knees and then you try and sleep and all the contestants would be up practicing their songs, playing the piano and you're like, this is torture. Absolute torture. "I mean, the schedule was a joke. It's a hardcore show to be part of. It's one of those shows where you think, do I want to work in TV anymore? Like this is too much." 'TOXIC ENVIRONMENT' Dannii then went onto reveal how the "toxic environment" created by drama between the judges led to her walking away in 2010 for the sake of her own wellbeing. She admitted: "I definitely had a moment where I was just like, 'If this is what it is, I don't know if it's worth it for me'. 'I feel like I got caught up in a lot of kerfuffle where it was just not my personality to be involved. 9 'But I felt like there was a machine keeping it going because it was incredible for the show.' She added: 'On my last season of X Factor, 20 million people watched the final, but I just got to a point where I didn't want to be a part of it any more. 'I thought, this show is going that way. In my soul, I'm going in a completely different direction. 'I dug deep into myself and found some strength [to quit].' Dannii revealed that she feels she has been taken care of more whilst presenting BBC Three's dating show I Kissed A Boy. She revealed there was round-the-clock mental health care to all participants and the crew, including her. Dannii said: 'That was the first time they thought my mental health was important, ever. 'It would have been really helpful back in The X Factor days to have anything like that.' 9 'DUTY OF CARE' Dannii and Fearne aren't the only ones to voice concerns over the impact filming The X Factor had them. The show's host Dermot O'Leary - who fronted the series from 2007 to 2014, before returning for the final three series - talked about how the show would be different if it was on TV in 2025. 'If the show was made now, it'd be made differently,' the This Morning host revealed. 'The culture is different, but it was pretty much always celebratory. "Look, not everyone on the show is going to knock it out of the park. "Not everyone is going to have the best experience. 9 "But most of the people we had on were treated really well, and a lot of people who have talked negatively about their experiences are talking about what happened after they left." Continuing he added: "So if there is a duty of care to be looked at, it's what happens afterwards.' Former X Factor contestants Katie Waissel and Rebecca Ferguson have also spoken up in recent years about the toxic culture on set, calling for more duty-of-care in the industry — especially on reality shows. 9
