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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Ben Shephard asks for support for 'struggling' wife as he returns to GMB after surgery

Ben Shephard was back at the helm of Good Morning Britain on Monday morning.

The ITV host hasn't been seen for a little while after suffering a 'nasty' leg injury which left him requiring surgery.

During a brief appearance on GMB last month, Ben revealed that he was wearing a leg brace after suffering multiple horrific injuries while playing football.

The 46-year-old ruptured his ACL, torn his meniscus and fractured his leg during a football match but carried on playing, not realising the extent of what he had done.

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And last month, Ben underwent surgery where he said doctors has repaired the ACL and the meniscus, but "now starts the rehab, the very slow, long rehab."

Appearing on the first edition of the ITV news programme of the week, Susanna said: "Hello stranger! Welcome back!"

"Thank you very much," Ben said before his co-host pointed out: "You look slightly uncomfortable - I'm just going to get the mini cam."

She then zoomed in on Ben's leg, which was propped up by a chair under the desk where viewers couldn't see.

Ben was said to be looking a bit 'uncomfortable' (ITV)

"I just thought, I've been off for a few weeks, I'm going to start bringing in the changes! I feel like I should be able to do the show with my feet up!"

He then added: "Thanks for all your lovely messages, it’s lovely to think you all care.

“If it’s at all possible, could you send some of that love to my wife?

"Because she’s the one who’s really struggling," he added with a laugh.

“I know let's think of the real victim here,” Susanna then joked.

Susanna used a 'mini cam' to show the extent of Ben's recovery (ITV)

Ben also explained: "This is the first time in about three weeks I’ve had trousers on, shoes and socks as well."

Susanna ended the chat by saying: "Well it’s really good to have you back."

Co-star Charlotte Hawkins also took to social media with a picture, showing Ben with his leg up as the other hosts smiled for the camera.

"Welcome back @benshephardofficial," she wrote. "Still recovering after his leg op (& making the most of the sympathy!!) @gmb @susannareid100 #gmb."

Ben explained how he had sustained his injury on GMB in June after being missing from the show.

"A few weeks ago you may remember I played in the veterans cup - my old boys league," he said.

"We won the Cup Final, but I started with two legs and ended with one.

"Without realising, I have ruptured my ACL, I've torn the meniscus and I've fractured part of my leg as well."

Resident GP Dr Hilary Jones confirmed just how bad the injury is, commenting: "That's a nasty injury, that is a nasty injury."

And Ben revealed he continued with the game for 25 minutes before deciding it felt a "little bit unstable" and that he should stop.

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