Fern Britton has opened up about the challenging final days of her tenure on This Morning, revealing a shocking behind-the-scenes incident that left her in tears. The 68-year-old TV presenter claimed that a show editor once locked her in an office alongside another boss to berate her midway through a live programme, telling her she was “awful.”
Reflecting on the experience, Fern said she felt “decimated” and even cried off her make-up before being instructed to reapply it before leaving. Discussing her departure from the ITV daytime show, she described her time there as “very, very difficult” and admitted she left because she was unhappy with the working environment.
“After the show, I was pulled into the office where I was shredded by two editors,” Fern recalled. “I sat there sobbing, and one of them asked where my make-up bag was and told me to put more on before leaving. It really decimated me.”
On the Full Disclosure podcast with James O’Brien, Fern explained that this was partly to ensure that no one knew she had been crying, a reflection of the immense pressure she faced. She further revealed that both the editor and her co-host Frank made her working life extremely challenging, ultimately influencing her decision to step away after ten years on the programme.
Fern’s exit also coincided with a high-profile fallout with her co-host Phillip Schofield. The pair reportedly never reconciled after their professional relationship broke down, with Phillip later describing it in his autobiography as “beyond repair.” At the time, Fern admitted she felt undervalued by ITV and “living in Phil’s shadow,” despite many memorable and enjoyable moments on the show.
In recent years, Fern has reflected positively on her time with Phillip, acknowledging the fun and partnership they shared. She also made peace with their feud in 2022, congratulating him on his 40th anniversary in television. Beyond This Morning, Fern returned to screens last year on Celebrity Big Brother, alongside Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne, demonstrating her enduring presence in British entertainment.
Since leaving the show, Fern has pursued a successful career as an author, publishing multiple Sunday Times bestselling novels. She has also hosted BBC series such as Fern Britton Meets, The Big Allotment Challenge, and The Watercolour Challenge. Her versatility as a presenter and writer highlights her resilience and adaptability in a demanding industry.
On the personal front, Fern has navigated significant life changes, including a split from her husband of 20 years, celebrity chef Phil Vickery, in 2020. She described entering a “new phase of life” after the separation, embracing her independence at 65 and focusing on her own well-being. Fern has also transformed her physical and mental health through exercise, yoga, and a running program, demonstrating determination to care for herself amidst the challenges of her career and personal life.
Fern’s revelations provide a candid and compelling insight into the pressures faced by television personalities behind the camera. Her story underscores the emotional and professional struggles that can accompany public-facing roles, while also highlighting her courage, resilience, and ability to reinvent herself both personally and professionally.
Today, Fern Britton stands as a respected figure in British television, celebrated not only for her contributions to daytime TV but also for her candidness in sharing the challenges and triumphs of her journey.
source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
