Fern Britton breaks social media silence with emotional post

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 2 February 2020

Fern Britton has taken to twitter to thank her fans for their support following the news that she and husband Phil Vickery have decided to separate.

The emotional message from Fern Britton read, ‘Hello. Thank you so much for all your kind messages. They are so appreciated.

‘More than you know. The kindness of strangers is overwhelming.’

The 62-year-old former This Morning presenter recently announced she is and celebrity chef Phil will be ending her 20-year marriage, but insisted the pair will "always share a great friendship".

The pair met on the set of This Morning and went on to marry in spring 2000. Speaking of their early romance, Fern revealed that initially she was surprised that the relationship happened in the first place.

MORE:Fern Britton and Phil Vickery reveal they've split after more than 20 years together

She told The Telegraph in 2016, "The boys were four; Grace hadn't even started toddling. I remember thinking at the time that nobody was going to take a 40-something woman with three kids.

"Then, one day at work, someone said, 'Phil Vickery fancies you.' And I went, 'Remind me - which one is he?'"

Fern announced the news on twitter on January 30 2020. She wrote, ‘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.

MORE:Fern Britton reveals dad Tony has sadly passed away aged 95

‘We would appreciate it if our privacy is respected at this time. Thank you for your continued kindness and support.’

Fans were quick to show their support for Fern. ‘So sorry to hear this Fern but you and Phil know only too well what you need to do for yourselves’, wrote one fan.

A photo posted by on

‘20 years is a success and knowing when to move to new things is wise. Good luck for the next chapter!’ commented another.

‘Lots of love to you Fern. Hopefully you can both move forward amicably without too much pressure from the gutter press x’ said another.

Wishing you both the best of luck!

Lauren is the former Deputy Digital Editor at woman&home and became a journalist mainly because she enjoys being nosy. With a background in features journalism, Lauren worked on the woman&home brand for four years before going freelance. Before woman&home Lauren worked across a variety of women's lifestyle titles, including GoodTo, Woman's Own, and Woman magazine.