Fern Britton recently marked her 69th birthday with her daughters, Grace, 28, and Winnie, 24, in a series of photos shared on Instagram. Britton, a former presenter on "This Morning," has previously spoken about how none of her children have pursued careers in the entertainment industry, despite her own high-profile career.
In a social media post shared over the weekend, Britton posted pictures from her birthday celebrations, which included spending time with friends and her two daughters. "My birthday weekend with friends I am so lucky to have .. oh and my 2 wonderful daughters! xxxx," she wrote in the caption.
Britton has four children: twins Harry and Jack, and daughters Grace and Winnie. Winnie, born in August 2001, is with her ex-husband and former "This Morning" co-star Phil Vickery. Grace is her daughter with ex-husband Clive Jones. Britton has stated that all four of her children have opted for careers outside of the public eye, becoming a builder, a teacher, a trainee nurse, and one son pursuing psychology.
Britton recalled an instance where her elder daughter told her that her job was "really boring." She has expressed pride in her daughter Grace's work as a nurse in an emergency unit, noting that Grace did not show interest in a nurse's kit when she was young. Winnie, according to Britton, works as a laborer on a building site.
This stands in contrast to some other television personalities' children. For example, Phillip Schofield's daughter Molly, 33, worked for the talent agency YMU, which previously represented her father. Molly also acted as her father's publicist following his departure from "This Morning" amid a scandal.
Britton's own departure from "This Morning" in 2009, after a seven-year tenure co-hosting with Schofield, has been the subject of speculation. She resigned and was replaced by Holly Willoughby. Reports at the time suggested her exit was due to feeling overshadowed by Schofield, who reportedly earned three times her salary. Britton has spoken about her departure, stating it was a sudden decision to leave.
She has also commented on her falling out with Schofield, expressing mixed emotions and wishing him well. "It was very mixed emotions for me, that one. I can't really explain it, because we did have a very good working relationship until we didn't, so it was tricky. I wish him well and I hope it all settles down and he finds some happiness," she said.
Other children of public figures have also chosen non-showbiz careers. Harry Hill's daughters Kitty, Winifred, and Frederica are pursuing careers as a ceramist, painter, and in the textile industry, respectively, following in the footsteps of their artist mother. Gary Barlow's son Daniel studied medicine, and his daughter Emily is studying physiology. Jamie Oliver's daughter Daisy is training to be a nurse, and Gordon Ramsay's daughter Megan is a police officer.