Good Morning Britain presenter Ben Shephard isn’t making his exit from the show a quiet affair.
The 49-year-old TV star has been announced as one of the new hosts of This Morning, joining Cat Deeley to replace Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on the ITV fan-favourite. After securing the new role, Ben will bid farewell to GMB, where he has worked alongside co-star Kate Garraway for the past decade.
As he gets ready to say goodbye, the Tipping Point host couldn’t resist making a playful jibe at his fellow presenter. Weather presenter Laura Tobin said: “Because I’m so cross you’re leaving, Ben, I’m not coming in tomorrow, just so you know.”
(Image: ITV)
“Storm out, Laura!” joked co-host Kate. Ben hit back: “So it’s not all bad that I’m leaving, because Laura’s not in tomorrow
Kate was taken aback, while Laura retorted: “How dare you! I’m literally going to make it rain on just you, Ben.”
(Image: ITV)
Further banter was to be had as Ben then joked with Kate: “You’re going to miss this!” Of course, it was all fun and games between the trio after they’d offered up bags of support for the new This Morning host already.
Kate, who sadly lost her husband Derek Drapper last month and now her on-screen husband, took the time to pen a sweet tribute to Ben on social media. She wrote: “Massive congrats to @benshephardofficial on the @itv @thismorning gig.
“You’ll be SOOOOO missed by EVERYONE @gmb viewers and the team alike & of course especially me. BUT after 24-years hard labour by my side no one will begrudge you time off for good behaviour!!!”
(Image: ITV)
She followed up with: “Good luck swapping early starts for (abit) of a lie in and a Kate for a Cat! @catdeeley can’t wait to see you – you’ll have a ball.” Last week, Ben sent the UK into a spin, when he announced his GMB departure.
Taking to social media to update fans on the news, he shared a sweet picture alongside his co-stars, he captioned: “Ten years has flown by at GMB. I’ve loved every minute, (well not those minutes immediately after the alarm goes off at 3.30am) but all the others have been incredible.”
He added: “As have these amazing women I’ve been lucky enough to sit alongside, work with, laugh with and on the odd occasions drink with! I will miss working with them and the whole team – and I’m very grateful that they are just next door so that whenever I get nostalgic I know they aren’t too far away.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
