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Ben Shephard has been a stalwart of the ITV presenting line-up since his first appearance on the broadcaster two decades ago as part of ‘GMTV’. The star, now 45, has suffered a number of
amusing gaffes during his time on-air, including one famous misunderstanding about the meanings behind emojis. During the notorious ‘Good Morning Britain’ clip, he was berated by Kate
Garraway, Susanna Reid and many others in the studio for his naivety. The ‘GMB’ host was left in utter shock during a segment about online “micro cheating” on the ITV show, during a
discussion with dating expert Nadia Essex. They revealed that some believed that sending specific emojis could be deemed as flirtation to the expert – if not used appropriately and sent to
the correct people. Susanna explained that according to Nadia certain icons could teeter between “friendly interaction and actual infidelity”. While the guest claimed that liking
photographs was acceptable – so long as it wasn’t an ex-partner or a stranger – but sending some emojis, like the aubergine and peach, were off-limits. Nadia said: “I think the liking is
where we draw the line, in terms of just liking a picture…because otherwise where does it end? “Next we will not be able to breathe in the company of the ther sex. But it’s all about the
engagement – you can like a photo but not if you put comments and continue to put comments with certain emojis that show certain intentions.” Nadia revealed that she had “dumped guys in the
past” for using the “wrong emoji” and that people should be careful as the icon “speaks a thousand words”. Horrified, Ben quizzed her about which emojis were suspicious – only to be told
“anything vegetable-esque” was a no-go. He replied: “The aubergine? It’s one of my friend’s favourites, she sends me an aubergine all the time.” Laughter erupted in the studio as Nadia fired
back: “Well tell her to stop, it’s completely inappropriate!” Susanna blasted Ben: “Are you serious? Oh my goodness, now I’m with Nadia on this. That doesn’t require very much...”
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savage snub from James Blunt exposed [ANALYSIS] While Ben clarified that she was “using it ironically”, he continued to miss the sexual denotations behind it He added: “It’s such a stupid
emoji... but it’s an aubergine for heaven sake what’s the…” Susanna passed over to an “appalled” Kate Garraway, who said with a horrified look: “You can’t be sending aubergines! Even I know
that!” Looking around the studio for help, Ben continued to protest that it was a “nonsense emoji” before he added: “Come on, what’s being implied by sending the aubergine?? Susanna and
Nadia moved on and explained that the peach emoji was “very bottom-esque” and “inappropriate” before the male star understood what was meant. With a look of shock on his face, Ben said:
“Hold on, is the aubergine supposed to be a phallus?” Still unable to believe the suggestion Ben tried to ask again, only for Susanna to interrupt and conclude the segment to hand over for
the weather reporter in an attempt to “save” him from more TV blunders.