Fern Britton wishes she could have ‘persevered’ with Phil Vickery marriage

Fern Britton wished she was the kind of person that could have “persevered” when it came to the break down of her marriage to Phil Vickery.

The 64-year-old television persenter was married to the This Morning chef for 20 years before the couple announced their split in 2020.

Reflecting on the end of her marriage during a conversation with Prima Magazine, Britton admitted she didn’t want to be come the “poster girl” for separation but urged others to do so if they face a “cross roads”.

Since her split, Britton has been enjoying a new chapter in her life.

She has since released a new book and isn’t looking to start dating anytime soon.

“This new chapter has come at the right time for me. I don’t want to be the poster girl for separation, though, because a lot of people go through the same thing,” she told the publication.

She added: “Often, the children leave home and you look at each other and go, ‘Ah, where do we go from here?’ I only wish I was the sort of person who could have persevered through that, but I couldn’t.”

Britton also urged others to consider their options if they find themselves in an unhappy relationship.

She continued: “If you find yourself in a situation where you’re at a crossroads, have courage. Look into yourself and ask, ‘How do I feel?’ If the answer is, ‘Pretty depressed,’ you don’t have to conform just because you think other people want you to. Do it for yourself.”

At the time of their separation, both Britton and Vickery shared a joint message on social media in which they maintained they shared a good friendship.

“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,” the message read.

Britton and Vickery are parents to a 21-year-old daughter called Winnie.

She also shares twin sons and a daughter with her first husband Clive.