Shephard SHOCKS Fans: Too Terrified for Strictly?!

Ben Shephard readily accepts daunting physical challenges – scaling mountains, pushing his limits – yet there’s one televised trial he firmly declines:Strictly Come Dancing. Despite a career built on embracing the unexpected, the glittering ballroom remains firmly outside his comfort zone.

“I’ve never been brave enough to do it,” Shephard confessed, reflecting on past adventures like his 2009 Kilimanjaro climb for Comic Relief. “I’d doThe Summit, absolutely. ButStrictly? That’s a different level of courage.” The comment came amidst speculation surrounding the future ofStrictly’shosting duo, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

Broadcasters are reportedly considering a shake-up, with names like Alan Carr, Amanda Holden, Alex Jones, and Rylan Clark – a familiar face from theIt Takes Twospin-off – in the mix. Shephard understands the pressures of fronting a high-profile show, having recently stepped into the challenging role onThis Morning.

Taking the reins alongside Cat Deeley in 2024, following the departure of Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, wasn’t without its hurdles. Ratings experienced a dip, and the new partnership faced scrutiny. Shephard acknowledges the inherent ownership viewers feel towards established programs.

“You sort of take it in your stride, really,” he explained. “We love doing the job and understand the show belongs to the viewers. I welcome the feedback, and I enjoy delivering a show people want to watch. It’s important not to dwell on the noise.”

Balancing the demands of a public-facing role with family life – he shares two sons with his wife, Annie – requires perspective. “I just have to get home and realize I’ve got three loads of washing and teenage sons to tidy up after,” he chuckled, grounding himself in the everyday.

His current focus isThe Summit, a new ITV series that throws fourteen strangers into a brutal test of endurance. The challenge: to conquer a treacherous mountain in the New Zealand Alps, with a £200,000 prize awaiting the victor. But the climb isn’t just about physical strength.

Contestants are forced to eliminate each other along the way, adding a layer of psychological warfare to the already demanding ascent. The lineup includes familiar faces like Warren Furman, known as Ace from the originalGladiators, and Afton McKeith, daughter of health guru Gillian McKeith.

“The physical challenge is immense,” Shephard emphasized. “None of these people had climbed a mountain before. By the snowline, they’re using crampons and ice axes, roped together for safety. It was jaw-dropping to witness what they had to do.”

Already, Shephard is playfully contemplating a celebrity version, envisioning which of his ITV colleagues would thrive – or hilariously flounder – on the mountain. Joel Dommett immediately springs to mind, followed by the adventurous Cat Deeley.

“Kate Garraway would be hopeless,” he admitted with a laugh. “She’d get lost just finding the hotel! But brilliant television, absolutely. Dermot O’Leary would be fantastic, and Alison Hammond would be dancing her way to the top, cheering everyone on.”

The Summitpremieres on Tuesday, February 10th, promising a gripping blend of physical endurance, strategic gameplay, and stunning scenery. It’s a world away from the ballroom, and precisely where Ben Shephard feels most at home.