Fern Britton is set to grace our screens once again tonight on Richard Osman's House of Games. The beloved former This Morning host has opened up about her relationship with her grown-up children, admitting she yearns for more time with them after her split from TV chef Phil Vickery. Britton, who shares her youngest daughter, Winnie, with Vickery, also has three older children—Harry, Jack, and Grace—from her first marriage to Clive Jones.
During a heartfelt interview with Hello! Magazine back in November, Fern revealed her desire for more family time, explaining the distance between them: "The boys are nearly 31 and they're busy in their own lives, but they're good guys. We live a long way from each other, but we speak a lot – they ask me how I am and that's great. That's all I need. I'd like to see them more, but that's life." This candid reflection showcases her longing for connection, highlighting the challenges modern families face as children mature and lead independent lives.
Since her separation from Vickery—an announcement made to the surprise of many fans in 2020—Fern has been residing with Winnie in Cornwall. Speaking fondly of her daughter during the same interview, she said, "Winnie is amazing. She lives with me and works as a labourer on a building site. Then she sits at the sewing machine; she made me a jacket the other day out of a great big cotton shawl. They are very kind to me, and very thoughtful." This not only underlines the strong bond they share but also showcases Winnie's talent and industrious nature.
Fern also touched on her relationship with Vickery, indicating they maintain what's described as a "basic level" of contact for the sake of their daughter Winnie. She expressed, "On those basic levels [we connect], but I don't need to know what he's doing in his personal life. That's not my business anymore." This quote captures the essence of their co-parenting dynamic, highlighting the emotional distance and the new boundaries both have set following their separation.
The couple first met on the set of BBC Two's Ready Steady Cook, and they later collaborated on various programs, including This Morning. They confirmed their divorce via social media, wherein Fern stated, "After more than 20 happy years together, Phil and I have decided to go our separate ways. We will always share a great friendship and our lovely children. We would appreciate it if our privacy is respected at this time. Thank you for your continued kindness and support." This public statement set the tone for their respectful separation, emphasizing the importance of their children's well-being.
Fern's reflections resonate with many, as they highlight the universal challenges of balancing family connections with the realities of adult life. While her children grow and engage with their own responsibilities, her heartfelt admissions reveal her persistent desire for closeness and the fulfillment derived from such relationships.
Her upcoming appearance on Richard Osman's House of Games serves as not just another television gig but as part of her continued re-engagement with the public. It exemplifies her resilience and her commitment to maintaining her presence within both personal and professional realms even as she navigates the emotional aftermath of her recent changes.
Britton's candid thoughts offer insight not just for her fans but for any parent balancing the joys and bittersweet moments of seeing their children grow up. Her acknowledgment of the distance—both physical and emotional—provides comfort to those experiencing similar feelings, reminding them they're not alone. The blend of nostalgia, pride, and yearning she expresses encapsulates the bittersweet nature of parenthood and the indelible bonds of family.