Fearne Cotton has opened up about the challenges of juggling work and parenting as a single mother.
The broadcaster revealed she has had a “chaotic” few days while trying to balance her career and family life.
The 44-year-old made the candid admission on her Happy Place podcast, describing the past week as “up and down”.
Ms Cotton said she had been struggling to manage multiple commitments at once.
Fearne Cotton opened up about the challenges of juggling work and parenting as a single mother
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“I’ve had an up and down week, certainly. There’s been some stressful stuff going on. I’m a single parent.
“I work full-time with about a thousand jobs. I’m trying to juggle it all,” she told listeners.
She described the previous seven days as “absolute chaos” and questioned whether anyone could realistically manage it all.
Ms Cotton explained she had been cramming in extra work ahead of a planned break, trying to complete tasks in half the usual time.
Fearne Cotton and Jesse Wood announced their separation in December 2024 after 10 years of marriage
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She admitted the pressure of potentially missing school commitments had left her feeling overwhelmed.
“There was a school concert, and my daughter had to wear a specific outfit… It’s just all those little extra things tip you over the edge,” she said.
Ms Cotton suggested the expectations placed on single parents can be unrealistic.
“It’s absurd for us to think we should hold it all together under those circumstances,” she added
Ms Cotton said her life is full of ups and downs
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Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place / Youtube
The presenter shares son Rex, 12, and daughter Honey, nine.
Her comments come shortly after her former husband Jesse Wood announced he is expecting a child with his partner Gemma Gregory.
Mr Wood, whose father is Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, shared the news on social media last week.
The announcement comes around 16 months after Ms Cotton and Mr Wood confirmed their separation in December 2024, ending their decade-long marriage.
The couple married in 2014 after first meeting in Ibiza three years earlier.
Ms Cotton also spoke about the importance of support during difficult periods.
She praised close friends who have stepped in to help with childcare when her schedule becomes unmanageable.
“I think the only thing we can do in those times is lean on really good mates,” she said.
Fearne Cotton
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Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place / Youtube
The podcast host specifically thanked friends who have helped with school runs during busy periods.
Both Ms Cotton and Mr Wood have since moved on following their split.
The presenter was first seen publicly with television director Elliot Hegarty in November 2025, while Mr Wood began dating Ms Gregory earlier that year.