VANESSA FELTZ: 'I hate being single and feel it very, very deeply.' (2025)

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Broadcaster Vanessa Feltz lamented the 'romantic gap' in her life on the first episode of a new star-studded series of The Apple and the Tree podcast, hosted by the Reverend Richard Coles.

The Apple and Tree invites parents and their adult children to sit down for an intimate chat in their family homes. Both parties are encouraged to ask the awkward questions about their shared history they've always wanted answered.

The first celebrity episode, launching today, features seasoned TV and radio presenter Vanessa Feltz, 63, and her youngest daughter Saskia Joss, 35.

It's been a busy week for Vanessa: not only is she starring on the inaugural celebrity episode of the Apple and The Tree but is alsothe focus of a brilliant must-watch new talk show 'Vanessa xx', which launched this week onChannel 5.

Saskia asked her mother to reflect on whether she is living the life she always wanted, with Vanessa responding with her private anguish at the lack of a romantic partner.

'Obviously, I've had all sorts of great adventures – but there is a gap. The gap is a romantic gap. I do still want that', the broadcaster said.

'Lots of women in the public eye say things like: "I really don't want to meet a man at all, I'm just not interested. I'd rather be on my own." Somehow, I don't feel that way - I wish I did.

'How much I let it be a blot on my landscape and ruin my life is up to me. Sometimes I feel it very, very deeply and I really hate it – and other times I'm perfectly fine.'

Vanessa was married to surgeon Michael Kurr, Saskia's father, for nearly twenty years until they divorced in 2000.

The broadcaster then got engaged to singer Ben Ofoedu, who was ten years her junior, but their relationship suffered a very public meltdown in 2023.

Ofoedu was Feltz's fiancé for almost ten years, with the presenter revealing in her memoir 'Vanessa Bares All' that she had left the musician after uncovering his infidelity.

Since splitting with Feltz, Ofoedu has reportedly got engaged again, this time to new girlfriend 29-year-old Vanessa Brown.

Avoiding the public eye, Saskia Feltz trained as a teacher, later becoming a therapist specialising in helping children suffering from depression and anxiety.

Vanessa asked Saskia what some of the negatives were of having grown up with a mother on television.

'The bad times are worse because people can see – that's probably the worst thing', Saskia replied.

'I think in general though, things are much easier and nicer. People give us better experiences because they know you, and everyone likes you.'

Saskia got emotional when crediting her career working in children's mental health to her mother's easily 'excitable' and bubbly personality.

Holding back tears, Saskia explained: 'In my job, I work with children that are depressed… one of the things I am really good at is pepping them back up. Getting them to be excited about something again.

'I definitely got that from you. I guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.'

Listen to the full episode of the 'Apple and The Tree' wherever you get your podcasts. Every Thursday a new celebrity family will be put under the spotlight.

Reverend Richard ColesVanessa FeltzBen Ofoedu

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