FERN Britton has admitted she fears ‘being critiqued in bed’ while opening up about dating after her divorce.
Celebrity Big Brother star Fern, 67, who shocked fans with her split from TV chef Phil Vickery, 63, in 2020, reflected on her desire for a romantic connection rather than simply “sex for sex.
In a new interview with Women & Home, she said: “It’s more [about] exposing yourself to a stranger’s eyes and [thinking], ‘Will I be critiqued badly? Do I want to be critiqued?’
“I want the ideal sex, which is romantic, gentle, fulfilling and looking into each other’s eyes.”
Adding that she doesn’t want to be given “accessories to wear or use”, Fern added: “And then, of course, I’d have to perhaps go for somebody with a big beer tummy and hairy ears.”
“Well, if I love him, that will be fine! To be seen, that’s what we would all prefer.”
The couple have never disclosed the reason for their split, however they say it was “amicable” and they will “continue to be friends”.
Fern revealed the news on January 30, 2020.
She wrote on Twitter 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.”
However, in September 2022 Phil was spotted kissing his ex-wife’s best friend Lorraine Stanton.
Speaking in 2023 about there break up, Fern told Good Housekeeping: “I didn’t expect to be 65 and single and really relaxed.
“It’s like recovering from a shock and it’s taken me a while to do that.”
Phil and Fern met on This Morning back in the 90s, when she hosted alongside Phillip Schofield.
Fern told the Telegraph in 2016: “The boys were four; Grace hadn’t even started toddling.
“I remember thinking at the time that nobody was going to take a 40-something woman with three kids.
“Then, one day at work, someone said, ‘Phil Vickery fancies you.’ And I went, ‘Remind me – which one is he?'”
The pair went on to wed in 2000 and, before Phil, Fern was married to Clive Jones who she wed in 1988.
However, they divorced in 1998 after 10 years together.
Phil split from his long-term partner Sarah Ann Lock in 1999.
The former couple share daughter Winnie together, who was born in August 2001.
Fern also has twins Harry and Jack, and daughter Grace with her ex Clive Jones.
