Ben Shephard playfully labelled his This Morning colleague a “control freak” during a fiery debate on the popular ITV programme. The TV presenter was joined by co-host Cat Deeley and panellists Vanessa Feltz and Camilla Tominey to weigh in on the day’s hot topics on Wednesday, May 8.
The panel delved into a recent study revealing that women still shoulder the majority of household chores, which led Ben, 49, to attempt a defence of the male perspective. However, as Cat, 47, shared her thoughts on staying organised at home, Ben couldn’t resist teasing her, exclaiming: “You’re a control freak! Just let it happen! “.
He further urged her to “just relax” amidst the cross-talk between the four television personalities. Vanessa, 62, chimed in with an anecdote about preparing meals for her family while she was away working, confessing she did so out of “guilty” feelings.
“I once went to Chicago to co-host the Jerry Springer Show and I had to make and label every single meal for my whole trip,” Vanessa recounted to her fellow This Morning presenters. Ben interjected with a cheeky question: “Do you think anybody would have starved had you not made those labels? “.
Vanessa firmly responded, “I had to! I was made to feel so guilty,” Ben continued his stance, proudly claiming he keeps a tidy house and musing, “Isn’t it funny how we all cope when we don’t get those post-its and we don’t get those lists? Somehow we muddle through,” as the lively discussion rolled on.
After the debate, Ben and Cat asked Stephen Mulhern to address the gossip surrounding him and Josie Gibson.
It comes as photos of Ben and Josie holding hands were questioned.
Ben teased Stephen about “dating one of the family”, which led Stephen, the host of Catchphrase, to retort: “Oh shut your face!”.
There was further probing into the rumours by Cat and Ben in Stephen’s later appearance on the show. Cat went straight to the point, telling him: “We couldn’t let you go without… Josie,” to which Ben chimed in: “The picture says it all.”
They then drew attention to a picture of Josie and Stephen taken backstage at Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, where they were seen holding hands.
Stephen defended himself affirmatively, exclaiming: “Listen, she didn’t show up to rehearsals, I held her hand and I showed her where to stand. That is it!”
But his explanation wasn’t accepted by Cat and Ben, leaving Stephen flabbergasted. In a plea, he asked: “Why are you doing this to me?!” The segment wrapped with Stephen muttering: “Unbelievable!” as the show ended.
