Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid was forced to interrupt the ITV show to deliver a “correction” from former co-host Ben Shephard after the This Morning star pointed out a major mistake regarding his golf handicap. During today’s episode, Susanna and Richard Madeley were interviewing Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke about his new golf podcast.
As part of the discussion, Susanna mentioned her friend and former colleague Ben Shephard’s golf skills. When Richard asked what Shephard’s handicap was, Susanna estimated, “Is it about 15?” However, Shephard quickly set the record straight. Later in the programme, Susanna stopped the show to read out a message from the presenter himself. “Ben Shephard has got in touch,” she announced to OK! Magazine.
Reading his message aloud, she continued: “‘I expect a correction. I play golf off seven, not 15—which has taken a lot of pain and tears and swearing. I am fuming downstairs,’ says Ben.” Lorraine Kelly, who was on the GMB sofa discussing her upcoming show, responded with amusement. “Was that when you were talking to Anton Du Beke?” she asked.
Richard quipped: “Yes. Don’t sue us.” Laughing, Susanna added: “We impugned his golf handicap, didn’t we? The record is corrected—don’t sue us, Ben Shephard.” Shephard, who previously co-hosted Good Morning Britain alongside Susanna and Kate Garraway, made the switch to This Morning last year, where he now presents alongside Cat Deeley.
Earlier in the programme, Strictly judge Anton Du Beke also addressed Giovanni Pernice’s return to the BBC show amid previous bullying accusations. During his interview, Richard Madeley took the opportunity to ask about Anton’s stance on Pernice’s comeback.
“It’s been reported that you personally would welcome Giovanni Pernice back onto Strictly,” Richard asked. “We know that the BBC upheld six bullying complaints against him, didn’t uphold others, but you would welcome him back. That’s sticking your head above the parapet. Why would you do that?” Anton, appearing slightly hesitant, replied: “That’s a very good question. I’d prefer to be talking about golf.”
He then praised Pernice’s recent success abroad. “I was delighted for Giovanni this autumn because he went over to Italy and did Strictly Come Dancing there, and he won with the brilliant Bianca [actress Bianca Guaccero]. “He was delighted to win that, and we’re going off on tour this summer, so I’ll be seeing him when we go back out on the road.
“I love being on stage with him and performing with him, and I’ve known him a long time. We’ve got a wonderful company as well, so all in all, it’s a great show.” The exchange provided an intriguing insight into both Shephard’s golf frustrations and the ongoing debate surrounding Pernice’s future on Strictly.
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