03 March 2024 , 15:48
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Good Morning Britain has revealed presenter Adil Ray will replace Ben Shepherd on the ITV morning show.
Ben, 49, was confirmed as the co-host of This Morning along with Cat Deeley last month, replacing Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby. Last year, Phillip announced his shock departure after it emerged that he had been in a relationship with a younger employee on the show while married. And months later, Holly confirmed her departure after 14 years on the show. At the time, a number of presenters stepped in to take over the slot including Alison Hammond, Josie Gibson, Dermot O'Leary and Rylan Clark.
Taking over Ben's position on the morning news show alongside Kate Garraway will be Adil, who took to social media to announce his comeback. He wrote: "From Friday, I’ll be back @ gmb for most Fridays until the end of May. First run is the next three Fridays until the Easter break.Hope you’ll join me. In the current climate it feels like a huge privilege to be on morning telly. Would love it if you joined us from 6am. Thank you."
Ben's last stint on the show was on February 23 and it was an emotional one as the TV presenter fought hard to hold back tears. Ben was on the show for 10 years and on his final day Kate said: "It's not even a minute past six, I just realised that's the last time we're here Good Morning Britain with Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway. I'm off already, too emotional!"
Adil Ray will take over from Ben Shepherd on Good Morning Britain (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)An emotional Ben said: "I'm desperately trying to hold this together, we've got three hours!" And his fellow GMB star Charlotte Hawkins added: "I have to say, Ben, we'll be doing our best to keep it together today."
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This was followed by Dr Amir Khan who also wished him well. He said: "I haven't been here that long, but the support you've given me and the advice, and everything that you say, I've taken on board. Honestly, you've been such a huge part of my journey here." Ben will take on the task of fronting This Morning on March 11.
This Morning has had it's fair share of scandal over recent months and it looks as though former host Fern Britton will set the cat among the pigeons during her stint on Celebrity Big Brother. According to those close to Fern says that she blames Phillip for ending her reign on the ITV show. At the time, it is believed that she felt undervalued by ITV bosses who reportedly favoured her co-star. It was also alleged that she was being paid £250,000 less than Phillip.
Speaking to OK! a source said:"She felt like she was really hard done by when she left This Morning -and now she wants to tell her side of the story. She actually blames Philip Scofield for her losing her job and felt he had a lot to do with the fact she got pushed out for a younger model."