This Morning host Ben Shephard rejects Strictly role for a second time: 'I'm not brave enough'
He was also asked to be a contestant in 2018This Morning star Ben Shephard is not interested in hosting Strictly Come Dancing after previously turning down the show.
Last year, presenting duo Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly confirmed they were leaving in a surprise announcement. As of this writing, their replacements have yet to be confirmed.
With so many names rumoured to be taking over, Ben has firmly confirmed it will not be him.
Ben Shepard not interested in Strictly hosting role
While speaking exclusively with TV Guide during a roundtable interview last week, Ben was asked whether he was eyeing up the Strictly hosting role.
“Goodness me, Saturday nights!” he said.
“I’ve never even done Strictly. I feel like anybody who hosts that show needs to have a bit of an insight into what it’s like to go through the mill. And I’ve never been brave enough to do it,” Ben continued.
“I’d do The Summit,” he added, referring to his new upcoming series on ITV, where 14 strangers will tackle New Zealand’s rugged mountain terrain over 14 days.
“I’m not brave enough to take on Strictly.”
This isn’t the first time he has turned down the show, however.
Back when Ben hosted Good Morning Britain, he admitted in 2018 that he was asked to be a contestant. He said no to the opportunity because he wanted to continue hosting his football show, Goals on Sunday, on weekends.
This Morning scrutiny
After many years at Good Morning Britain, Ben joined Cat Deeley as the new host of This Morning.
Taking over from Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, the pair received initial backlash. Addressing the scrutiny, Ben said the pair “really take it in their stride”.
“We love doing the job we get to do, and we understand that there’s a real sense of ownership around the show we host because the viewers are the ones who make it work. I actually welcome that. I enjoy what we’re doing and making sure we’re delivering a show that people want to watch and enjoy,” he said.
“At the same time, it’s not something I dwell on too much. I go home, realise I’ve got three loads of washing to do and teenage sons to tidy up after, and that keeps things in perspective. I’ve learned there are parts of it I can focus on, and parts I can listen to and take on board if they’re useful. I then let go of the rest.”
Read more: Ben Shephard reveals shocking reason filming was repeatedly halted on new show The Summit
