Ben Shephard, well known for his role as a presenter on This Morning, usually keeps details of his personal life out of the spotlight.

However, during a heartfelt discussion on the ITV show,

the  television star shared a rare glimpse into his family life and the challenges he and his wife, Annie, have faced as their eldest son, Sam, left home for university.

Ben Shephard Shares Emotional Struggles on This Morning

During Wednesday’s episode of This Morning (February 5), Ben, 50, was joined by his co-host Cat Deeley, 48,

as they explored a new study from University College London (UCL). The research suggested that people tend to feel happier in the morning than at night.

As part of the discussion, the presenters invited viewers to share what was affecting their happiness levels.

One viewer, Nicole, wrote in to express her feelings of loneliness after her children had moved out to pursue their education. This struck a chord with Ben, who revealed that he and his wife were experiencing the same emotions.

“We’re struggling with this as well in our house,” Ben admitted, explaining that their eldest son, Sam, had recently left for university.

A Changing Family Dynamic

Ben and Annie have been together for decades, having met in 1994 before tying the knot in 2004. Over the years, they built a strong family unit, welcoming their first son, Sam, in 2005, followed by their second son, Jack, in 2007.

Now, with both sons reaching adulthood, the couple has been adjusting to the changes that come with an emptying nest. While their younger son Jack, 18, is still at home, Sam’s departure for university has brought a new and sometimes difficult adjustment for the family.

Ben shared how the transition has been emotional, revealing that the once lively and bustling home now feels significantly quieter in Sam’s absence.

Coping with the Empty Nest

Understanding how hard it can be to adjust to this new chapter in life, Ben had some advice for Nicole, the viewer who reached out about her struggles. He explained that he and Annie have been finding ways to stay occupied and maintain a sense of normalcy despite the change.

“I think one of the things we do when Sam’s gone back to uni is we organise to actually do something,” Ben said. “So we’ll go out for a walk or go out for a drink or go out for dinner and we will distract from the fact the house is suddenly quiet.”

Cat Deeley echoed his sentiments, noting that it’s often the silence that can make parents feel most melancholic.

Ben agreed, explaining how different the house feels when his son is away: “It’s enormous. I’ve got men living in my house, and it’s really annoying—they take up so much space! And when they’re gone, the sofas are empty, there’s not as much mess.”

To counteract the emptiness, Ben and Annie have made an effort to spend more time together, ensuring that they reconnect as a couple rather than just parents. “We try and go out and do something together, reconnect, and then try and come back, and it doesn’t seem quite so empty,” he added.

Adjusting to a New Normal

The transition of children leaving home is a significant moment for any parent, and Ben’s candid discussion on This Morning resonated with many who have gone through the same experience. The reality of an emptying nest is something countless families face, and finding ways to stay engaged, as Ben and Annie have, can help make the transition smoother.

By openly sharing his own personal experience, Ben helped to shed light on the emotional side of parenting that is often overlooked. While the absence of their child has been an adjustment, he and Annie are finding comfort in staying active and embracing new experiences.

As their younger son Jack approaches adulthood, the couple may soon face another shift in their family dynamic. But for now, they are taking things one step at a time, focusing on making the most of their time together and ensuring their home remains a place of warmth, love, and cherished memories.