Fern Britton hosted This Morning with Phillip Schofield for several years from 2002 - 2009, and she was recently asked about her experience with Schofield during her time on the show in a wide-ranging Interview that focused partly on her time on This Morning. Britton was positive, saying that for the most part, the working relationship was pleasant and enjoyable, in the way you would hope for a couple that weaved light banter into standard television fare.
She plainly stated that this work relationship was not without some tension though. Britton discussed unspecified instances when Schofield would meddle with how the mood of the show was taken. In particular, she vaguely stated that she had reached an impasse with Schofield regarding content, and her subsequent decision to leave the program in 2009. Britton said she was very clear on this moment, and stated this was significant because of the professional distance it created going forward. Britton also stated that she respected Schofield’s commitment to the program and understood that he “loved his work” and believed that people cared about how he was presenting himself on TV.
Britton reflected her own ambivalent feelings about being told that Schofield had departed from This Morning in 2023. She said, now that she no longer works in television, she did feel bad for what Schofield was going through. She said that the uncertainty of public scrutiny and the repercussions of the news, was probably impacting him and his family. Britton stated years mean a lot to her, it was an important chapter in both of their careers.
Life After This Morning: Moving On and Looking Forward
Since she left This Morning, Britton has relocated to Cornwall and concentrated solely on her writing. Since then Britton has written a few novels and has opened up about her own personal development, highlighting the virtues of being honest, kind, and humorous. She has stated in interviews recently, that she is ready for new love—although she is perfectly content to continue to live a quieter life by the sea for now.
Britton also said that would also be open to the idea of coming back to television as long as it is in a limited capacity and remote. She suggested something similar to a special episode that could film in Cornwall. However, she made it clear that it needs to fit within her lifestyle and desire to create art in new and exciting ways.
Her thoughts take a look at her life as she goes from daytime television host to author and public voice. At 67 years old, Britton is happy to be in control of their work and images, a factor that she noted remained very important to her after the 'rollercoaster' of live television.
Britton remarked on how Schofield was "always delightful," and that, while she was sad about the way things ended with him, she did not want to discuss the affair itself, and instead hoped to focus on the positive aspects of their shared history (especially the "human" side of Schofield's story). Britton clearly intended to convey the message that even though they had disagreements and were separated by schisms, she thought of their shared time "with fondness and maturity.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): independent
