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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

ITV Good Morning Britain's Ben Shephard stuns viewers with age but they fear him 'throwing up' as he's 'punched' live on air

Good Morning Britain viewers feared Ben Shephard was about to 'throw up' live on the show as he was 'punched'. The presenter returned to the helm of the ITV news programme on Thursday (January 12) alongside Kate Garraway.

Throughout the programme, Kate, 52, appeared delighted at the thought that Ben was set to be 'pummeled' during his latest stint on the show. She shared how Ben, 48, had agreed to take on middleweight boxer Chris Eubank Jr as he appeared live in the studio to chat about his upcoming fight.

"Ben is going to take a pummelling," Kate laughed as she patted Ben on the back. "We thought we test the force of a punch on bens vital organs." But Ben looked slightly unsure about what was to come while Alex Beresford showed off one of Chris' championship belts.

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Taking another cheeky dig, Kate giggled: "Father Christmas did get my letter after all!" Later in the show, Chris arrived in the studio where he spoke to Ben and Kate about his upcoming bout with Liam Smith on Saturday, January 21 which will take place at the AO Arena in Manchester.

But as their interview came to an end, it was over to a nervous Ben, who had begun to sweat about what was about to happen, to make his boxing debut head-to-head with champion Chris. Ben was challenged to endure 20 seconds of body punching from the boxer in hilarious scenes that took place live in the studio today.

Ahead of the body sparring, Ranvir Singh asked: "Are you sure you don’t need a wee Ben?" With Kate adding to viewers: "Just to say, Doctor Hilary is on standby."

Chris didn't hold back on Ben (ITV)

Finally, before the face-off Ben asked Chris, “Have you ever sparred with somebody in a shirt and tie before?” to which Chris replied: "This is new. I thought I’d seen and done it all before - turns out I haven't!"

Tipping Point and Ninja Warrior star Ben grimaced and groaned during the brief punch-up but after surviving the match, Ben exclaimed: "Was that the slowest 20 seconds ever!? That went on for about three days!" But Chris praise Ben for his efforts and even invited Ben for round two. "He [Ben] needs to come down to my gym next week and we need to have a proper spar," he said.

And GMB viewers witnessing the scenes unfold were quick to comment. @FlopsyPickle tweeted: "Ben looks like he’s going to throw up lol #GMB." @Itt39354118 commented: "Hahaha bet he brings his breakfast up #gmb." @ScullyScully73 posted: "Ben looks hurt... Run loo Ben before you leave a puddle lol #GMB."

Others, however, were distracted by finding out Ben's age. @jamesgunnwrites tweeted: "Ben Shephard is 48 Man is looking good. Can't lie. #gmb." @Juani983 echoed: "I was gonna say. Is Ben 48? I was shocked. I thought he was younger. I do fancy him a bit actually #GMB."

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