Fern Britton on Surviving TV in the 1980s and Beyond 2026

Claire Hodges
Fern Britton on Surviving TV in the 1980s and Beyond
This page may contain affiliate links.

Fern Britton survived TV in the 1980s with an appealing mix of warmth, no-nonsense capability, and a hint of danger. On the daytime TV behemoth that is This Morning, Britton always stood out as a presenter who could charm viewers while keeping a steeliness beneath the surface. Her career spanned decades, from early roles in regional television to becoming a household name alongside Phillip Schofield.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Britton began her television journey in the 1980s, a time when female presenters faced immense pressure to conform. She worked her way up through local news and magazine shows, eventually landing a spot on This Morning in 1999. Her on-screen chemistry with co-host Phillip Schofield made the show a ratings success, but behind the scenes, tensions brewed.


Furniture with Meaning

Find Original, High-end Home Decor that spark conversation at Grand Goldman Shop.


The Scorched-Earth Resignation

In 2009, Britton shocked the industry by resigning from This Morning without a backup plan. Amid rumors of a feud with Schofield, she walked away from a high-paying job. “I’m not scared of the future,” she said. “I’m not scared of stepping into nothing.” This bold move defined her resilience.

ADVERTISEMENT
Key Milestone Year Impact
Joined This Morning 1999 Became a top daytime TV host
Resigned from show 2009 Left without a new job
Published first novel 2014 Transitioned to author

Life After Television

After leaving This Morning, Britton hosted her own chatshow and presented BBC Two’s The Big Allotment Challenge. She also became a successful author, writing 12 novels. Today, she lives in Cornwall, enjoying a quieter life with tea and M&S fruit loaf.

Personal Challenges and Resilience

Britton’s 60s brought turbulence: the deaths of her parents and the end of her marriage to TV chef Phil Vickery. She entered an “era of indolence,” but reversed course by quitting smoking and exercising again. “You get through troubled water,” she reflects. “I’m getting tougher and less worried about things.”

  • Key Takeaway: Fern Britton’s career shows the power of taking risks and walking away when necessary.
  • Key Takeaway: She survived the 1980s TV industry by blending warmth with steeliness.
  • Key Takeaway: Her post-TV life as an author proves reinvention is possible at any age.

FAQ

What made Fern Britton resign from This Morning?

Britton resigned abruptly in 2009 amid rumors of a feud with co-host Phillip Schofield, choosing to walk away without a new job lined up.

How did Fern Britton survive TV in the 1980s?

She survived by being warm yet no-nonsense, working her way up from regional TV to become a star on This Morning.

ADVERTISEMENT

What is Fern Britton doing now?

She lives in Cornwall, working on her 12th novel, and enjoys a peaceful life with close friends.

ADVERTISEMENT
Claire Hodges

Author

Claire Hodges

Claire Hodge is a seasoned writer and the head of content for the "Celebrities & Culture" magazine at Grand Goldman. With a background in journalism and a passion for Pop Culture / Fashion, she brings a unique blend of expertise and creativity. Her insightful articles and in-depth interviews have made her a bold voice in the industry, known for her ability to capture the idiosyncrasies of celebrity lives and cultural trends.


SPONSORED

Get Lifetime Access to the Lastest Movies, with Exclusive Offers & Free Express Order Delivery.

Nonstick Cookware Safety: What You Need to Know About PFAS

Nonstick Cookware Safety: What You Need to Know About PFAS

Is nonstick cookware safe? That's the question many home cooks are asking as concerns about PFAS "forever chemicals" in kitchen products grow. With...

Read
The best paddle surf board isn't at Decathlon: it's this one with thousands of accessories and outlet pricing - Grand Goldman

The best paddle surf board isn't at Decathlon: it's this one with thousands of accessories and outlet pricing - Grand Goldman

Even if you keep up a great workout routine all year round, when vacation time comes, we usually tend to slack off and put training aside. A good w...

Read
This is the best time to get cheap, good running shoes: here's why - Grand Goldman

This is the best time to get cheap, good running shoes: here's why - Grand Goldman

Running is an accessible sport and we only need a little time and a good pair of running shoes to get going, which we can find right now at a good ...

Read
Sports sunglasses: which is the best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

Sports sunglasses: which is the best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

The sun gives us energy that is vital for our system, but it can also harm us, which is why protection is vital. As Paracelsus said: the dose makes...

Read
The best folding stationary bikes: which one to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

The best folding stationary bikes: which one to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

When looking for a way to stay in shape from the comfort of our own home, few options are better than getting an exercise bike or a recumbent bike ...

Read
Pull-up bar: which one is best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

Pull-up bar: which one is best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

Pull-ups are undoubtedly one of the best exercises you can do to train your back and core muscles. Choosing a pull-up bar is not simple, as there a...

Read
Sports headphones: which is the best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

Sports headphones: which is the best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

There are times when exercising can get a bit boring and tedious; not every day we are and we need an external stimulus to encourage us to train. ...

Read
Sports Sunglasses: Which Is Best to Buy? Tips and Recommendations - Grand Goldman

Sports Sunglasses: Which Is Best to Buy? Tips and Recommendations - Grand Goldman

The sun provides us with energy that is vital for our system, but at the same time, it can be harmful. As Paracelsus said: the dose makes the poiso...

Read
These are the best thermal bottles to stay hydrated during this heat wave while we train in summer - Grand Goldman

These are the best thermal bottles to stay hydrated during this heat wave while we train in summer - Grand Goldman

We are experiencing one of the toughest weeks of summer, with places in the country reaching nearly 45º, making going outside dangerous, and even m...

Read
Adidas Salomon Reebok: the best deals on running and training shoes on Amazon Prime Day - Grand Goldman

Adidas Salomon Reebok: the best deals on running and training shoes on Amazon Prime Day - Grand Goldman

Finally, the Prime Day 2023 has begun, where we can find great deals on the Amazon website between July 11 and 12. We are sure that sports enthusia...

Read

ADVERTISEMENT




SPONSORED