Ben Shephard on ‘The Summit,’ Taylor Sheridan, and the Evolving World of TV Presentation
Ben Shephard, a familiar face to UK television viewers, is stepping into a new arena with The Summit, a challenging reality competition series set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps in New Zealand. The show, which sees 14 contestants vying for a share of £200,000 by attempting to scale a mountain in 14 days, represents a different kind of on-screen challenge for the presenter, known for his work on Good Morning Britain and other live television formats. Shephard recently spoke with Radio Times about the new series, his evolving views on fitness, and the current landscape of television presenting.
Shephard’s enthusiasm for compelling television is immediately apparent, particularly when discussing his admiration for the work of Taylor Sheridan. “Landman is incredible,” he stated. “Normally I’ve got four or five episodes waiting so I can watch a few at a time, but I just couldn’t stop myself. I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the work of Taylor Sheridan. From Landman to Yellowstone to Mayor of Kingstown, there is nothing he’s doing that isn’t extraordinary.” This highlights a broader trend in television – the rise of auteur-driven storytelling, where a single creative voice shapes entire universes of content. Sheridan’s success, moving from the Paramount Network’s Yellowstone to expanding his narrative world across multiple platforms, demonstrates the commercial and critical appeal of this approach.
The conversation also touched on the dynamics of television viewing within Shephard’s household. While he admits to having downsized from a “massive 75in telly” due to a recent move, he still prioritizes the “big cinematic experience.” His wife, Annie, favors “cosy crime shows like Poirot,” while his sons, Sam (20) and Jack (19), tend to consume content on their iPads. This reflects a common shift in viewing habits, with younger audiences increasingly opting for portable, on-demand entertainment. Shephard himself jokingly admits to being the “remote control hog,” a testament to his continued engagement with traditional television formats.
Shephard’s career began with an early opportunity provided by Andi Peters on T4, and he also auditioned for a children’s show alongside Fearne Cotton. While Cotton secured the role on Diggit, the two remained friends, a story Shephard recalls with humor. This anecdote underscores the often-unpredictable nature of breaking into the television industry and the importance of building lasting relationships with colleagues.
When asked about presenters he admires, Shephard cited Terry Wogan for his eloquence, Chris Evans for his energy and passion, Jeff Stelling for his sports commentary, and Davina McCall for her ability to connect with audiences. He emphasized the importance of authenticity as a key quality in a good presenter, stating, “Someone who’s authentic and is no different off screen as on. If you’re not being your true self, I think people can tell.” This observation speaks to a growing demand for transparency and relatability in public figures, particularly in the age of social media.
Reflecting on his own career highlights, Shephard pointed to the responsibility of fronting news programs during significant historical events, such as elections and the Queen’s funeral. He credited his success in these moments to the “implicit trust” he shared with co-presenter Susanna Reid. This highlights the crucial role of strong on-screen partnerships in live television, where seamless collaboration and mutual respect are essential.
Turning to The Summit, Shephard acknowledged his own limitations as a potential contestant. While he would have relished the physical challenge – having previously run 14 marathons and climbed Kilimanjaro – he doubted his ability to navigate the strategic complexities of the competition. “I’d have been too keen to please everybody,” he confessed. “They’d have me wrapped around their finger in moments.” This self-awareness offers a glimpse into the presenter’s personality and suggests a willingness to embrace vulnerability.
Shephard also discussed how his approach to fitness has evolved over time. While he has always prioritized physical well-being, he noted that his focus shifted in his 40s towards long-term health and sustainability. He cited a recent trip to Australia with his parents, both in their 80s, as a motivating factor. “I want to do that with my boys and, if I’m lucky, with my grandkids, too,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fitness for future generations.
Finally, Shephard addressed the increasing pressure on men to maintain a certain physical appearance on screen. While acknowledging that this is a relatively recent phenomenon, historically more prevalent for his female colleagues, he stated he is “happy to take pride in how I look,” recognizing the visual nature of television. This suggests a growing acceptance of self-care and presentation as integral aspects of the profession for both men and women.
