‘We Need To Talk About Mental Health'

Fern Britton talks about moving on from her mother’s death and rediscovering her sense of adventure…

- Georgia Farquharson

Fern Britton went from being one of the most-loved TV presenters to public enemy almost overnight when news of her shock gastric band operation surfaced back in 2008.

And, despite failing to mention the fact that a gastric band was behind her highly impressive five-stone weight loss, Fern insists that she never actually lied.

‘I hadn’t lied,’ she says. ‘It’s something I did for myself, and I naively thought I’m entitled to privacy, but clearly I’m not.’

Moving on

Regardless of the press speculation, and hate that ensued, the 62-year-old has moved on from the drama that surrounded this time in her life. She has also put to bed her most recent spat – with former co-star Philip Schofield – and has worked hard to become a braver and stronger version of herself.

While some may fear the prospect of turning 60, Fern saw it as a new beginning, and the chance to lead a healthy lifestyle and focus on her mental wellbeing.