Ben Shephard shares true feelings on 'frustrating' Afton McKeith after Brooklyn Beckham's ex joins ITV The Summit

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 10/02/2026

- 17:40

Updated: 10/02/2026

- 18:38

Gillian McKeith's daughter, 25, took on the gruelling challenge of new ITV reality show, The Summit

Ben Shephard has opened up about Gillian McKeith's daughter Afton, who starred in his new ITV series, The Summit.

This Morning presenter Mr Shephard journeyed to New Zealand back in 2024 to host the gruelling series, which sees 14 strangers scaling climb a New Zealand mountain with the hope of claiming a £200,000 prize - while battling a time limit and several extra challenges.


Among them is Afton McKeith, 25, daughter of the Scottish TV personality.

Ms McKeith has an interesting backstory, with her mother a public figure and having dated none other than Brooklyn Beckham in the past. Described on the show as a "diva" and "frustrating," Mr Shephard went on to share what he really thought on her during a conversation with GB News and other media.

Afton McKeith

Afton McKeith took part in ITV's The Summit

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ITV

"If you loved Steven [Libby's] outfits on The Traitors, they're nothing compared to Afton," Mr Shephard joked.

He continued: "Afton climbed a mountain in outfits better than Steven's - that pink all in one jumpsuit that she climbed the mountain on day one...

"She's just so honestly herself and really unashamed about it, and rightly so, they didn't know she was Gillian McKeith's daughter, like no when they hit the mountain, none of them knew anything about each other.

"They don't know that Warren's a former Gladiator. They don't know about Joel, who is currently in the Winter Olympics for the Jamaican bobsleigh team.

Afton and Gillian McKeith

Afton McKeith was initially described as 'a diva' and 'frustrating' on ITV's The Summit

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GETTY

"They don't know Miranda is a landlady until she has to get them going.

"They don't know about Charlett, you know, being a pole instructor, having done Ninja Warrior in the past as well.

"They don't know anything about each other. So what they know is what they experience then and there.

"And I think Afton is very unaware of actually just how histrionic and loud and opinionated she can sound, but also actually how brilliant she is in that sort of situation."

Ben ShephardBen Shephard fronts new ITV series The Summit | ITV

The presenter continued: "Because she overcomes each one of those challenges, and watching her battle those initial demons that she has, and getting through it was absolutely fantastic to see it.

"Yeah, really, really moving."

An ITV synopsis for the programme, which debuts on Tuesday, February 10, reads: "This epic new adventure reality series sees brave contestants embark on a thrilling journey to reach the peak of one of New Zealand’s most spectacular mountains whilst carrying the cash prize they hope to win.

"14 strangers from all walks of life come together to face the daunting challenge of climbing a mountain in the breathtaking, rugged Alps of New Zealand’s south island.

The Summit

Ben Shephard also revealed things 'go wrong' on ITV's The Summit

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ITV

"The adrenaline-filled series sees them face the ultimate test of strategy and resilience as they compete for a share of a potential £200,000 prize.

"With just 14 days to reach the summit, the contestants have to navigate treacherous terrain, wild conditions and overcome extraordinary challenges - set by the mysterious Mountain’s Keeper - that block their path to the peak.

"But it isn’t just a test of physical strength; strategy plays a crucial role, as the cast will also have to eliminate their competitors along the way.

"Who will forge alliances? Who will betray? And ultimately who will have what it takes to conquer the mountain and claim the prize?"

The eight-part series concludes on Tuesday, March 17.