Fern Britton is a familiar face to British television audiences, best known for co-hosting ITV’s This Morning for a decade. In recent years, she has built a second career as a bestselling novelist, all while navigating significant personal changes. This article covers her age, family, career, books, and where she is now in 2025.
Born on 17 July 1957, Fern Britton is a television presenter and author who has remained in the public eye for over four decades. From her early days as a BBC newsreader to her long-running role on daytime TV, she has reinvented herself multiple times. Her most recent chapter includes a move to Cornwall, a separation from her husband, and the release of her latest novel.
Britton is the daughter of actor Tony Britton and holds a motorbike and powerboat license, reflecting an adventurous side that continues to define her lifestyle. She currently lives in Cornwall and remains active on social media, sharing glimpses of her daily life with followers.
Who is Fern Britton? Age, Biography and Early Life
- Fern Britton is a veteran TV presenter best known for co-hosting This Morning from 2000 to 2009.
- She is also a successful novelist with 11 Sunday Times bestselling books.
- Her personal life—marriage to chef Phil Vickery and her children—is of high interest.
- Britton has undergone a notable weight loss transformation, often covered in media.
- She remains active in 2025, cycling and promoting her books.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Fern M. Philomena Britton |
| Birth Date | 17 July 1957 |
| Age (2025) | 67-68 |
| Birthplace | England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Television presenter, author |
| Years Active | 1980s–present |
| Spouse | Phil Vickery (m. 2000, separated 2024) |
| Children | 4 (Jack, Harry, Grace, Winnie) |
| Notable Works | The Holiday Home, A Seaside Affair, A Cornish Legacy |
Who is Fern Britton’s Husband? Family and Children
Fern Britton married celebrity chef Phil Vickery in 2000. The couple were together for 24 years before announcing their separation in late 2024. They have stated they remain close for the sake of their family. Britton was previously married to Clive Jones, with whom she had three children.
Britton has four children in total. With her first husband, Clive Jones, she had twin sons Jack and Harry, and a daughter named Grace. With Phil Vickery, she has a daughter named Winnie. The family has largely stayed out of the spotlight, though Britton occasionally shares updates about them on social media.
Britton and Phil Vickery separated in 2024 after 24 years of marriage. Both have said they remain friends and are committed to co-parenting their daughter Winnie. No official divorce has been confirmed as of 2025.
What Are Fern Britton’s Books? Author Career
Fern Britton is a Sunday Times bestselling author of 11 novels and two non-fiction books. Many of her novels are set in Cornwall, reflecting her deep connection to the region where she now lives. Her writing career began in earnest after she left This Morning.
Non-Fiction Works
Britton published a cookbook, Fern’s Family Favourites, in 1998. Her autobiography, Fern, My Story, was released in 2008 and became a Top Ten bestseller.
Novels in Order
Her first novel, New Beginnings, was published in 2011. Since then, she has released a steady stream of fiction, often set in Cornwall. Her 2025 novel A Cornish Legacy debuted at number six on the Hardback Fiction Bestseller chart.
- New Beginnings (2011)
- Hidden Treasures (2012)
- The Holiday Home (2013)
- A Seaside Affair (2014)
- A Good Catch (2015)
- The Postcard (2016)
- Coming Home (2018)
- The Newcomer (2019)
- Daughters of Cornwall (2020)
- The Good Servant (2022)
- A Cornish Legacy (2025)
What Happened with Fern Britton and This Morning?
Fern Britton co-hosted This Morning alongside Phillip Schofield from 2000 to 2009. The pairing became one of the most recognisable duos in British daytime television. She left the show in 2009, stating at the time that it was time to move on to other projects.
Before This Morning, Britton had a varied broadcasting career. She began as a continuity announcer for the BBC and later became the youngest national news presenter to host News After Noon on BBC1. She also fronted the popular cookery show Ready Steady Cook.
Britton became the youngest national news presenter in BBC history when she hosted News After Noon. This early achievement set the stage for her long career in television.
How Did Fern Britton Lose Weight? Health and Lifestyle
Fern Britton lost approximately 70 lbs (32 kg) after undergoing gastric band surgery in 2006. The procedure was widely reported in the media at the time, with outlets such as the Evening Standard covering her journey. Britton has spoken about feeling healthier and happier as a result of the weight loss, though she has not promoted any specific diet or exercise program as the sole method.
Her transformation has been a topic of public curiosity for years. It is important to note that the exact details of her ongoing diet and exercise routine are not publicly documented in a structured way. The weight loss is attributed to the surgical intervention rather than a specific branded plan.
