Fern Britton takes break from This Morning amid gastric band scandal

But insiders insist presenter hasn’t quit show for good

Tuesday, 10 June 2008

Fern Britton has decided to take some time away from This Morning to let the controversy over her weight-loss surgery die down.

The TV host admitted last week that she had a gastric band fitted to help her lost 5st to slim from a size 22 to a size 16.

But the public criticism over the fact she kept the op secret for 2 years has hit 50-year-old Fern hard.

‘She is very down and we're very worried about her,’ says a pal. ‘She feels she's let her fans down. She's just getting her head back together after a torrid week. She's devastated by the backlash, especially from her fans.’

Ruth Langsford, 47, replaced her on the ITV show yesterday, alongside co-host Phillip Schofield, 46.

But show bosses insist she’ll be back.

‘Fern is having some time off and we are hoping to see her back at work very soon,’ an ITV spokesperson tells the Daily Mirror.

View Comments

Rate this!

Star rating:

Share this :
Fark |
Digg |
Reddit |
Facebook |
StumbleUpon |
Del.icio.us |
Furl

Send to a friend

IPC Media Limited, owner of nowmagazine.co.uk, will collect the address of the recipient solely to process your requests.
Print this article

Comments

6 comments

Catherine June 10 17:07

I think Fern has a right to keep it to herself, shes not a bad role model. If anything Fern is helping herself and others around her. As she has lost weight she is easing all the problems that go with carrying weight. This will decrease her risk of weight related illness and be less of a burden on the NHS. Also people keep saying fad/crash diets are bad for you. A band allows you to maintain a steady weight with out crash dieting. I'm booked in for a gastric band nxt week. I have tried everything from slimming clubs to diet pills. I've had success but I've put back on what I've lost and more. I don't think Ferns done wrong by not tell everyone. I haven't told many people about my operation as I don't think they need to know.The band just helps you feel full quicker. She wasn't lying when she said she ate healthily and exercised. Because you have to eat healthy to stop the band slipping.

Reply to this comment »

Lucy June 10 21:11

So what if she had an op to assist her with her weight loss, it is nobodies business but hers. She looks fabulous and more to the point feels fabulous! I really feel for Fern, she was photographed in a bikini at her biggest with quips about her size, lost weight and was praised, and is being attacked for the course of action she took to loose said weight. I can only commend Fern for being brave enough to go through with surgery and to stick to the gruelling food plans that have to be followed to the letter in order for the surgery to be effective. Well done Fern!!!

Reply to this comment »

Belinda June 10 21:56

I have noticed many comments regarding Fern, some saying {it is her buisness what she does and she has not lied) However, what she did do, was mislead thousands of loyal fans, she did not lose this fantastic weight loss with sheer will power alone, over food and exercise, as she has maintained all along, she neglected to mention her gastric band, which restricts your food intake, as you feel full on a LOT less !

Reply to this comment »

dee June 11 02:32

I agree with Belinda about Fern. She gave the impression that her weight loss was done by healthy eating and exercise - no mention of gastric bands. I have always liked Fern but she should be ashamed of herself, I for one am disappointed in her.

Reply to this comment »

susan June 11 10:21

I think Fern should hold her head up she has nothing to be ashamed by so what if she got a gastric band its her business, the public and the press just love building celebritys up so they can tear them back down again what i have to say to fern is be strong its her life dont let anyone dictate to her what is the right or wrong way of losing weight its down to the individual

Reply to this comment »