Ben Shephard confesses wife is 'really struggling' to look after him after nasty surgery

Ben Shephard has confessed that his wife is "really struggling" after his painful leg surgery.

The 46-year-old had his leg supported by a chair under the desk as he returned to GMB today after undergoing surgery after he had ruptured his ACL, torn his meniscus and fractured his leg during a football match.

Earlier this month, Ben shared photos and videos to his Instagram Stories of himself in hospital before returning home to his wife-of-17-years Annie.

Addressing everyone's get well messages, he said: "Thank you everybody for your lovely messages, it's been lovely to think that you all care. If it's at all possible, could you send some of that love to my wife because she's the one that's really struggling."

Susanna replied: "Yeah, let's think about the real victim here."

Ben Shephard has confessed that his wife is 'really struggling' after his injury (ITV)

"But it's so far, so good. I'm about two weeks tomorrow post-operation," Ben continued.

Susanna had been delighted that Ben was back and announced at the start of the show: "Hello stranger! Welcome back!"

"Thank you very much," Ben replied.

Susanna pointed out: "You look slightly uncomfortable - I'm just going to get the mini cam."

Ben with wife-of-17-years Annie (Twitter)

She then zoomed in on Ben's leg, which was propped up by a chair.

"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 went on to explain how he had hurt his leg "while trying to pretend [he] was still a 25-year-old".

Ben was hospitalised earlier this month (ITV)

He shared his experience on Instagram (ITV)

In a video Ben shared on Instagram, he had been in a hospital bed after his surgery as he shared a look at his leg, which was wrapped up.

Ben continued: "That's how it looks at the moment. That's not fake tan by the way, I promise, despite my Essex roots."

Gesturing to the orange-yellow colour on his legs, he quipped: "I didn't fake tan before my surgery.

Ben had his leg propped up on GMB (ITV)

"So they've repaired the ACL and meniscus and now starts the rehab - very slow, long, rehab. Have to say, the painkillers seem to be doing the job right now!"

Tagging his co-stars Kate Garraway and Susanna Reid, he added: "I can't believe I broadcast on painkillers like this a few years back!

"Kate Garraway and Susanna Reid - what were you thinking letting me broadcast when I felt like this?!"

*Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV