Fearne Cotton has revealed how the pressures of single motherhood have left her feeling overwhelmed and even “crying in her car” after her split from Jesse Wood. In her most emotional interview since the end of her 10-year marriage, the 43-year-old TV star opened up about the daily struggles she faces while raising two young children on her own. Despite her public persona, Fearne admitted to experiencing moments of complete exhaustion and emotional breakdowns. 
Reflecting on the reality of being a single mum, Fearne shared, “I’m just dropping lots of balls constantly and never feeling like I’m doing anything particularly well.” She confessed that juggling motherhood with her demanding media career often leaves her feeling like she’s failing. One morning, Fearne was faced with a kitchen disaster: “I had nothing the kids liked for breakfast… cereal but no milk, butter but no bread… it’s like an absolute s**t show!”
The breakdowns aren’t limited to just managing her kids’ needs; they extend into personal, quiet moments where Fearne admitted to breaking down, calling her friends in tears. “When I drop the balls, I probably have a slight tantrum. Sometimes I have a cry in my car, call one of my best mates and go ‘Are you having a s**t show too? Yeah. Okay, phew… it’s not just me’.” 
Though the situation has been emotionally taxing, Fearne admits that she is trying to keep going, despite the overwhelming nature of life as a single parent. “And then crack on. And then it feels slightly better the next day.”
Despite the personal challenges, Fearne has learned how to cope with anxiety and mental health struggles. She spoke candidly about how her career in the media, especially her time in live radio and TV, took a toll on her mental well-being. She revealed that anxiety, OCD, and depression had all been brought on by the pressures of the job, with social media trolls only adding to her emotional burden. Fearne, who had once vowed never to return to live TV, shared how the decision to step back was motivated by the toll it took on her mental health, saying, “It’s the absolute pits… but in the moment, it can feel, especially if you’re not in a good head space.”
Fearne Cotton’s career had once been marked by immense success, but the pressures led her to step back from live TV in 2015. She left behind her high-profile role as a BBC Radio One presenter, in part due to the impact of the internet trolls and public scrutiny. Yet, Fearne has found new strength in her wellness-focused career, including her podcast Happy Place and self-help books.
The split from Jesse Wood, the son of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, came as a shock to fans in December 2024. Fearne announced the separation on social media, telling followers, “It is with a heavy heart that I let you all know that Jesse and I are ending our marriage.” She emphasized that despite the end of their romantic relationship, her priority would always be their children, Honey and Rex. 
Since the split, Fearne has found happiness and has been linked to TV director Elliot Hegarty. Meanwhile, Jesse Wood has moved on with actress Gemma Gregory, who was once a cast member on Made in Chelsea. As the two former partners continue to navigate their personal lives, Fearne shared that she was “happier than ever” with her newfound relationship, highlighting her own journey of healing and rediscovery.
Stay tuned to Fearne’s inspiring story of perseverance, self-care, and finding joy after hardship in this exclusive look into her life as a single mother.
