Fern Britton – Age, Husband, Weight Loss and Life After This Morning
Fern Britton is a name familiar to millions of British television viewers. For a decade, she was the warm, relatable face of ITV’s This Morning, guiding the nation through daytime television. Now in her late sixties, she has successfully reinvented herself as a bestselling novelist, leaving the daily grind of live television behind for the rugged coastlines of Cornwall.
At 68 years old, Britton has experienced a life filled with public triumphs and deeply private challenges. Her journey from the bustling studios of London to a quieter life by the sea, her widely discussed weight loss, and the end of her long marriage to celebrity chef Phil Vickery have all kept her firmly in the public eye.
Fern Britton’s story is one of adaptation and resilience. Drawing on verified facts and her own public statements, a clear picture emerges of a woman navigating public life with honesty and creativity.
How Old Is Fern Britton and What Is Her Family Background?
| Born | 17 July 1957 (age 68) |
|---|---|
| Profession | Television presenter, author |
| Known for | Co-presenter of ITV’s This Morning (1999–2009) |
| Spouse | Clive Jones (div. 2000), Phil Vickery (m. 2001; sep. 2020) |
- Fern Britton gained widespread fame as co-host of This Morning alongside John Leslie and later Phillip Schofield.
- She has written 11 novels and is a Sunday Times bestselling author.
- Her significant weight loss following gastric band surgery in 2006 attracted widespread media attention.
- She currently lives in Cornwall with her daughter Winnie and three cats, focusing on her writing.
- Britton entered her 60s following significant life changes, including the death of both parents and the end of her 20-year marriage to Phil Vickery.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Fern M. Philomena Britton |
| Date of Birth | 17 July 1957 |
| Current Age | 68 years old |
| Birthplace | London, England |
| Occupation | Television presenter, author |
| Children | 4 |
| Notable Show | This Morning (ITV) |
| Books Published | 11 novels (plus autobiography and cookbook) |
A comprehensive overview of her life and career can be found on Wikipedia.
Who Is Fern Britton’s Husband?
Fern Britton is married to celebrity chef Phil Vickery. The couple exchanged vows on May 24, 2001, in a high-profile ceremony. Vickery, known for his appearances on This Morning and other cooking programs, has been a constant presence in Britton’s public life for over two decades.
Who Is Phil Vickery?
Phil Vickery is a renowned British chef, author, and television personality. He became a familiar face through his regular cooking segments on This Morning, the very show his wife co-hosted. He has published several cookbooks and continues to make media appearances.
A Relationship Redefined
In 2020, it was widely reported that Britton and Vickery had separated. This ended their 20-year marriage, though the couple has remained on good terms. Britton has spoken about the amicable nature of their split, and they continue to share family ties through their two daughters.
While Fern Britton and Phil Vickery live separately, sources confirm they remain legally married as the divorce has not been formalized. Britton has publicly stated that they maintain a strong and supportive relationship for the sake of their family.
Further details on her family life are available via her IMDB biography.
How Did Fern Britton Lose Weight?
Fern Britton’s dramatic weight loss became a major talking point in the late 2000s. She famously shed approximately 70 pounds (32 kilograms), undergoing a significant physical transformation that sparked intense public curiosity about her methods.
The Gastric Band Surgery
In 2006, Britton underwent gastric band surgery. This medical procedure involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach to restrict food intake, leading to substantial weight loss. Initially, Britton presented her new figure as the result of a strict diet and exercise regimen.
The Public Controversy
Years after the procedure, Britton openly admitted to having the surgery. This admission created a public controversy, as many fans felt misled by her initial claims of natural weight loss. The debate highlighted the immense pressure on female public figures to maintain a youthful appearance.
Britton’s initial claim that her weight loss was purely through diet and exercise, followed by her later admission of gastric band surgery, caused a significant media backlash. It remains one of the most-discussed aspects of her personal life.
Media coverage of this topic has been extensive, with outlets like the Mirror providing ongoing reports.
What Is Fern Britton Doing Now – Books, TV and Life After This Morning?
Fern Britton remains highly active, though she has pivoted her professional focus from live television to writing. She now lives in Cornwall, a setting that heavily inspires her literary work.
What Books Has Fern Britton Written?
Britton is a prolific author. Her first book was the cookbook Fern’s Family Favourites (1998). She later published an autobiography, Fern: My Story (2008). Her primary focus, however, has been fiction. She has authored 11 novels, many of which are Sunday Times bestsellers. Her 2025 release, A Cornish Legacy, is her most recent work, continuing her exploration of family secrets and coastal life. Her official website offers a full look at her biography and current life.
Her Role on This Morning and Other TV Work
Britton served as the co-presenter of ITV’s This Morning for a decade, from 1999 to 2009, initially alongside John Leslie and later Phillip Schofield. This role defined her career and made her a household name. Beyond This Morning, she hosted Ready Steady Cook (1994–2000), competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012, and was a finalist on Celebrity Big Brother in 2024, finishing in 5th place. Her extensive TV credits are detailed on her Apple TV profile.
