Is Fern Britton having the last laugh? Former This Morning host hints at a potential return to the show – 15-years after abrupt departure and claims of off-camera feud with Phillip Schofield

Fern Britton hinted at a possible return to This Morning on Wednesday, 15 years after her acrimonious departure.

The veteran TV personality returned to the daytime show for an interview with new presenting team Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, as she discussed her recent appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.

It was familiar territory for Britton, 66, who initially helmed the show as a guest presenter from 1993 until she joined forces with Phillip Schofield as a full-time presenter until her eventual departure in 2009.

And after Wednesday’s performance, she responded affirmatively when social media followers touted her as a potential replacement for the summer holidays or Fridays, spots usually filled by Alison Hammond or Josie Gibson.

‘So great to see Fern back on the show….Holiday mode in…..??? Hope so!!’ one fan tweeted after watching her interview.

The TV personality responded affirmatively when social media followers touted her as a potential summer holiday or Friday stand-in, slots filled by Alison Hammond or Josie Gibson.

The post resonated with Britton, whose departure from the show in 2009 was mired in acrimony after a reported backstage feud with Schofield.

“Would love to see you again this morning, could do Friday (sic), a ray of sunshine,” read a second post that the presenter liked.

Britton is said to have felt she was ‘undervalued by ITV’ and ‘lived in Schofield’s shadow’ before eventually being replaced by Holly Willoughby.

It was also reported that she was paid £250,000 a year less than her male co-presenter, who was believed to have earned three times her salary when they starred in the game show Mr & Mrs together from 2008 to 2010.

In 2023, Britton confirmed she had lost contact with Schofield, but insisted she had fond memories of her time on This Morning.

She said: ‘We were involved with the show at the time and friends but we don’t really (talk anymore)’.

Contrary to initial claims, Britton refused to talk about her relationship with Schofield or the collapse of her marriage to TV chef Phil Vickery – a regular on This Morning – during her time in the Celebrity Big Brother house.

“She felt she was being given a hard time when she left This Morning and now she wants to tell her side of the story,” a source said. OK! before her entry.

Britton initially fronted the show as a guest presenter from 1993, until she joined forces with Phillip Schofield as a full-time presenter until her eventual departure in 2009.

Her appearance on Wednesday’s edition of the show was her first since leaving This Morning 15 years ago

‘She basically blames Philip Scofield for her losing her job and feels he had a lot to do with her being chosen for a younger model. She is now not afraid to speak out and she takes no prisoners.

‘Viewers can certainly expect fireworks. She’s using it as an opportunity to kickstart her career.”

The insider added that it’s a good opportunity for Britton after becoming “unexpectedly single.”

Britton and Vickery ended their marriage in 2020. Two years later, the chef was spotted kissing her former best friend Lorraine Stanton.

“She feels like she’s had a tough time lately – she’s spoken openly about her gastric band and has also split from husband of 20 years, Phil Vickery,” the source added.

A representative for Fern told MailOnline: ‘Fern has already said everything she wants to say about Philip Scofield and her departure from This Morning 15 years ago and will have no further comment.’

Britton is said to have felt she was ‘undervalued by ITV’ and ‘lived in Schofield’s shadow’ before eventually being replaced by Holly Willoughby

Britton did not discuss her relationship with Schofield or the collapse of her marriage to TV chef Phil Vickery during her time in the Celebrity Big Brother house