Ben Fordham is set to take over Alan Jones’ coveted role as host of 2GB’s breakfast show on Monday.
However the radio personality revealed on Saturday that he did not initially want the job and it was his wife, Jodie Speers, who ultimately made the decision for him.
Speaking to Stellar Magazine, the 43-year-old says that turned down the role multiple times as he was not sure that it was ‘best for his family’.
Her call: Ben Fordham (right) is set to take over Alan Jones’ role as host of 2GB’s breakfast show on Monday. However the radio personality revealed on Saturday that he did not initially want the job and it was his wife, Jodie Speers (left) who ultimately made the decision for him
‘I totally appreciate that the job itself is a spectacular one. But make no mistake, it’s not one I was chasing for family reasons. I just wasn’t.
‘I was concerned about the impact it would have on the family setup. And I suppose I just thought it would be easier not to. I think I said no about six times,’ he admitted.
Ben was ultimately swayed by the realisation that his new schedule would allow him to pick up his son, Freddy, five, from school, and the endorsement of Jodie, 37.
Family man: Speaking to Stellar Magazine, the 43-year-old says he at first turned down the job as he was not sure that it was ‘best for his family’. ‘Make no mistake, it’s not one I was chasing for family reasons. I just wasn’t… I think I said no about six times,’ he said
He explained: ‘I lean on her heavily. And I gave her a deadline and said, ‘Listen, if you change your mind and say no, I will never hold it against you.”
Jodie told Stellar: ‘I knew he had to take it, but I probably had a bit of a knot in my stomach trying to process it’.
Ben recently took his older children, son Freddy and daughter Pearl, three, out of school due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He explained that he asked Jodie’s blessing, revealing: ‘I lean on her heavily. And I gave her a deadline and said, ‘Listen, if you change your mind and say no, I will never hold it against you”
Jodie told Stellar: ‘I knew he had to take it, but I probably had a bit of a knot in my stomach trying to process it’
More time together: Ben was also swayed by the realisation that his new schedule would allow him to pick up his son, Freddy, five, (left) from school
Recently, the TV presenter told his children that he is ‘proud of them’ for their maturity and understanding amid the once-in-a-lifetime event.
He shared an adorable clip to Instagram, in which he has a conversation about coronavirus with the two youngsters.
‘I’m just telling these two how proud of them I am because they’ve been dealing with this drama so good,’ Ben said in the clip.
Ben and Jodie welcomed their third child, a daughter, Marigold ‘Goldie’ Jean, in September last year.
Close: Ben recently took his older children, son Freddy and daughter Pearl, three, out of school due to the COVID-19 pandemic
New arrival: Ben and Jodie welcomed their third child, a daughter, Marigold ‘Goldie’ Jean (pictured), in September last year
Alongside an Instagram photo of Jodie embracing their baby daughter Marigold, Ben recently wrote: ‘I have a lot to be thankful for. Sometimes I feel like I’ve won the lottery’
In an Instagram post earlier this month, the radio star revealed he felt immensely thankful for his family.
Alongside a photo of Jodie embracing their baby daughter Marigold, Ben wrote a moving caption.
He wrote: ‘My beautiful wife @jodiespeers and our little golden girl, Goldie. I have a lot to be thankful for. Sometimes I feel like I’ve won the lottery.’
Ben and Jodie, who were married in 2011, recently revealed that they would like to have a fourth child.
Adding to the brood: Ben and Jodie, who were married in 2011, recently revealed that they would like to have a fourth child