Advertisement

Fern Britton details reason behind Phil Vickery split: 'We needed to follow our own paths'

Fern Britton and Phil Vickery are set to "follow [their] own paths". (Photo by Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images)
Fern Britton and Phil Vickery are set to "follow [their] own paths". (Photo by Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images)

Fern Britton has divulged the reason behind her split from husband Phil Vickery, explaining that they weren't having “the kind of life [they] once did".

It comes after the pair, who share 18-year-old daughter Winnie, announced they would be parting ways via their Twitter accounts in January after 20 "happy years" together.

In an interview with Woman and Home magazine, Britton shared: "We simply needed to follow our own paths. 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.

Read more: Sharon Osbourne was 'broken in every sense' after Ozzy's affair

"But we do have a good friendship. Phil and I had the greatest fun together and we have the most beautiful daughter together, Winnie.... as so we will always be connected."

Fern Britton And Phil Vickery Attend The Tv Quick & Tv Choice Awards At London'S Dorchester Hotel. (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)
Fern Britton And Phil Vickery Attend The Tv Quick & Tv Choice Awards At London'S Dorchester Hotel. (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

She also shared: “At this moment in my life I'm feeling really confident, strong and quite indestructible. There are times, of course, when I've been very low and finding life difficult.”

The 62-year-old was previously married to TV executive Clive Jones, whom she split from in January 1998.

She has three children from the marriage, twin sons Jack and Harry as well as daughter Grace.

Fern Britton attends the 'Costa Book Awards' 2018 at Quaglinoâ™s on January 30, 2018 in London, Englan  (Photo by Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Fern Britton attends the 'Costa Book Awards' 2018 at Quaglinoâ™s on January 30, 2018 in London, Englan (Photo by Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Britton met Vickery on Ready Steady Cook in 2000 after separating from her first husband.

They made almost identical statements when announced they would be parting ways, with Britton sharing: “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.

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