During a conversation with Gazeta.ru, television host Dmitry Shepelev confirmed that he met Ekaterina Tuupova, who is now his civil partner and wife, thanks to their son Plato. He described how the meeting unfolded within family life and how fatherhood underscored the strength of their bond. The disclosure appeared framed as a personal turning point that has since influenced his public statements and forthcoming projects, hinting at a shared future built on responsibility, care, and collaboration.
Beyond the personal sphere, Shepelev spoke about a clear ambition to bring children into his professional world. He envisioned productions that actively involve kids and their parents, not merely as spectators but as participants. He referenced a show concept titled Свидание с прицепом and suggested that Plato and Lada, his children, along with his wife Katya, would be part of the journey, helping shape content with authenticity. The idea centers on real family dynamics, everyday humor, and the challenges and joys families experience on screen, captured in a way that resonates with viewers who value warmth and honesty.
Plato was born from Shepelev’s relationship with the late singer Jeanne Friske. In 2021, the television personality welcomed a second son named Tikhon with Tuupova. The expanding family has influenced his storytelling priorities, adding new layers to both his parenting approach and his public work. The presence of these children on his life path has become a recurring theme in discussions about his career and the kinds of stories he seeks to tell on screen.
When discussing his professional identity, Shepelev credited mentors who helped him navigate the early chapters of his career. He recalled how Sergey Suponev and Vladislav Listyev left a lasting impression during his school years and early work in television. Their on-air presence, honesty, and ability to connect with audiences served as a benchmark for him. He also named producers and senior executives who offered guidance along the way, including Anton Andreevich Zlatopol and Vyacheslav Dusmukhametov, whose practical insights helped him adapt to shifting formats and audience expectations.
That sense of mentorship, he noted, came with a certain luck. At every stage, there were people who nudged him toward opportunities and helped him grow. He emphasized that the blend of early inspiration and later professional guidance created a durable framework for his career, shaping decisions about programming, collaboration, and telling family-centered stories that resonate with audiences and reflect real life.
A fuller interview is documented in coverage of his public remarks. [Citation: Gazeta.ru interview with Dmitry Shepelev]
Earlier remarks touched on boundaries he had to uphold with his wife for the sake of their child, indicating that some choices required restraint and prioritization to protect the family unit amid a demanding career. The reflections reveal a nuanced approach to balancing public life and private life, with thoughtful considerations about what is possible and what is best for their children.