‘My family's BIG SECRET'
WOMAN'S OWN|July 06, 2020
Newly single Fern Britton reveals the scandal that rocked her entire family…
GEORGIA FARQUHARSON
‘My family's BIG SECRET'

Fern Britton is enjoying a quieter life in Cornwall after turning the holiday home she shared with husband Phil Vickery into her permanent base following their shock split earlier this year.

And she’s using the downtime for her writing, with the Cornish retreat providing the perfect haven to inspire creativity.

But not all of Fern’s inspiration is as bright and bubbly as the TV star herself, with Fern, 62, recently opening up about the family scandal that forms the basis of her latest novel, Daughters of Cornwall.

Here, Fern reveals more about the illegitimate son her grandmother kept hidden for decades…

THE BIG FAMILY SECRET

Fern has been harbouring a secret since the 80s that has only emerged as her new book, Daughters of Cornwall, is inspired by it.

Telling the story of her grandmother Beryl’s ‘secret child’, Fern reveals, ‘Just before World War One, my mother’s mother fell in love with somebody. We’re not sure who, but she had a baby.’

Although Fern’s grandmother was forced to give the baby away as it was out of wedlock, Fern admits he later reached out after seeing her on television. ‘He came into our lives in the 80s,’ she explains. ‘He wrote to me when I was on television, asking, “Is this your mother…” and “is this your grandmother?”’

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMAN'S OWNView all
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
WOMAN'S OWN

'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'

Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals

time-read
2 mins  |
September 23, 2024
THE MISSING PIECE
WOMAN'S OWN

THE MISSING PIECE

My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 23, 2024
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
WOMAN'S OWN

WEEKNIGHT WINNERS

Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients

time-read
2 mins  |
September 23, 2024
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
WOMAN'S OWN

SMILING THROUGH CANCER

Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 23, 2024
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
WOMAN'S OWN

BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR

The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers

time-read
4 mins  |
September 23, 2024
RELAX & RESET
WOMAN'S OWN

RELAX & RESET

For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites

time-read
2 mins  |
September 23, 2024
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
WOMAN'S OWN

HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM

As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits

time-read
3 mins  |
September 23, 2024
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
WOMAN'S OWN

I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!

When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...

time-read
5 mins  |
September 23, 2024
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
WOMAN'S OWN

Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'

Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.

time-read
1 min  |
September 23, 2024
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
WOMAN'S OWN

Cat & Ben SNUBBED!

Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?

time-read
3 mins  |
September 23, 2024