Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info. This Morning star Ben Shephard rarely talks about his private life when he's in the hosting seat but was so touched by one viewer who had contacted the programme that he shared his own "struggles".
On Wednesday's episode February 5 , Ben, 50, was joined on the sofa by his co-star Cat Deeley, 48, and an expert as they in turn dissected the latest scientific research that suggests "people are happier in the morning". Ahead of the on-air chat, the two ITV hosts encouraged fans to get in touch with what might be preventing them from feeling gleeful at the moment.
One person, Nicole outlined that she'd been struggling with "loneliness" following her children fleeing the nest. This was something Ben knew all too well as he commented: "We're struggling with this as well in our house," later confirming that his eldest son Sam had gone off to University.
Nicole contacted the show, to ask for advice on how she could feel happier when her home felt so lonely now that her children had gone off to uni, and the Tipping Point star had lots to say on this.
Ben married his wife Annie in , after the pair met and fell in love in and began dating a year later. After a decade of romance they finally decided to marry in an intimate ceremony in Devon. Just a year later, they welcomed their first son Sam and in their second child Jack was born, completing their family. Their eldest is now approaching age 20 and Jack, Ben had a few tips to offer Nicole who had messaged in, noting that he and his wife Annie had also "struggled" with their eldest son Sam going off to uni too.
