Ben Shephard shocked fans on Wednesday morning's Good Morning Britain after announcing that he is leaving the show temporarily.
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After Kate Garraway mentioned he was taking a break, the presenter explained to viewers that despite not being on GMB, he was continuing to work while filming popular gameshow Tipping Point. Kate began by asking her co-host: "This is Ben's last day, you're having a bit of time off aren't you?"
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© Photo: RexBen has been presenting GMB alongside Kate Garraway for the summer
To which Ben assured: "I'm not off at all! Peak Tipping Point series 11, back in the studio and it's all socially distanced, the set had to change in order to get everybody up and running. So I'm not going to be here but I am going to be working Kate Garraway, I know you think I've got my feet up, my trotters up down in the South of France!"
© Photo: RexBen is heading off to film his other show Tipping Point
At this point Kate couldn't resist taking a friendly swipe at her fellow ITV colleague as she quipped: "He calls it working. Nobody takes it seriously, what asking a few questions? Loading a machine? Giving away someone else's money?" Viewers on social media responded to Ben's unexpected exit, with one Twitter user particularly upset at the prospect of Ben's absence. They wrote: "@benshephard Noooo you can't have a break from #GMB you will be missed. Think I need a Ben Blanket to get me through your break. Please can I have the blanket?"
Ben's departure from GMB comes soon after the 45-year-old enjoyed a dinner with his wife Annie and his other GMB colleague, Andi Peters. The couple hosted competition presenter Andi to celebrate his birthday, and sharing a video from the table, Ben said: "Having a delicious birthday meal. Mrs S has cooked for Andi, who is now currently trying to post something on Instagram. He's been twenty minutes so far. Oh my goodness this is so painful."
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