Ben Shephard and Fern Britton reunited on This Morning on Thursday, marking 20 years since their last appearance together. The emotional reunion saw Ben, 51, admit to a major mistake he made on his first day hosting the show.
A Joyful Reunion
Ben expressed his delight at standing alongside Fern, 68, who co-hosted the popular daytime programme from 1999 to 2009 with Phillip Schofield. Fern occasionally appeared with Ben when he was a guest presenter in the early 2000s. During the show, throwback clips from that era were shown, prompting host Cat Deeley to comment, 'Ah, you two! A very fresh-faced Ben Shephard hosting his first ever This Morning.' Fern added, 'Oh, blimey!'
Reflecting on their time together, Fern said, 'We had a good time, didn't we?' Ben replied, 'We had a lovely time! Are you kidding? It was fabulous. Look at you!' Fern joked back, 'Look at you! You look as though you're on work experience.'
Ben's First-Day Blunder
Ben then revealed his major faux pas from his first day: 'I got the bus home. I genuinely got the bus home because I didn't know, it's lovely, but they provide a car and I didn't know who to ask, I was too embarrassed to ask anyone. The number 63 bus went from Blackfriars Bridge, so I got the bus home, and I got a phone call from somebody saying, "Ben, where are you? There's a car here." I said, "Oh, I'm just on my way home!" I loved it - and 21 years ago when I first got the chance to sit on this sofa before I was hosting, you of course were there front and centre for all that time.'
Fern's Journey Since Leaving This Morning
Fern last appeared on This Morning in 2009, when she was replaced by Holly Willoughby. Since then, she has become a successful author, publishing several Sunday Times best-selling novels, and has appeared in various TV projects, including BBC series Fern Britton Meets, The Big Allotment Challenge, and The Watercolour Challenge, as well as Celebrity Big Brother in 2024.
In 2020, Fern announced her unexpected split from her husband of 20 years, TV chef Phil Vickery. Speaking to Good Housekeeping in 2023, she said she has 'entered a new phase of her life' and is '65 and single and really relaxed.' She also revealed she has been making changes to look after herself physically and mentally, including yoga and the Couch to 5k running app.
Phillip Schofield's Departure
Phillip Schofield quit This Morning in May 2023 after 21 years, following reports of a feud with Holly and admitting to an affair with a younger male colleague. Holly also stepped down in 2023, with Ben, Cat Deeley, Alison Hammond, and Dermot O'Leary taking over as hosts.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
