Fern Britton, the former co-host of ITV’s daytime series This Morning, has hinted at the underlying tension between her and her former colleague, Phillip Schofield, during her stint on Celebrity Big Brother. The reality show has made a highly anticipated return with its first all-star run since ITV revived the series, featuring Britton among the housemates alongside notable personalities such as X Factor judge Louis Walsh, Love Island winner Ekin-Su, and Kate Middleton’s uncle, Gary Goldsmith.
Since its launch on Monday, the celebrities have been unreserved in sharing their candid opinions, with Sharon Osbourne offering frank views on James Corden and Ellen DeGeneres. Britton, who co-hosted This Morning from 1999 to 2009, didn’t hold back either, particularly expressing her apprehension about a potential surprise appearance by Schofield in the Big Brother house.
When Goldsmith speculated about Schofield potentially joining as a surprise entrant, Britton appeared alarmed, suggesting that she might consider leaving the house if that were to happen. Her reaction hinted at the lingering tensions between her and Schofield, who dramatically departed This Morning in May 2023 after admitting to fabricating an affair with a younger male colleague.
Reflecting on her time on This Morning and addressing the behind-the-scenes tensions that made headlines in 2023, Britton remained diplomatic, acknowledging that she hasn’t been involved with the show for 15 years and emphasizing that it’s now beyond her purview. Despite the challenges they faced during their working relationship, Britton refrained from delving into specifics, expressing confidence in the current hosts, Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley.
The dynamic between Britton and Schofield has been a subject of speculation and rumors over the years, particularly fueled by revelations in Schofield’s memoir and subsequent interviews. Schofield recounted instances of friction between them, with Britton accusing him of meddling with the show’s content, and their professional relationship reportedly soured over time.
Britton’s departure from This Morning further fueled speculation, with Schofield suggesting in his book that their rift contributed to her decision to leave the show. Despite their past partnership, both Schofield and Britton have acknowledged that they are not in regular contact anymore, with Britton emphasizing their professional rapport while maintaining a distance in their personal lives.
The resurgence of rumors surrounding their relationship resurfaced during This Morning’s 30th-anniversary episode when Britton hinted at not being invited to a ceremony honoring the series. Schofield clarified the situation on social media, attributing it to miscommunication rather than intentional exclusion.
As Fern Britton continues her journey in the Celebrity Big Brother house, viewers are eagerly anticipating whether any additional revelations or interactions will provide insight into the enduring speculation surrounding her relationship with Phillip Schofield. Hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, the show continues to captivate audiences with nightly broadcasts on ITV1 and ITVX, offering a compelling blend of drama and intrigue as the competition progresses. With each episode, audiences are drawn deeper into the dynamics of the housemates, eagerly awaiting any developments that may shed light on Britton’s past interactions with Schofield and other intriguing aspects of her life. As the drama unfolds, Celebrity Big Brother remains a must-watch for fans eager to uncover the truth behind the rumors and speculations surrounding Britton’s time on the show and her dynamic with her former colleague..