Fearne Cotton has officially moved on, finding new love just 11 weeks after her public split from husband Jesse Wood. The beloved TV presenter and podcaster was recently photographed sharing affectionate kisses with TV director Elliot Hegarty during a night out, marking the first glimpse of her post-marriage happiness.
The 43-year-old media personality announced her separation from Jesse Wood, son of Rolling Stone legend Ronnie Wood, on December 16, following ten years of marriage. This announcement came just days after the couple celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary, raising eyebrows among fans who admired their relationship.
The budding romance with Hegarty, 53, reportedly began around the same time as their respective marital dissolutions. A source divulged to The Sun, "Fearne and Elliot have known each other for a long time. When their marriages ended, their friendship blossomed.” Elliot, who divorced his wife Laura—mother of his three kids—on Boxing Day, has been said to make Fearne truly happy.
During their recent outing, Fearne was caught smiling widely as she and Elliot enjoyed each other's company, holding hands and affectionately kissing on the streets of London’s Soho. Friends have noted how they are comfortable and happy together, implying the relationship has been going on quietly since January.
Fearne's marriage to Jesse was not without its struggles. Just prior to the split, she opened up about the trials their relationship faced, especially as Jesse’s commitments with his band Reef demanded much of his time. Fearne reflected on their challenges honestly, stating, “We were both desperately clinging on to our marriage.”
Fearne explained the emotional difficulty she encountered during the separation. She stated, "It is with a heavy heart I let you all know Jesse and I are ending our marriage. Our priority has been, and always will be, our children." This focus on her family's well-being continues to be central to her narrative as she navigates her new relationship.
Further insight came from her social media where she candidly expressed her emotional struggles post-split. Fearne reflected, "I can't pretend everything's going swimmingly. I think we all know that's not true.” Such admissions showcase her vulnerability and desire for authenticity as she faces life after divorce.
Fearne and Jesse share two children, 11-year-old Rex and eight-year-old Honey, and they are also step-parents to Jesse’s children from his previous relationship. Through the highs and lows of her marriage, Fearne has remained committed to providing stability for their blended family.
While Jesse has yet to make any public statements following Fearne’s new romance, he is described as being blindsided by the news. Sources have indicated it has been challenging for him, highlighting the complex emotions surrounding their separation.
Despite these challenges, Fearne has seemed eager to embrace this new chapter. Her happiness with Elliot has surfaced strongly as she introduces him to her friends, including TV fashion consultant Gok Wan, indicating she feels supported and uplifted.
Hegarty, known for his directing work on BBC's Cheaters and Disney+'s Rivals, is also seen as being at a personal crossroads, having recently exited his marriage. Friends of the new couple applaud their connection, with one remarking, “They’re pleased to see her smiling again.”
This new relationship appears to have positively impacted Fearne, who’s actively working on her mental health. She recently discussed her commitment to therapy, explaining how self-reflection and healing are integral to her life moving forward.
Overall, Fearne's transition from her marriage to her new romance provides a potent reminder of resilience and the possibility of new beginnings, particularly after challenging times. With her podcast Happy Place gaining momentum and her newfound love life garnering public interest, Fearne seems to be reclaiming her happiness one day at a time.
Fearne's story reflects not only her personal evolution but also the broader narrative of facing change with grace and optimism. Whether through her career or her heart, Fearne Cotton continues to resonate with her audience, reminding them of the importance of family, happiness, and the courage to start anew.