For readers interested in the world of Strictly Come Dancing, there is a detailed profile of Alesha Dixon – Age, Husband, Children, Net Worth, Songs & Books, a former judge on the show.
Since leaving This Morning, Britton has prioritized her writing career. Her novels, rooted in the landscapes of Cornwall, have established her as a fixture on the bestseller lists. Her publisher, Penguin Random House, lists her complete body of work.
How Has Fern Britton’s Career Progressed Over the Years?
- 1957: Born in London, England.
- 1975: Married her first husband, Clive Jones.
- 1990s: Began her television career as a continuity announcer and presenter.
- 1994: Became the host of the popular cooking show Ready Steady Cook.
- 1999: Took on the role of co-presenter of ITV’s flagship daytime program This Morning.
- 2001: Married celebrity chef Phil Vickery.
- 2006: Underwent gastric band surgery for weight loss.
- 2009: Left This Morning after a decade at the helm.
- 2010s: Launched her successful career as a novelist.
- 2012: Participated as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing.
- 2020: Separated from husband Phil Vickery.
- 2024: Reached the final of Celebrity Big Brother, finishing 5th.
- 2025: Released her latest novel, A Cornish Legacy.
The personal challenges and motivations behind her career shifts are discussed in her Audible author profile.
What Facts About Fern Britton Are Certain and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth (17 July 1957) is verified by official records. | Future book projects or potential television appearances have not been formally announced. |
| She worked as a TV presenter and is a published author. | The exact status of her legal divorce from Phil Vickery has not been publicly confirmed. |
| She has four children. | Details of her daily life and health routines are largely private. |
| Her separation from Phil Vickery was confirmed in 2020. | The specifics of her long-term health and diet regime remain personal. |
General news outlets, such as the London Evening Standard, track her public appearances and any new announcements.
What Does Fern Britton’s Story Reveal About Her Public Image?
Fern Britton’s narrative is a compelling case study in the evolution of a public figure. Her transition from a beloved television personality to a critically respected author demonstrates a rare versatility in the entertainment industry.
Her This Morning tenure remains a defining career highlight, and public interest in her relationships with former co-hosts has never fully subsided. Meanwhile, media coverage often heavily emphasizes her physical transformation, a focus that has sometimes overshadowed her substantial professional achievements in literature.
Through social media, Britton provides a direct, unfiltered window into her current life in Cornwall. She shares her writing process, her daily surroundings, and moments with her daughter Winnie, carefully controlling the narrative of her present-day existence. A detailed speaker profile from the Atlantic Speaker Bureau underscores her lasting appeal as a public personality.
What Has Fern Britton Said About Her Life and Career, and Where Can Readers Find More?
Fern Britton has often expressed her joy in her new life phase. On social media, she shares glimpses of her activities with her followers.
“I have had the most happiest of weeks cycling in Austria…”
— Instagram post, @fernbritton
The public perception of her is reflected in promotional material.
“Fern’s warmth and humour have made her one of the UK’s best-loved presenters and bestselling authors.”
— Official Facebook page
For verified biographical information, Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of her life and career. Her books and author profile are best explored through Penguin Random House. Reader reviews of her autobiography, Fern: My Story, are available on Goodreads.
What Defines the Legacy of Fern Britton?
Fern Britton’s legacy is dual-fold. She is widely remembered as a warm and professional daytime television host who connected with the nation. In her later career, she successfully established herself as a beloved author, crafting stories deeply inspired by her adopted home in Cornwall. Her recent appearance on Strictly Come Dancing and a finalist spot on Celebrity Big Brother demonstrate an ongoing willingness to engage with the public in new ways. This connection to Strictly is shared by professional dancer Giovanni Pernice – Biography, Partner, Book & Latest News, offering another layer to the show’s rich history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fern Britton
What was Fern Britton like when she was young?
Described as determined and ambitious, she started her career in television continuity announcing before progressing to major presenting roles.
Where does Fern Britton live now?
She lives on the North coast of Cornwall with her daughter Winnie and three cats.
How many children does Fern Britton have?
She has four children: two sons, Harry and Jack, from her first marriage, and two daughters, Grace and Winnie, with Phil Vickery.
Did Fern Britton retire from television?
While she no longer hosts a daily show, she remains active in the industry. She participated in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother in recent years.
What is Fern Britton’s most recent book?
Her most recent novel is A Cornish Legacy, published in 2025.
Is Fern Britton still married to Phil Vickery?
They are legally married but have been separated since 2020. The divorce has not been finalized.
How old was Fern Britton when she started on This Morning?
She was 42 years old when she took on the role of co-presenter in 1999.
How many books has Fern Britton written?
She has written 11 novels, a cookbook, and an autobiography.
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