Ben Shephard recently shared a rare look into his private family life with a series of photos from a holiday in Cornwall. The presenter took to Instagram to post moments from a trip celebrating his Auntie Jan's 85th birthday and retirement from her musical endeavors.
Among the shared images were a selfie with his wife, Annie Perks, and their son Sam, a family lunch at Paul Ainsworth's restaurant, and a coastal walk. Shephard described the holiday as a week of "Family, sunshine + Cornwall," highlighting the celebration at Stenodoch restaurant and the picturesque locations of Port Isaac and Port Gaverne.
The public sharing comes months after Shephard spoke to the Daily Mail about his and Annie's 'separate lives,' explaining that his wife is more solitary and content with her own company. He noted that while he is often working, Annie has her own career in garden and interior design, and he prefers physical activities in his spare time. Despite these differences, Shephard emphasized Annie's crucial role in their family, calling her an "amazing influence" who has made him a better father.
Shephard and Perks met as students at the University of Birmingham in 1995 and married in 2004. They have two sons, Sam and Jack. The couple moved to Richmond, London, and later sold their home for a reported £5.3 million, purchasing a Grade II listed property for £3.5 million.
Annie Shephard maintains a career outside the public eye, running an interiors website called The House Edit and working as a qualified garden designer. Previously, she wrote for various fashion and interior magazines, including House & Garden, Glamour, Elle Deco, Elle, and Red. She has also been involved in renovating homes and creating gardens, a journey she details on her website.
The couple are anticipating becoming empty-nesters, as their son Jack is working as a teaching assistant before embarking on travels, and their elder son, Sam, is studying mathematics at university. Shephard mentioned that Jack has self-funded his travels, learning budgeting and self-sufficiency along the way.
Shephard, who celebrated his 50th birthday last year, has focused on his personal health and fitness, often sharing his workout routines. He noted that Annie does most of the cooking, but they have an agreement to ensure he gets adequate protein during the day while still sharing evening meals together. As their sons become more independent, Ben and Annie are reportedly looking for shared activities to enjoy as a couple.