Britton announces 'This Morning' break

[Perdita]

Fern Britton will not be returning to presenting duties on This Morning until after Christmas.

The 51-year-old is taking a break to spend some time at home and participate in a charity cycle race in Cuba.

"I've decided to take three weeks off to be a proper mummy at home. I'm absolutely fine and dandy and there's no problem," she told replacement host Ruth Langsford on This Morning.

However, a source close to the show claimed that Britton's decision has left show bosses in a fix.

"No-one understands why Fern isn't coming back until after Christmas. It wasn't pre-planned. It was a last-minute thing and she has dropped the show right in it. They are not happy," said the insider.

[Abigail]

I love Fern. Haven't watched This Morning for a long time but Fern and Phillip are great together. Eamon and the other woman don't work as well together.

[Perdita]

I agree with you, Abigail. I don't seem to be able to warm to Ruth Langsford at all and prefer Philip to Eamonn.

[Pinkbanana]

Fern Britton will not be returning to presenting duties on This Morning until after Christmas.

"I've decided to take three weeks off to be a proper mummy at home.

"No-one understands why Fern isn't coming back until after Christmas. It wasn't pre-planned.

Maybe she is planning on having some more 'secret surgery'??? If she looks 15 years younger when she returns....

[Chloe O'brien]

Yeah right she's planning to spend her time shopping in M&S and Debenhams with the sales to get her Christmas shopping done while the kids are at school.

[Perdita]

She has got a nanny, shopping without kids is not a problem for her :)

[sindydoll]

i like ruth and Eamonn Holmes i think their funny together...wonder if their like that at home

[Abigail]

Ruth and Eamonn don't have the on-screen relationship that Fern and Phillip have. I watched This Morning today with Ruth and Philip and I had to turn over. I can't stand the woman :thumbsdow