THE sight of Fearne Cotton kissing her new boyfriend Elliot Hegarty has stunned fans, who believed she was nursing a broken heart following the breakdown of her ten-year marriage to Jesse Wood.
But pals of her ex-husband tell me no one was more shocked than him to see her going public with her new man so soon after their split.
Fearne Cotton shocked fans – and husband Jesse Wood – by kissing and cuddling new beau Elliot Hegarty in the street[/caption]
The couple were seen cosying up to each other 11 weeks after Fearne announced her marriage to Jesse was over[/caption]
Jesse Wood and Fearne Cotton before their marriage split in December[/caption]
Those close to Jesse, a guitarist in rock band Reef, tell me he was aware of her relationship with Elliot, but had no idea she would be playing out their romance in public this quickly.
“Jesse was so upset when they split,” a friend explains. “He knew Fearne had started a relationship with Elliot and that has been tough.
“But to see them kissing in the street and laughing with her friends is a bitter pill to swallow.
“He was married to Fearne for ten years and he loved every inch of her.”
Fearne has remained in their family home in west London with their two children.
Friends say Jesse, the son of Rolling Stones rocker Ronnie, moved out following their split and has been comforted by his friend and family.
“Jesse is a quiet man who keeps himself to himself,” his friend continues. “His family, notably his brothers and his sister, have been a huge support to him.
“They were all so shocked when Fearne and Jesse split. And they think her new parading her new relationship with Elliot around town seems rather cruel.
“It has been all people have been talking about in their inner circles. All they care about is supporting Jesse and making sure he is alright.”
The photographs confirming Fearne’s new relationship were published last night by The Sun.
She grinned as she walked through Charlotte Street, in the capital’s bustling Soho, hand in hand with Elliot.
The television director, behind BBC series Cheaters and Disney+ show Rivals, ended his marriage to his wife Laura days after Fearne publicly ended hers.
Bombshell new romance
Friends close to Fearne say she is smitten with Elliot, adding: “She’s never seemed happier.”
She alluded to issues within their marriage three years before their break-up.
Fearne said that she and Jesse had gone through a difficult patch which culminated in them having a “two-hour screaming match” in a park.
Writing in her Red Magazine column in 2019, Fearne said: “Love takes hard work – and no one wants to hear that.
“This year, Jesse and I hit a rough patch – he was away, touring relentlessly.
“I was trying to keep my own career going while looking after our kids and we were both desperately clinging on to our marriage.”
Elliot Hegarty is a television director behind BBC series Cheaters and Disney+ show Rivals[/caption]
Friends of Fearne have said she is happier than ever[/caption]
Fearne continued: “In the midst of this gargantuan row, I think we both wondered where the love had gone and worried that it might not come back.”
The pandemic also took its toll, with Fearne revealing she struggled being “stuck within four walls trying to survive,” in 2020.
She said: “I am a very fiery person, and Jesse can also be quite fiery.
“We’ve certainly argued in front of the kids. Most parents have at some point.
“It’s not regular but we have definitely had a pop at each other in front of them — and you don’t feel good about it after.
“I’ve also shouted at my kids like I think most parents have, especially during lockdown.”
‘Heavy heart’
Fearne issued a statement to announce she had split from Jesse on December 16.
She said: “It is with a heavy heart that I let you all know that Jesse and I are ending our marriage.
“Our priority has been and always will be our children.”
Jesse did not repost the statement, nor has he commented since.
His friend tells me the public should not expect to hear from Jesse anytime soon.
“Jesse is keeping a dignified silence,” they say.
“He is focused on his children and his music with Reef ahead of their tour this spring.”
Jesse and Fearne were married for ten years[/caption]
