‘I was knocked for six’ says Fern Britton as she opens up on marriage split from Phil Vickery
FERN Britton has confessed she was "knocked for six" while opening up on her marriage split from Phil Vickery.
Presenter Fern, 66, and TV chef Phil, 62, were once known as TV's golden couple - which is why fans were left shocked when they announced their split four years ago.
The pair, who were married for 20 years, have never disclosed the reason, however they insisted it was "amicable" at the time.
But, in a new interview with the Daily Mail's Weekend magazine, the broadcaster has given a rare glimpse into her separation.
Speaking before her Celebrity Big Brother entrance, she told the publication, “Looking back, I don’t think I was as sane as I thought I was at the time.
"I remember endless days of indolence, not being able to go anywhere, not doing anything, not wanting to get out of bed.
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“I’m rebuilt and I’m doing okay. I was not suicidal, but life had knocked me for six. I was lost, then I found a bit of purpose again and it’s been lovely.”
She added, “We simply needed to follow our own paths. Over time we realised we weren’t necessarily having the kind of life we once did. It seemed right to say, 'Thank you,’ and move on.
Fern revealed the news on January 30, 2020.
She wrote on Twitter at the time: "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."
However, in September 2022 Phil was spotted kissing his ex-wife's best friend Lorraine Stanton.
Speaking last year about the break up, Fern told Good Housekeeping: "I didn't expect to be 65 and single and really relaxed.
"It's like recovering from a shock and it's taken me a while to do that."
Phil and Fern met on This Morning back in the 90s, when she hosted alongside Phillip Schofield, and went on to wed in 2000.
The former couple share daughter Winnie together, who was born in August 2001.
Fern also has twins Harry and Jack, and daughter Grace with her ex-husband Clive Jones.
