Former This Morning presenter Fern Britton has opened up on her struggles with having children with her ex-husband Phil Vickery and admitted it was the “last chance saloon.”
While speaking to Kate Thornton in the latest instalment of her podcast White Wine Question Time, Fern, 64, shared insight into her IVF experience with her first husband Clive Jones.
The star also expressed the issues she had trying to conceive with TV chef Phil and how they both believed that they were running out of time.
During Fern’s first marriage to Clive, the former couple had twin boys, Jack and Harry, after conceiving through IVF.
The couple later had a daughter named Grace.
Speaking candidly, to presenter Kate, Fern opened up on how her marriage broke down when her daughter Grace was five months old.
She said: “Unfortunately my marriage broke up when she was five months [old]. So that was a tricky one so I had a year of really digging deep, but then a year later I met Phil.
She continued: “We were married after a year so that was two years since Gracie was born.
“And then the last chance saloon, I always say it’s late-night shopping just before the doors close, Winnie arrived.”
(Image: PA)
Luckily for Fern and TV chef Phil they later welcomed their daughter in August 2021.
Fern added: “So that was exciting and then we had Winnie.”
The TV personality also explained the difficulties that can come with IVF treatment and said: “Anyone who has been through IVF knows about those drugs and the enormity of building your hopes and dashing them, it’s extreme.”
After her marriage to Clive, author Fern appeared alongside Phil on BBC’s Ready Steady Cook and married in 2000.
But in January 2020, the famous couple announced that their relationship had come to an end.
(Image: PA)
In a public statement posted on Twitter, Fern wrote 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.”
The star also requested privacy from fans and thanked fans for their continuous support.
She added: “We would appreciate it if our privacy is respected at this time.
“Thank you for your continued kindness and support.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
