Fern Britton has spoken about having a family with ex-husband Phil Vickery and how they were in the "last chance saloon" when having children.
The 64-year-old former This Morning presenter opened up about her IVF experience during her first marriage to Clive Jones and then the problems she faced with TV chef Phil when they looked to have children of their own.
Speaking to Kate Thornton in the latest episode of podcast White Wine Question Time, Fern detailed her pregnancy when she was 43 and how she thought that there were running out of time to have children during her second marriage.
Fern was married to first husband Clive from 1988 until 1998, during which time she had twin boys, Jack and Harry, after conceiving through IVF.
The couple also had a daughter, Grace.
Fern told Kate about how expensive it was to have IVF and how tough it was to go on that journey.
The TV presenter turned author said: "Anyone who has been through IVF knows about those drugs and the enormity of building your hopes and dashing them, it’s extreme.”
She described Grace as a "miracle" baby, who arrived when her twin boys were three years old.
Fern added: “Then unfortunately my marriage broke up when she was five months [old].
“So that was a tricky one so I had a year of really digging deep, but then a year later I met Phil.
“We were married after a year so that was two years since Gracie was born.
“And then the last chance saloon, I always say it’s late night shopping just before the doors close, Winnie arrived.
“So that was exciting and then we had Winnie.”
Fern met chef Phil when they appeared together on BBC's Ready Steady Cook and married in 2000.
Their daughter Winnie arrived a year later, in 2001.
In January 2020, the couple announced that their marriage was over in a statement which was posted on Twitter.
Fern wrote at the time: “After more than 20 happy years together, Phil and I have decided to go our separate ways.
“We will always share a great friendship and our lovely children.
“We would appreciate it if our privacy is respected at this time.
“Thank you for your continued kindness and support.” (sic)
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