Alison Hammond took a hilarious swipe at Ben Shephard during Friday’s episode of This Morning, as she accused the presenter of ‘milking’ his 50th birthday – and viewers agree.
Ben, 49, shocked fans earlier this month as he revealed he would not be joining his co-host Cat Deeley on the breakfast show for a few weeks to do a ‘project for ITV’.
The star will be hosting an ‘adrenaline-filled competition’ which will see a slew of brave contestants embark on a journey to reach the peak of one of New Zealand’s most spectacular mountains.
However, the time away also coincides with the lead up to his 50th birthday and to celebrate, This Morning are airing a series of clips of Ben chatting with celebs about the milestone.
Famous faces that have taken part in the series so far include Jason Donovan and Gary Barlow, and in Friday’s instalment of the ITV show, they aired a clip of Ben talking to Clare Balding.
Introducing the segment, Alison quipped: ‘What life lessons does Clare Balding have for Ben before he turns 50?,’ before laughing: ‘Has he not turned 50 yet?’
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Alison Hammond took a hilarious swipe at Ben Shephard during Friday’s episode of This Morning, as she accused the presenter of ‘milking’ his 50th birthday – and viewers agree
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Ben, 49, shocked fans earlier this month as he revealed he would not be joining his co-host Cat Deeley on the breakfast show for a few weeks to do a ‘project for ITV’
Her co-host Dermot O’Leary added: ‘It’s been going on forever. I swear he’s about 52 now. How long is the VT series lasting for?’
Bursting into fits of laughter, Alison jibed: ‘He’s really milking it isn’t he?’ and Dermot joked that the series would finish ‘in time for his 60th’.
And viewers agreed that their comments were ‘spot on’ and they’re ‘sick of it,’ as they took to X to write: ‘Alison was spot on. They’re milking this “Ben turns 50″ s*** #thismorning.’
‘I was actually thinking the same Alison #ThisMorning.’
‘Haha, low key throwing shade at Ben taking forever to celebrate his 50th, you brighten up every Friday @alisonhammond @radiolear #ThankYou #thismorning.’
‘What’s the point in a Ben at 50 thing when the p**** isn’t even on the show or in the same country?? #thismorning.’
‘Oh, so Ben’s turning 50, is he? No wonder he’s going on and on about that milestone! #ThisMorning.”
‘Ben has a birthday. Wow really??? What a coincidence. So do I! In fact….I have one every single year and have done so since before he was even born!! #thismorning.’
‘Why is #ThisMorning making a sing and dance about Ben turning 50?’
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Introducing the segment, Alison quipped: ‘What life lessons does Clare Balding have for Ben before he turns 50?,’ before laughing: ‘Has he not turned 50 yet?’
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Her co-host Dermot O’Leary added: ‘It’s been going on forever. I swear he’s about 52 now. How long is the VT series lasting for?’
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‘Anyone sick of this “Ben is 50!” thing? He must’ve said, “I’m 50 next year” at least 500 x 50 times, so far! When women turn 50 the majority aren’t just coping with THAT they also have debilitating physical & emotional symptoms related to #menopause AS WELL! #ThisMorning.’
‘Why is Ben Sheppard not at work today, is it because he’s recently turned 50? Itv1 haven’t mentioned it much! #ThisMorning.’
‘Ben off work yet again, bet he’s still getting paid as well, this wouldn’t be allowed for anyone else in a regular job! They get it so cushy these celebs! #ThisMorning.’
It comes after fans begged for Ben’s replacement on Wednesday’s show to be made a ‘permanent, full-time host’.
Cat, 48, usually hosts with Ben, 49, but since he has been away filming for his other ITV show she has been joined by the likes of Alison Hammond, Dermot O’Leary, and Andi Peters instead.
On Wednesday, Dermot was back in the studio to fill in for the usual host – and some fans were thrilled with the choice.
Viewers took to X to write: ‘Cat and Dermot work VERY well together. Natural, relaxed, energetic and warm. Not at all stiff or awkward #ThisMorning;’
‘Dermot should be the main full time presenter. He’s great with both Cat and Alison #ThisMorning.’
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It comes after fans have begged for Ben’s replacement on Wednesday’s show to be made a ‘permanent, full-time host’
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On Wednesday, Dermot was back in the studio to fill in for the usual host – and some fans were thrilled with the choice
Viewers took to X to write: ‘Cat and Dermot work VERY well together. Natural, relaxed, energetic and warm. Not at all stiff or awkward #ThisMorning’
‘Anyone noticing it’s less stressful now Ben’s not around? #ThisMorning.’
‘Cat and Dermot have more chemistry than Ben and Cat #thismorning.’
‘Cat is much better with Dermot #ThisMorning.’
‘There’s just something about seeing Cat & Dermot together on #thismorning.’
‘Cat does seem to gel better with Dermot than she does with Ben #thismorning.’
‘Really like Cat and Dermot together, they two are the ultimate dream team! I’ve been thinking that for a long time that Cat would be more suited to Dermot… love their humour #ThisMorning.’
‘Cat works soo much better with dermot already #ThisMorning.’
