This Morning star Fern Britton has shed light on being axed from a programme, following her candid critique of a producer's work.
In light of ITV slashing its daytime crew by half, out of a 440-strong force, Fern confessed that television is "not an easy industry". Chatting with the i newspaper's 7 Days magazine, Fern recalled losing her role practically overnight after she challenged a certain producer's approach. "I worked with a producer on a show years ago and she was giving me instructions that were utter nonsense," Fern shared.
"I went, 'This is rubbish. This isn't any kind of research. This is all wrong.' Within a week I was off that show."
During her tenure at After Five in the mid-1990s, Fern welcomed her first child into the world. She bravely tackled her presenting duties while grappling with post-natal depression, and was ultimately dismissed after shedding tears during an emotional interview with a terminally ill cancer patient, reports the Manchester Evening News.
After the birth of her daughter Winnie, in 2001, Fern found herself co-hosting This Morning with John Leslie. She was bluntly advised to return to work almost immediately or risk losing her position.
Fern eventually left the show that she "loved," reportedly after repeated clashes with John Leslie's replacement Phillip Schofield.
Refuting claims that she left her TV programme due to salary disputes, she explained: "There was also a persistent rumour that I left because Phillip was being paid more than me and I always say to people 'Why would I leave a show to go to nothing if I was worried about money?'"
While the precise reason for her departure remains unclear, in an interview with Ray D'Arcy, she hinted at an incident with co-host Phillip: "Something happened and I thought, 'That's it really' and I walked away and resigned. I was treated pretty poorly, actually. And after a while I just thought, 'Sod it'."
Her experience on Strictly Come Dancing, at age 55, also brought its challenges, alleging mistreatment by her professional dance partner Artem Chigvintsev, who she claims "kicked and shoved" her.
"I remember once I burst into tears and sobbed that I wasn't enjoying it. Artem's response was, 'You're rubbish, that's why you're not enjoying it,' so I picked myself up and ploughed on."
She acknowledges the harsh realities of the television industry, especially for those behind the scenes: "It's harder for the people behind [the cameras] because they're having to deal with the budgets and with 'upstairs'. Presenters, you've got to take it on the chin and you're lucky to be there, really".
While understanding the rationale behind major layoffs, Fern commented: "There are times when everything does need a reset. So maybe that's it. Maybe they're planning a reset."
Now 67, Fern enjoys a tranquil life in Cornwall and has developed a successful second career as an acclaimed author. However, she hasn't said goodbye to television entirely and is set to return with a new ITV series titled 'Fern Britton: Inside the Vet's'.
She elaborated on her upcoming project: "Every pet has their story and every owner has theirs, so I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of this new series for ITV. Animals have always been a huge love of mine and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible work the veterinary team does every day has been a privilege."Handing your pet over to the vet for any procedure is a worrying time. This series gives us a glimpse of what happens beyond the consulting room door, and is full of heart, fascinating stories, and, of course, plenty of adorable animals - I can't wait to share it with viewers!"
