Fern Britton

Fern Britton began her career as a television producer in 1980 after completing a stage management course at the Central School of Drama. Her warmth, humour and empathy have made her incredibly popular, making her a much sought after television presenter. In 2008, Fern released her autobiography “Fern: My Story” which was a huge bestseller and followed this with her debut novel “New Beginnings” in March 2011. It was an instant success and and a top four bestseller. Fern is deeply committed to a number of charities, in particular those working with and for women, children and childbirth. She lives with her husband Phil Vickery, the well respected chef and her four children in Buckinghamshire. “Hidden Treasures” is her second book.

1. Your latest story “Hidden Tresures” tells the story of Helen Merrifield who has left her philandering husband for the quiet countryside. Putting her past behind her, she finds herself got between two very different men. Whilst Helen is enjoying her new life, her best friend Penny, a hot shot TV producer has decided that has decided that the countryside is the perfect setting for a new TV series. What inspired you to write this type of story?
   I am at an age where life’s chapters are changing. Friends are coping with a different dynamic in their well established marriages or are embarking on a single life after divorce. It’s a point in life where you discover a new you with a desire to experience new things.
2. You have had quite a varied CV from television presenter to author and now to dancer. What has been the highlight of your career?
   I am so lucky to have had many highlights! Interviewing prime ministers, travelling the world but best of all has to be meeting my husband, Phil Vickery, on “Ready Steady Cook”!
3. Have you used any of your real life experiences to write your fiction stories?
   Oh yes, of course. Things that have happened in my life and the lives of friends or people in the news. Real life is always more extraordinary than fiction.
4. In your job as a television presenter, have you ever interviewed someone and thought to yourself “There’s a story in that”?
   Ha! I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t… but I’m not going to tell you which!
5. You are appearing in the new season of “Strictly Come Dancing”. How are you finding this experience this far?
   Strictly is another huge challenge! I don’t know one end of my chasse to a cuban break! Scary, exhilarating, a privelege… all these things. I love it!
6. Do you have a favourite dance routine?
   I am learning the Viennese Waltz at the moment and it is beautifully lyrical. Love it . Apart from the dreaded heel leads.
7. What’s your favourite book of all time?
   It changes! I love a really good story. “Gone With The Wind” is always a winner.
8. What authors do you admire?
   I like books with proper stories. I like a bit of crime fiction too. Peter James and Kate Atkinson are very good at it. I’ve just finished “The Stranger’s Child” by Alan Hollingsworth which was brilliant. If I am feeling really grotty in bed I get out a Rosamunde Pilcher to reread. Bliss.
9. If you were stranded on a desert island, which three books would you bring with you to pass the time?
   “Gone With The Wind” to read again. “A Suitable Boy” to read for the first time and enjoy languishing in the shade to luxuriate in a good long read. “The Narnia Chronicles” which I have loved since childhood.
10. What area do you suggest a budding writer should concentrate on to further their abilities?
    The best advice I was given when I started was simply to keep going. Once you’ve got the first sentence down keep going. Don’t constantly revisit what you’ve written or you’ll get nowhere. Right rubbish if necessary. Gradually the characters will start speaking to you and they willl take you over. Relax! Also have a goal of how many words a day you’ll write. I go for 2000 but anywhere between 1 and 3 is good. Write everyday.
11. When sitting down to write, what is the one item you need beside you?
    A cup of tea.
12. And finally Fern, do you have any projects or releases on the horizon which you would like to share with the readers of the website?
    I am now writing novel three. It’s called “The Holiday Home” and is again set in Cornwall. This is a story of two sisters , their parents and their husbands and children. Families are complicated at the best of times and what looks good on the surface is rarely what lies beneath. This family is no exception. Old grievances, lies and betrayal are all explored.

Follow Fern’s adventure in the new series of “Strictly Come Dancing” starting in October.