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Scottish Sun

Ben Shephard has sculpted himself into a Grecian statue – but there's something really sexy about a dad bod

There's something deeply sexy about a man who's not counting almonds or swerving dessert like it's a moral failing ZARA JANJUA Ben Shephard has sculpted himself into a Grecian statue – but there's something really sexy about a dad bod THIS week, two magazine covers hit the shelves like a kettlebell landing on your foot. On Men's Health, a newly chiselled 50-year-old Ben Shephard, recreating his topless shoot from 13 years ago. Advertisement 5 Ben Shephard sculpted himself into a Grecian statue to celebrate his half-century Credit: David Venni / Men's Health UK', 5 Davina looks like she just punched mortality in the face Credit: Mark Cant / Women's Health UK Over on Women's Health, Davina McCall, 56, swinging from gym rings with all the energy of a human protein shake — just months after brain surgery. Two aspirational bodies. Two inspirational mindsets. Both clearly proud of what their bodies can still do. And fair enough — they look phenomenal. Davina looks like she just punched mortality in the face and bounced straight into a plank. Advertisement She's lycra'd to the nines, flinging herself at a Pilates ball like it owes her money. It's not about showing off — it's a message: 'I'm still here, and I'm stronger than ever.' There's an empire behind that body, and it's built on resilience, dumbbells, and endorphins. Then there's daytime telly's answer to a protein shake, Ben Shephard, who sculpted himself into a Grecian statue to celebrate his half-century. He says he did it for himself — to prove he still could. And that's great. Genuinely. But also . . . Ben? Mate? It's your birthday, not the Olympics. Have a flapjack and sit down. Because here's the twist: turns out women might not actually be that a*sed. Advertisement A few weeks ago, singer Olly Murs revealed his 12-week transformation from relatable dad bod to gym-honed Adonis. And while the lads cheered him on, the women were thirstier for the 'before' pics. Yes, really. Beaming Davina McCall reveals she's got all clear from brain tumour after life-saving surgery The soft, smiley, snuggly version. Not the Marvel audition tape. So, what do women want? Do we dream of abs you could grate cheese on, or quietly yearn for a body that looks like it's seen a roast dinner? Let's be honest: abs are impressive. They say: 'I have discipline, control, and a complicated relationship with carbs.' But dad bods say: 'I'll split a sausage roll with you and probably bring you a cuppa after.' Advertisement The dad bod isn't about being unfit — it's about being unbothered. It is someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously. And there's something deeply sexy about a man who's not counting almonds or swerving dessert like it's a moral failing. He's not trying to impress, which is exactly why he does. That body says: 'I'm here, I'm comfy, and I can carry all the shopping in one go.' Dreamy. It's not about what the body looks like — it's about what it means. Confidence. Security. Cuddles. That'll do nicely. So lads, if you're carrying a bit of belly — congratulations. You might just be someone's fantasy. You're built for Sunday mornings, big spoons and emergency hobnob runs. And honestly? That's a vibe. Advertisement It also makes you wonder, what do men want? Despite what a thousand lads' mags tried to drill into us, most blokes don't want to date a Peloton. Curves are in. In a 'you look like a real human' kind of way. We all want different things — and those things can shift with the weather. Sometimes we want someone ripped but most of the time, we're just after someone warm, kind and capable of making toast without a fuss. So, what do women really want? A six-pack? A squish pack? Something in between? Depends on the woman. Depends on the week. Depends on whether you washed the dishes and took the bins out because that's really what we want your body to do. Without being asked. Diddy peers turn backs 5 Diddy is the alleged ringleader in a real-life horror show Credit: AFP Advertisement SEAN 'P Diddy' Combs used to be the pied piper of platinum parties – now he's the alleged ringleader in a real-life horror show that makes Succession look like Bluey. As details spill – claims of sex- trafficking, racketeering and 'freak-offs' – the silence from his A-list acolytes is deafening. Michael B. Jordan, Mike Myers, Ye, Usher, Britney . . . suddenly it's 'new phone, who dis?' Meanwhile, his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura's injuries appear to paint a picture of coercive control that's anything but consensual. Hollywood's collective amnesia? About as convincing as the SNP's Covid WhatsApps – deleted, delayed, denied. Advertisement Sussex series going strong 5 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle loved up on Instagram SEVEN years ago, Prince Harry looked at Meghan Markle like she had just invented kindness. Now, they look at each other like two people who have survived a national psychodrama, Oprah, and a podcast contract. As the Sussexes mark their seventh wedding anniversary, it's less fairy tale, more prestige limited series – with public opinion swinging harder than a Montecito mood board. Let's recap. Season One: Royal Wedding – the glossy pilot that launched a thousand hot takes. Advertisement Season Two: Megxit – a departure arc worthy of Succession. Season Three gave us The Oprah Interview – or as the Palace might call it, The Crown: Live. Season Four? Californian Rebranding. Season Five: Spotify and Archetypes (cancelled, like most of our goodwill). Season Six: Litigation-palooza. Advertisement Now we're in Season Seven: Mutual Love Bombs on Instagram. Meghan, in a post for Archewell, gushed about 'her love story'. Harry gazed adoringly at her in a wedding throwback, confirming either enduring love or a very competent PR team. Say what you like, but they've turned royal exile into a brand proposition with better global recognition than half the actual royals. And credit where it's due: most celebrity marriages don't last seven years, let alone seven years of exile. So, good luck to the Sussexes – still together, still trending, and still managing to make their private life astonishingly public. Advertisement Brekkie telly's shrinking morsels 5 Lorraine's daytime show has been slashed to 30 minutes Credit: Getty ITV has taken an axe to the morning schedule and Lorraine Kelly has found herself on the wrong end of the chop. Her daytime show has been slashed to 30 minutes and will now be on air for just 30 weeks a year. Likewise, the Loose Women gang, right, will have less airtime in future. It's hard not to take these shake-ups personally in the world of TV. Advertisement Bosses call it 'streamlining', or break the news that they've chosen to 'go in a different direction'. But it's all just estate-agent speak to soften the blow when you fall out of favour with the channel head or audiences. This is not so much a breakfast show as a brekkie nibble – just time to compliment a guest's dress and awkwardly read a sponsored link. GMB has been extended by half an hour to run until 9.30am and it's only a matter of time before This Morning is reduced to a WhatsApp voice note.