On Christmas Day, television presenter Ben Shephard took the plunge, braving the chilly seams of the Atlantic Ocean for a festive swim off the coast of Port Isaac, Cornwall.
The 50-year-old star of ITV's "This Morning" was seen sporting navy blue swimming shorts, as he dived headfirst to join dozens of other enthusiastic swimmers at around 10 am, delighting onlookers with his apparent zest for the activity.
Despite the brisk temperature of just 11 degrees Celsius, Shephard showed no hesitation as he emerged from the water, beaming with excitement and giving friends and family watching from the coastline some enthusiastic double thumbs up. The festive cheer, though, wore off momentarily as he returned to the shore, visibly shivering and quickly grabbing what appeared to be a shot of warm coffee to fend off the cold.
"It looks like he's having a large family gathering," one local observed. There was much excitement visibly surrounding his swim, especially since Shephard has strong ties to the community; his Aunt Jan lives locally and has often been mentioned by him. The presenter seemed right at home among friendly locals, exchanging warm holiday wishes with many as they gathered to watch the moments of traditional fervor.
Shephard’s love for Cornwall is no secret. He shared during recent interviews how he cherishes not just the stunning landscapes but also the culture and community spirit found there. Earlier this year, speaking on "Good Morning Britain," he expressed his admiration for local folk band the Fisherman's Friends, with whom he celebrated the previous Christmas Eve and Day.
"So lovely to see you guys; thank you all the boys, the Fisherman's Friends, for singing for me. You know how passionate I am about what it is you do. I'm sure I'll be with you at Christmas singing as well," he said of the experience.
Shephard's swim is part of the popular tradition of Christmas Day swims, which see many people around the country braving icy waters. Communities often come together for these seasonal dips, which are seen as invigoratory and as charity fundraisers, bringing people out to enjoy the festive spirit.
While there were plenty of spectators and fellow swimmers, the shared joy and camaraderie sealed by the winter chill turned the event not just about the swim, but also about the connections forged through community and celebration.
Indeed, these annual swims often embody the warmth of togetherness, where locals welcome visitors and share laughter even amid the biting cold. Port Isaac, with its scenic beauty and quaint villages, serves as the perfect backdrop for such gatherings, adding beauty and charm to the tradition.
Though many are likely to cringe at the thought of plunging themselves headfirst without hesitation, for others like Shephard, it’s yet another way to celebrate the festive time of year, embracing the spirit of adventure.
With the refreshing waters of the Atlantic washing over them, these brave swimmers—Ben Shephard included—highlight the unique ways communities come together to celebrate and enjoy the magic of Christmas.
