Former This Morning presenter Fern Britton says she is feeling unexpectedly 'relaxed' after her 20-year marriage came to an end. The 65-year-old television personality, who split from celebrity chef Phil Vickery, spoke candidly about her newfound single status in an interview with Good Housekeeping.
Fern announced the breakup of her marriage to Vickery in January 2020, shortly after the passing of her father, actor Tony Britton, in December 2019. Reflecting on her current situation, she said: "My children are grown-up and I'm no longer married, and it's as if this whole other world has opened up. I never thought this would happen; I didn't expect to be 65 and single and really relaxed."
The former couple, who had appeared together on the show Ready Steady Cook, tied the knot in 2000. Fern took to Twitter to announce their separation, stating that they had decided to go their "separate ways."
In addition to discussing her personal life, Fern also touched upon her health journey. She revealed that about a year ago, she had a realization that she wasn't taking care of herself, both physically and mentally.
"I wasn't doing exercise, I was eating too much and suddenly, it was like I flipped a switch and I thought, 'No, you've got to look after yourself'," she admitted.
Since then, Fern has made a conscious effort to prioritise her well-being. She has incorporated yoga into her routine and has even started running. Despite facing physical challenges such as arthritis in one of her knees and the imminent need for a shoulder replacement, she remains determined.
"I'm not intending to run a long marathon or beat anybody, but I do enjoy the fitness side of it," she shared.
Fern is widely recognized for her time as a presenter on the ITV breakfast program This Morning, which she departed from in 2009. When asked about the possibility of returning to the show, she expressed doubt, stating: "I don't think I'd be able to turn the clock back; it wouldn't work that way. My time at This Morning was marvellous, and I adored the 10 years I was there, but I feel you should never look back."
Phillip Schofield, Fern's former co-presenter on This Morning from 2002 to 2009, recently made headlines after admitting to an "unwise but not illegal" affair with a younger colleague. He subsequently stepped down from his role at ITV.
To read the full interview with Fern Britton, pick up the August 2023 issue of Good Housekeeping, available now at all supermarkets and online at MagsDirect.
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