Fern Britton has revealed she remains close friends with her former This Morning co-host John Leslie, more than two decades after his sudden fall from grace amid widespread speculation about his private life.
Leslie, 61, now living as a DJ under the name Johnny Sunset in a quiet Portuguese hideaway, first rose to fame with Blue Peter and Wheel of Fortune before joining This Morning in 1999 alongside Britton.
The Scottish presenter’s career derailed after he was mistakenly linked to Ulrika Jonsson’s assault allegations, although Jonsson never disclosed the identity of her attacker. Shortly after, Sunday newspaper photos showed Leslie using cocaine, prompting ITV to terminate his contract, with stand-in Phillip Schofield elevated to full-time co-host.
Further scandals included a leaked sex tape with Leslie, his then-girlfriend Abi Titmuss, and another woman, as well as claims of “improper sexual conduct” from several women — all denied. In 2003, he faced two counts of indecent assault, but the case was dropped by prosecutors.
On James O’Brien’s Full Disclosure podcast, Britton, 68, reminisced about Leslie’s charm, recalling how women would openly flirt with him in public. She described him as a “big, tall, handsome guy” and recalled his warmth with her four children, even helping with school runs and family meals.
“John was always acquitted of everything and has gone on to live a life of his own,” she said. “He rang me last year, and we keep in touch every couple of years. Lovely.”
Britton also reflected on her own career changes, leaving This Morning in 2009 to focus on family, and shared memories of her early broadcasting days on Breakfast Time, where she faced a challenging introduction alongside Frank Bough and Selina Scott.
Despite the past turmoil surrounding Leslie, Britton’s admiration and affection for her former co-host have endured, highlighting the personal bonds behind the public headlines.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
