‘I miss being with people my age’: Fern Britton admits to being lonely during lockdown after her split from Phil Vickery but says she feels ‘liberated’
Fern Britton has admitted she feels lonely as she adjusts to life apart from her ex-husband Phil Vickery.
The TV presenter, 62, split up with the chef after 20 years of marriage in January.
The former This Morning host told this week’s OK! magazine that she misses Phil’s friendship, even though it was the right time to call it quits.
Adjusting: Fern Britton has admitted feeling lonely and missing company her own age during lockdown after her split with Phil Vickery
She said: ‘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.’
But just weeks after their split, Fern found herself in lockdown with daughters Winnie, 18, and Grace, 23, who she shares with Clive Jones from her first marriage.
Fern said she is trying to view this time as a gift and a chance to reflect.
Happy times: The presenter was with chef Phil for 20 happy years but she admits it was the right time to move on
She admitted: ‘I think we all have elements of loneliness. I’m living with my two daughters so I’m not physically lonely, but sometimes you get a bit lonely in the brainbox. I miss being with people my age.’
But the star said she is happy in herself and ready for the next chapter in her life.
She said: ‘I feel very liberated right now. Obviously things are painful and obviously things hurt. Nobody wants to have a relationship break down. But I’m okay.’
The presenter broke her silence on their split as she said she and Phil were still the ‘best of friends’, but is happy on her own.
Happy: Fern has revealed she does miss her estranged husband six months after announcing they were filing for divorce (pictured in 2019)
Fern reflected on their relationship in an interview with Weekend Magazine: ‘We had a wonderful time. We were the best of friends. And I miss that friendship.’
‘There comes a point when the children are substantially off your hands and you look at each other and wonder where you’re going to go from here.’
However, Fern admitted she is now happy on her own and not looking to get married again.
Reminiscing: The former This Morning presenter shared: ‘We had a wonderful time. We were the best of friends. And I miss that friendship’ (pictured in 2007)
Fern and Phil share 18-year-old daughter Winnie, whilst the Ready Steady Cook presenter also has twins Harry and Jack, 26, and Grace, 23, with former husband Clive Jones.
She went on: ‘I don’t want anyone. I can do it by myself. I don’t feel lonely. I like my own company. I realised not long ago that I was married, on and off, for 33 years.’
Fern said she is really looking forward to the next 20 years as she finds herself ‘joining the army of silver splitters’.
Announcement: The couple shared matching statements on their Twitter pages to announce the end of their marriage as they thanked fans for their ‘kindness and support’
On Twitter, both Fern and Phil wrote matching statements which read: ‘After more than 20 happy years together, [we] 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. [sic]’
The couple tied the knot 20 years ago in 2000, after Fern had split from Clive in the same year following a 12-year marriage.
The couple met on This Morning when Fern hosted the show alongside Philip Schofield – who now hosts with Holly Willoughby – and the star previously said she never thought she would find love again as a mother of three children.
Their announcement was met with support from their followers.
Still friends: The television presenter and chef announced in their split statement ‘we will always share a great friendship and our lovely children’ (pictured 2007)