Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Susan Knox

Vanessa Feltz feeling 'battered and bruised' as she marks 61st birthday as a single woman

Vanessa Feltz has opened up about spending her 61st birthday as a single woman today following her heartbreaking split from fiancé Ben Ofoedu.

The This Morning agony aunt said she feels 'battered and bruised' following the life-changing break-up and believed she was 'born and bred to be married.'

Vanessa called time on the 16 year relationship in January after discovering that her long-term love had cheated with several different women over a period of two decades.

The TV personality found out about Ben's infidelity on Christmas Day, which put an abrupt end to their engagement.

As Vanessa continues to navigate her way through her heartbreak, the much-loved TV star has revealed that she is still optimistic about the future and finding love again despite the fact she feels 'battered and bruised' over Ben's betrayal.

Speaking out on her 61st birthday, Vanessa said she remains hopeful.

Vanessa Feltz's ex Ben cheated on her with a number of women (Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Vanessa Feltz and Ben Ofoedu split after 16-year romance (PA)

"I am curious about who and what the future will bring," she penned in her Express column.

Vanessa told fans she's putting her 'best foot forward in the time-honoured position' as she looks ahead to a bright year, leaving the past behind her.

It comes after Vanessa's daughter revealed that she was sent messages claiming that her mum's fiance, Ben, was cheating on her on Christmas Day.

The family were opening presents and having 'a lovely time' when messages revealing Ben’s betrayal were sent to Vanessa’s daughter Allegra via Instagram, she has said.

Vanessa Feltz says she feels 'bruised and battered' after Ben's infidelity (COLLECT)
Vanessa and ben were engaged for 16 years (WireImage)

Although the messages were anonymous, Allegra said there was enough detail in them to know the accusations were true.

She then had to make the decision to tell her mum the heartbreaking news during what should have been one of the family’s happiest days of the year.

At the time Phats & Small singer Ben was away performing in panto and has now moved out of the home he shared with Vanessa.

Allegra, 37, and her younger sister Saskia, 34, were left 'utterly distraught' after learning about Ben’s behaviour.

Vanessa is hopeful about finding love again (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Recalling the moment they discovered what he had been up to, Saskia told The Sun : “It was Christmas day of all days. We were all together as a family, but Ben was away in pantomime, when the messages appeared via Instagram.

“It was anonymous – and of course it revealed lots that we didn’t know – but it was also very abusive and extremely hurtful.

“We don’t keep things from each other in our family so we knew we had to share that with mum.”

Devastated Vanessa said she never expected to be single again at the age of 60 as she thought her and Ben, 50, would be together until she died.

The This Morning star is celebrating her birthday as a single woman today (itv)

Announcing the news they had parted in a heartfelt social media post, Vanessa told her followers: “Well I haven’t been on Instagram for three weeks and that’s because my relationship with Ben is over after 16 years and I honestly didn’t know what to say to you .

“But now it’s clear that it’s over and I really do feel that once the trust in a relationship is gone then you can’t really get it back, and that’s what I would tell anyone else to do.”

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.