Where is Fern Britton Now? Current Activities
As of 2025, Fern Britton lives in Cornwall. She continues to write novels and promote her books through her official website and social media channels. Her latest novel, A Cornish Legacy, was published in 2025 and became a bestseller.
Britton remains active on Instagram, where she shares updates about her writing, her daily life in Cornwall, and her hobbies. She has been seen cycling in Austria and enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle. She also fronted a revival of Watercolour Challenge for Channel 5 in 2022.
Fern Britton’s net worth has not been officially confirmed. Various online estimates exist, but no verified figure is available from reliable sources. Any claims about her finances should be treated as speculative.
Timeline of Fern Britton’s Life and Career
- 1957: Born in England on 17 July.
- Early 1980s: Began career as a continuity announcer and BBC presenter.
- 1990s: Hosted various BBC shows, including Ready Steady Cook.
- 2000-2009: Co-hosted This Morning with Phillip Schofield.
- 2006: Underwent gastric band surgery, leading to significant weight loss.
- 2009: Left This Morning to pursue writing and other projects.
- 2010s: Published multiple bestselling novels, many set in Cornwall.
- 2022: Fronted the revival of Watercolour Challenge on Channel 5.
- 2024: Announced separation from husband Phil Vickery after 24 years of marriage.
- 2025: Published A Cornish Legacy; remains active on social media and in Cornwall.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Fern Britton?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born 17 July 1957. | Exact current marital status (separation reported but not legally finalised). |
| Presented This Morning from 2000 to 2009. | Exact net worth figure. |
| Wrote 11 novels and two non-fiction books. | Specific details of her current diet or exercise routine. |
| Married Phil Vickery in 2000; separated in 2024. | Whether she has had any cosmetic procedures. |
| Lost 70 lbs after gastric band surgery in 2006. | Future television projects beyond writing. |
Why Does Fern Britton Remain a Topic of Interest?
Fern Britton continues to attract public attention for several reasons. Nostalgia for the This Morning era, when she co-hosted alongside Phillip Schofield, remains strong among daytime TV viewers. For more on the show’s legacy, see Best This Morning presenters of all time. Her transition from television presenter to bestselling author is a career shift that many find inspiring.
Public curiosity about her personal transformation, including her weight loss and her separation from Phil Vickery, keeps her in the news. Her active presence on social media allows fans to follow her current life in Cornwall, which contrasts with her earlier high-profile television career.
Compared to other daytime TV presenters who have moved into writing, Britton’s success is notable. She has maintained a consistent output of novels while also staying connected to her audience through digital platforms.
What Do Sources Say About Fern Britton?
“It was time to move on.”
— Fern Britton on leaving This Morning, as reported by the Evening Standard.
“I feel healthier and happier.”
— Fern Britton on her weight loss, as shared on Instagram and reported by the Evening Standard.
Key sources for this article include Fern Britton Wikipedia, her official website, and her Instagram account. Additional reporting from the Evening Standard and her Facebook page provided further context.
What’s Next for Fern Britton?
Fern Britton is likely to continue writing and promoting her books. She remains active on social media and may appear in occasional media interviews. No new television projects have been announced as of 2025, but her cycling trip to Austria suggests she is enjoying an active lifestyle. Readers can check her official website for upcoming book events and releases. For more on her career context, see our article on UK daytime TV presenters who became authors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fern Britton
What is Fern Britton’s net worth?
Not publicly confirmed; estimates vary widely. No official figure is available.
Did Fern Britton have plastic surgery?
No confirmed statements. Weight loss could account for appearance changes.
Does Fern Britton have a new book coming out?
Check her official website or social media for upcoming releases.
How old is Fern Britton?
She was born on 17 July 1957, making her 67-68 years old in 2025.
Who is Fern Britton married to?
She married chef Phil Vickery in 2000. They separated in 2024 but remain friends.
How many children does Fern Britton have?
She has four children: twin sons Jack and Harry, daughter Grace, and daughter Winnie.
Why did Fern Britton leave This Morning?
She left in 2009, stating it was time to move on to other projects, including writing.
What is Fern Britton doing now?
She lives in Cornwall, writes novels, and is active on Instagram. She also enjoys cycling.
What are Fern Britton’s books in order?
Her novels include New Beginnings (2011) through A Cornish Legacy (2025). See the full list above.
Is Fern Britton still married to Phil Vickery?
The couple separated in 2024 after 24 years of marriage. No divorce has been officially confirmed.
Jack Sutton is Senior Reporter at RegionalReport.co.uk, covering breaking regional news, councils, transport, business and community stories across the UK.