This Morning and Tipping Point host Ben Shephard first met his interior designer wife Annie at university.

Fast forward more than 20 years, the couple are happily married with a family of their own – teenagers Jack and Sam.

But it appears Ben’s busy career hasn’t always been easy on Annie.

This Morning host Ben Shephard on difficulties faced by wife Annie

Back in November 2013, the former Good Morning Britain presenter praised Annie for supporting him from the start.

At the time, he told the Lancashire Post: “I fell into this bizarre world and got a job in telly. My wife’s been involved all the way through, which has been lovely, and now we’ve got kids and life goes on.”

However, Ben admitted that is was often difficult for his wife as he worked a lot.

She does put up with a lot.

“My wife has to put up with a lot, in regards to hours and the nature of my job,” the 49-year-old explained at the time.

“I’m lucky I do a job that I absolutely love, but it can be erratic with hours and travelling, and we’ve got two little boys who take up a lot of time, so she does put up with a lot.”

The couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary this year (Credit: Splash News)

‘She’s been with me through the highs and lows’

It isn’t the first time Ben has publicly declared his love for Annie.

He previously said on the White Wine Question Time podcast: “We met at university and I was sort of a mere puppy when it came to the world of broadcasting media.

“She has been through all this with me – the highs and the lows of all that experience. And she is still here, somehow, still putting up with me to this day.”

Ben started on This Morning today (Credit: ITV)

Ben Shephard and wife Annie celebrate 20th wedding anniversary

The couple have been together since 1995. And, earlier this year, they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.

We’re sure old romantic Ben pulled out all the stops when it came to celebrating with Annie – especially given that he’ll surely be busier than ever now as he fronts This Morning from Monday to Thursday.

Behind every good man…