Ben Shephard bids heartfelt farewell as ‘brilliant’ colleague steps down after 44 years

Ben Shephard has physiotherapy following leg surgery

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Ben Shephard 46, has bid farewell to one of his favourite BBC commentators, Mike Costello, 61. Mike has been BBC Radio 5 Live’s Boxing correspondent for the past 15 years.

I could listen to #MikeCostello commentate on our weekly shop.

Ben Shephard

Ben said: “I could listen to #MikeCostello commentate on our weekly shop.

“Always insightful, always engaging, always just brilliant whatever the sport may be, but his boxing comms are simply gripping.

“I’m glad he and @bigdaddybunce will still be working together!”

One fan commented on Ben’s tweet, saying: “I could listen to you read my weekly shop on @GMB it’s been dire this week. Come back ASAP. It needs an injection of personality.”

Mike has signed a five-year streaming platform deal with DAZN and promoters Matchroom.

He will, however, still appear on BBC Radio 5 Live on a freelance basis.

BBC Radio 5 Live Sport’s official page tweeted: “After 44 years it’s goodbye for now.

“Mike Costello signs off as 5 Live Boxing Correspondent – but not before son Conor reads some words his father wrote for him. Thank you and good luck Mike.”

Fans replied: “BBC’s loss is DAZN’s gain. Outstanding voice of boxing and athletics.”

Mike started in the BBC’s accounts department at the age of 16 and has been working with the broadcaster ever since.

Elsewhere, Ben is currently taking a break from hosting Good Morning Britain himself, as he recently underwent surgery after he suffered a knee injury playing football earlier this year.

He was left with a ruptured ACL and a torn meniscus, leading him to have to pull out of this year’s Soccer Aid.

Although he can’t take part this year, Ben recently promoted an Apple podcast he was taking part in with Olly Murs and Nigel De Long to discuss all things Soccer Aid.

Ben is currently on his summer holidays with his wife of 17 years, Annie, and their two sons.

He gave fans an insight into their time away by posting a sweet selfie of the couple yesterday, writing alongside it: “Not quite sure how/why she puts up with me but very glad she does!

“Hopefully this’ll make up for the grief I got for posting the hard helmet pic #mrss.”

It comes after Ben posted a less flattering photo of his other half in a protective yellow hat during a powerboat excursion alongside their family.

In the photo taken earlier this week, Annie donned a wetsuit and life jacket while clutching onto a Fortnum & Mason branded flask.

Celebrities were quick to comment about the lovely couple.

Fellow ITV presenter Lorraine said: “lovely Pic. Gorgeous couple.”

Jenni Falconer also said: “Gorgeous.” 

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