From This Morning to Bellringing: Fern Britton’s Journey

Fern Britton shares insights into her career transitions, personal struggles, and newfound passions in this heartfelt reflection.

Fern Britton, a name synonymous with daytime television, has always had a unique charm that blended warmth with a touch of unpredictability. Her sudden resignation from This Morning in 2009 took everyone by surprise, including herself. Amidst rumors of a feud with her co-host Phillip Schofield, Britton made a bold decision to walk away from her high-profile role without a backup plan.

Her departure was not driven by fear of the unknown. ‘No, there’s something in me that decides very fast when I’ve got to get out,’ she confessed. This fearless attitude propelled her into new ventures, including presenting her own chat show and hosting BBC Two’s The Big Allotment Challenge.

Today, she enjoys a peaceful life in Cornwall, where she is working on her 12th novel.

Navigating Personal Turbulence

The past decade has been a rollercoaster for Britton. The loss of her parents and the end of her 20-year marriage to TV chef Phil Vickery marked a tumultuous period.

At 63, she found herself in an era of indolence as she describes it in her 2026 book, where she stopped exercising, overeated, and even took up smoking. However, she has since reversed these habits and embraced a healthier lifestyle.

‘You get through troubled water,’ she says, reflecting on her journey. ‘I’m getting tougher and less worried about things.’ Her mother’s wisdom, reminding her that bad times will pass, has been a guiding light. Britton has also found solace in weekly therapy, which has helped her let go of past hurts. ‘Life feels lighter and easier, and you can be kinder,’ she shares, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness.

From Television to Writing and Beyond

Britton’s television career began in the early 1980s when she moved from Buckinghamshire to London to study stage management. After sending over 70 letters to TV and radio stations, she landed a job as a continuity announcer at Westward Television in Plymouth. Her resilience and determination quickly propelled her to present BBC local news and eventually to the BBC’s newly launched morning show, Breakfast Time.

Her journey was not without challenges. Britton faced sexism and inappropriate behavior in the industry, including an encounter with Frank Bough, a renowned TV presenter at the time. ‘Frank just measured women by how attractive and ‘fuckable’ they were,’ she recalls. Despite these obstacles, Britton’s resilience and sense of self kept her going. ‘I know that I’m not a pushover,’ she asserts.

In her 2008 memoir, Britton bravely shared her experience of sexual assault at the age of 21. ‘I didn’t even know that it had a name until about 10 years later,’ she admits. This revelation has influenced her daughters, who are strong feminists and have taught her a lot about standing up for oneself.

Embracing New Passions

Since leaving This Morning Britton has found joy in various new endeavors. Her latest passion is bellringing at her local church, which she describes as ‘marvellous.’ She also enjoys presenting Fern Britton: Inside the Vet’s on ITV, a show that highlights the compassionate care of Bristol vets. ‘I could watch it all day, soothed by the calm care of these vets,’ she says.

Britton’s children have also been a source of pride for her. None of them have followed in her footsteps to become influencers; instead, they have pursued meaningful careers. ‘They’ve never been like that,’ she laughs, recalling her elder daughter’s candid remark about her job being ‘really boring.’

As she approaches her 70s, Britton reflects on her life with a sense of contentment. ‘I think about how I was when I was 17, 18, 19, and everything was so much fun,’ she says. Her journey from television stardom to writing and bellringing is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. ‘I am absolutely prepared for things to stop and change,’ she concludes, embracing the uncertainties of life with a smile.