Ben Shephard is married to Annie Perks (now Annie Shephard), a successful interior designer and garden consultant whom he met while they were both students at the University of Birmingham in 1995. The couple married on March 25, 2004, at the historic Burgh Island Hotel in Devon and have two sons, Sam and Jack. While Ben is a fixture of British television on This Morning and Tipping Point, Annie maintains a lower profile, running her own design business, The House Editor, and appearing occasionally alongside Ben at high-profile events like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
In early 2026, the couple marked nearly 31 years together, with Ben recently sharing candid insights into their “separate lives” dynamic—a healthy balance where Annie enjoys her solitary creative pursuits in interior design and gardening while Ben focuses on his high-energy broadcasting career and physical fitness. Despite their differing public profiles, Ben frequently cites Annie as the “most important factor” in his life and the anchor of their family.
Early Romance and University Roots
Ben Shephard and Annie Perks first crossed paths at the University of Birmingham in the mid-1990s. At the time, Ben was a philosophy student and the head of the Philosophy and Epistemology Society, while Annie was also pursuing her studies at the same institution.
Their relationship began in 1995, long before Ben became a household name on GMTV or Good Morning Britain. This long-standing foundation has been credited by Ben as the reason for their enduring marriage, as Annie has been by his side throughout his entire professional ascent.
The 2004 Island Wedding
After nine years of dating, the couple officially tied the knot on March 25, 2004. The ceremony took place on Burgh Island, a small tidal island off the coast of South Devon known for its iconic Art Deco hotel and its association with Agatha Christie.
The wedding was a private affair, but Ben has since shared that they chose the location because Annie is a major fan of Christie’s novels, specifically And Then There Were None, which was inspired by the island. In 2020, the family returned to the venue to celebrate their anniversary, revisiting the spot where they first said their vows.
Annie Perks’ Professional Career
Before transitioning into the world of interiors, Annie Perks had a successful career in media and publishing. She worked for several high-end “glossy” magazines, contributing as a writer and editor for titles including House & Garden, Elle Deco, Glamour, and Red.
In recent years, she has combined her editorial skills with her passion for aesthetics to launch The House Editor. This business focuses on interior design and garden remodeling, helping clients create meaningful spaces that reflect their personal stories rather than just following modern trends.
Interior Design and Gardening
Annie is a qualified garden designer and often collaborates with the Garden Girls Collective. Her work was featured at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, where Ben publicly praised her for her dedication and the “stunning” results of her projects.
Her design philosophy, as shared on her blog, emphasizes the “theory of design” alongside practical, hands-on experience. She is known for her “wellies on and spade in hand” approach, often transforming mud-pits into lush, structured gardens for her clients across London and the South East.
Family Life and Children
The Shephards are parents to two sons: Sam (born 2005) and Jack (born 2007). As of 2026, the couple is navigating the transition into being “empty nesters,” with Sam studying Mathematics at university and Jack working as a teaching assistant before embarking on world travels.
Ben has occasionally spoken about his parenting style, admitting that he and Annie have “messed them up along the way” in jest, highlighting the common struggles of raising teenagers. The family often spends time together on coastal walks in Devon or participating in physical challenges like “Tough Mudder.”
Life in the Public Eye
While Ben is comfortable in the spotlight, Annie famously prefers her privacy. She rarely attends red-carpet events unless they pertain to her own interests, such as art galleries or floral shows. Ben has noted that she is “much happier in her own company” and often needs her own space away from the “showbiz” side of his career.
This balance has proven successful for their marriage. Ben recently described Annie as a “solitary” person who provides the perfect grounded contrast to his outgoing, people-centric professional life. This mutual respect for their differing personalities is often cited as their “secret” to a long-lasting relationship.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans interested in following Annie’s work or learning more about the locations significant to the couple’s history:
The House Editor: Annie’s official blog and portfolio can be found online, where she shares home renovation tips and garden design inspiration.
Burgh Island Hotel: The wedding venue is open to the public for stays and afternoon tea. It is accessible via a “sea tractor” at high tide.
Social Media: While Annie’s accounts are mostly private or business-focused (@mrsannieshephard), Ben frequently posts updates on their family walks and milestones on his verified Instagram.
Location: The family resides in a highly-regarded area of Richmond, London, in a home they have spent years renovating.
2026 Marriage Update
In a rare and candid interview in early 2026, Ben Shephard revealed that he and Annie often live “separate lives” due to their differing schedules and hobbies. While Ben enjoys golf and high-intensity running, Annie prefers the quiet of art galleries and landscape gardening.
Far from being a sign of trouble, Ben framed this as a positive evolution of their 30-year partnership. He emphasized that they are currently “re-learning” how to spend time as a couple now that their children have left home, looking for new shared activities that satisfy both their needs for activity and tranquility.
FAQs
How did Ben Shephard meet his wife?
Ben met Annie Perks at the University of Birmingham in 1995 while they were both students; they began dating shortly after.
What does Annie Perks do for a living?
Annie is an interior designer and garden consultant who runs her own business and blog called The House Editor.
When did Ben Shephard get married?
Ben and Annie were married on March 25, 2004, after being together for nine years.
How many children does Ben Shephard have?
Ben and Annie have two sons, Sam (21) and Jack (19), as of early 2026.
Where does Ben Shephard live with his wife?
The couple lives in a renovated family home in Richmond, London, which features an extensive garden designed by Annie.
Was Annie Perks a journalist?
Yes, prior to her design career, Annie wrote for major publications such as House & Garden, Glamour, and Elle.
What is Annie Shephard’s maiden name?
Her maiden name is Perks; she is often referred to as Annie Perks in older media reports.
Does Ben Shephard’s wife have Instagram?
Yes, she has a personal account (@mrsannieshephard) and a business-related presence for her design work, though she keeps her personal life largely private.
How long has Ben Shephard been with his wife?
As of 2026, Ben and Annie have been together for 31 years and married for 22 years.
Is Annie Perks older than Ben Shephard?
Annie is roughly the same age as Ben (51); they were in the same year/peer group at university.
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