ITV This Morning's Ben Shephard announces break from show as co-star steps in

Ben Shephard has revealed he will be taking a short hiatus from his duties on This Morning.

In an announcement at the conclusion of today's programme, Ben informed viewers about his departure to work on a mysterious new ITV project, prompting co-host Cat Deeley to wonder if he might be joining the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! lineup.

During the broadcast, Ben shared: "I have some news to share. I'm taking a couple of weeks away to go and work on this exciting project for ITV. It's top secret. I'm going to the other side of the world now after the show. I can't say where it is though."

Cat probed him further, asking: "Are you going to be eating witchetty grubs? Are you going to see my two mates?" Ben responded with a tease: "I cannot confirm or deny where in the world I am going. I can't confirm or deny who I'm going to see."

Nevertheless, Ben assured the audience that he would return with details soon, stating: "On Monday's show when you're here with Alison, I will be able to confirm where I am in the world. See you in a few weeks!"

Earlier this year, Ben transitioned to This Morning, leaving behind his role at Good Morning Britain, where he was a regular host alongside Susanna Reid and Kate Garraway. He currently hosts This Morning from Monday to Thursday with Cat Deeley.

In his absence next Monday, Alison Hammond, who usually presents the Friday slot with Dermot O'Leary, will fill in for him.

On the latest episode, Ben and Cat were joined by chef James Martin, who showcased top cheeses for the upcoming festive season and tackled viewers' pressing cooking queries, including achieving perfect roast potatoes and revamping brussels sprouts.

In another segment, Ben experimented with wellness treatments favoured by the King, including having oil poured onto his forehead and hairline live on air, followed by a massage of his third eye to induce relaxation.

The programme began with an interview featuring a Donald Trump impersonator, reacting to his US election victory. However, the segment received a mixed response from viewers, with one commenting: "#ThisMorning ridiculous and not at all funny ! Go away nobody is enjoying this rubbish," while another stated: "@ThisMorning well thats done in bad taste, changing channel."

This Morning airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 10am