Fern Britton made a loaded comment about 'distrusting men' just moments before the camera cut to her ex-husband Phil Vickery in an 'awkward' daytime TV reunion on Tuesday morning. 

The 67-year-old appeared on ITV's Lorraine to chat to host Lorraine Kelly, 65, about her brand new book A Cornish Legacy, as well as her programme Inside The Vets. 

During the interview, Fern opened up about what her novel is about, highlighting that the protagonist Cordelia Jago thinks very highly of her friendships and her aunt. 

The TV star then went on to share her own thoughts and said: 'The curious thing about getting older, you think you're not going to make any new friends, yet new friends do keep coming. 

'You must recognise that, I'm all into this repowering, not being empowered, but repowering, the power you had in yourself when you were young, into this older person who has little responsibilities now, we don't have to get up and do the school run. We don't have to do anything like that. 

'She's gradually empowered herself, distrusting of men, doesn't want anything... This is kind of write what you know...'

Lorraine giggled away to herself as Fern continued: 'And a nice person does turn up.' 

As their chat ended, Lorraine spoke to This Morning hosts Cat Deeley, 48, and Ben Shephard, 50, about what viewers could expect from Tuesday's instalment of the programme - which airs straight after Lorraine. 

Cat said: 'Good morning Lorraine! We are carrying on with our cosmetic cowboys  investigation, we are continuing with that.' 

Ben then went on to say who was going to be cooking up a storm in the studio - and it was actually Fern's ex husband. 

He said: 'Phil is in the kitchen with some ultimate delicious summer salads!'

The camera then panned in on the chef smiling in front of his cooking space. 

Fern and Phil were married between 2000 and 2020. 

The former couple share one daughter called Winnie, 22.

Many rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to point out how awkward the moment was. 

'That link from Fearne to Phil (her ex) wasn’t awkward at all #ThisMorning #Lorraine.'

'Awkward #lorraine.'

'Oh dear, that was a bit awkward, phil vickery on this morning & fern britton on lorraine, both in the same building, itv scrambling for security now incase we bave a domestic btw them, two people that cant stand each other, this is not going to end well, i am here 4 it #ThisMorning.'

Back in December Fern opened up about being single during an appearance on James Martin's Saturday Kitchen.  

'I can sit down in the morning and watch all the daytime television I like. No one's going to judge me for it, I don't have to get dressed up and made up'.

She went on: 'I am my own boss now, which is great, in every sense, my life my work, everything, I'm my own boss and I'm enjoying that'.

Fern is also parents to twins Harry and Jack, 29, and Grace, 26. 

She shares them with her first husband Clive Jones. 

Fern shot to fame in the 80s. 

The star is best known for being a TV presenter who has worked on the likes of This Morning and Ready Steady Cook. 

She's also taken part in the likes of Strictly and Celebrity Big Brother.

Lorraine airs weekdays from 9am on ITV1, followed by This Morning at 10am.