Fern ‘i’m ready to start dating’

Four years on from her divorce from Phil Vickery, Fern Britton is finally ready to hit the dating scene, as the 66-year-old revealed she is open to finding love again.

The Celebrity Big Brotherfinalist – who was married to TV chef Phil for more than 20 years – told presenter Christine Lampard during a segment on Lorraine that she would like “a bit of romance”.

According to a source, Fern’s recent stint on Celebrity Big Brother has given her the motivation she needs to look for someone special.

“Fern is ready to start dating, she’d love some romance in her life,” the source said. “CBB really gave her back her confidence. She was feeling a bit lost for a few years after leaving This Morning and the breakdown of her marriage, but her appearance on the show gave her the much-needed push she needed.”

Fern and Phil met on BBC Two’s Ready Steady Cookand soon tied the knot in 2000. However, in 2020, Fern – who shares daughter Winnie, 22, with Phil – announced on Twitter that they had decided to call it quits.

Fern, who placed fifth on Celebrity Big Brother, 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. We would appreciate it if our privacy is respected at this time. Thank you for your continued kindness and support.”

Before Phil, Fern was married to Clive Jones, former Chief Executive of ITV News and Regions, from 1988 to 2000, and they had three children together – twins Harry and Jack, 29, and daughter Grace, 26.

However, as Fern is reportedly ready to embrace a new chapter in her life, marriage is now a no-go for the star.

“Although she has said she won’t get married again, Fern would love to find someone to enjoy this time of her life with,” the source continued. “She deserves happiness after a few difficult years but, until the reaction she got while on CBB, she didn’t think she would be ready to open her heart again.”

Fern also said herself during her in the CBB house that, while marriage and cohabiting is off the cards, sharing her life with someone could be exactly what she needs.

“A little bit of going out to supper or maybe having a bit of a holiday,” she said. “Someone to talk to at the end of the day to run t