Fern Britton, 62, and her estranged husband Phil Vickery, 58, were reportedly ‘often not on speaking terms’ and their shock split is said to have been ‘on the cards for years’.
The former This Morning star and celebrity chef announced their shock separation earlier this week after 20 years of marriage.
It has now been claimed that the timing of their split has ‘not come as a surprise’ as it coincided with the couple’s daughter Winnie turning 18.
Fraught? Fern Britton, 62, and her estranged husband Phil Vickery, 58, were reportedly ‘often not on speaking terms’ and their shock split is said to have been ‘on the cards for years’ (pictured in 2008)
An insider told The Mirror: ‘Fern and Phil went through periods when they weren’t even speaking to one another.
‘There were some really rough patches and it looked like deep cracks had developed. Things were fraught.’
MailOnline has contacted Fern and Phil’s representatives for comment.
Fern and Phil’s daughter Winnie turned 18 in August 2019, with her famous mother marking the occasion with a sweet post on Twitter.
Sad: The former This Morning star and celebrity chef announced their shock separation earlier this week after 20 years of marriage (pictured in 2009)
Milestone: Fern and Phil’s daughter Winnie turned 18 in August 2019, with her famous mother marking the occasion with a sweet post on Twitter
The television presenter and the celebrity chef shocked fans when it was revealed they were going their separate ways after two decades.
The split comes just one month after the passing of Fern’s father, actor Tony Britton, who died, aged 95, three days before Christmas.
On Twitter, both Fern and Phil wrote matching statements which read: ‘After more than 20 happy years together, [we] 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. [sic]’
Still friends: The television presenter and chef announced their split on Wednesday, adding ‘We will always share a great friendship and our lovely children’ (pictured 2007)
Happier times: The pair are pictured together in the summer of 2017. The couple have vowed to stay friends following their divorce
Fern and Phil share 18-year-old daughter Winnie, whilst the Ready Steady Cook presenter also has twins Harry and Jack, 26, and Grace, 23, with former husband Clive Jones.
The couple tied the knot 20 years ago in 2000, after Fern had split from Clive in the same year following a 12-year marriage.
The couple met on This Morning when Fern hosted the show alongside Philip Schofield – who now hosts with Holly Willoughby – and the star previously said she never thought she would find love again as a mother of three children.
TV partnership: Phil and Fern met on This Morning when Fern hosted the show alongside Philip Schofield (pictured 2007) – who now hosts with Holly Willoughby
Where it all began: Fern and Phil are pictured on her last day on This Morning in 2009 after meeting on the set of the famed daytime show
The past month has proven a difficult time for Fern, who announced her father’s death in December.
She said: ‘Our father, Tony Britton, died early this morning. Great actor, director and charmer. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.’
The actor starred in classic British films including Operation Amsterdam, Sunday Bloody Sunday and The Day Of The Jackal.
He also appeared alongside Nigel Havers and Dinah Sheridan in the BBC sitcom Don’t Wait Up between 1983 to 1990.
Loss: Fern’s actor father Tony Britton died aged 95 in December last year, just three days before Christmas (pictured in 2010)