Loose Women panellist Janet Street-Porter has candidly disclosed the reasons behind her decision to keep her recent fifth marriage a closely guarded secret. The television personality and journalist, aged 79, quietly wed her long-term partner Peter Spanton in January, but only revealed the details during a recent episode of the ITV daytime show.
Embarrassment Over Past Marriages
Janet Street-Porter admitted that feelings of embarrassment were the primary driver for her secrecy. She has been married four times previously, with her last marriage being a significant mistake in her own words. On the show, she confessed, "I've been married a lot of times before. The last one was a big mistake on my part. That was, you know, when I was 50. And I guess I thought, it's embarrassing."
Intimate Ceremony and Nervousness
The wedding ceremony was an intimate affair, attended by just four guests. Janet described feeling extremely nervous in the lead-up to the event, stating, "I got myself in a complete state the day before. I was shaking. I was so nervous." Her anxiety stemmed from a desire to avoid past errors and ensure the day was special for Peter, who had never been married before.
Revelation on Loose Women
The secret came to light when co-stars Oti Mabuse, Christine Lampard, and Coleen Nolan brought up the wedding on the February 10 episode. Footage from the wedding day was shown, prompting Christine to exclaim, "We were all in a bit of a shock last week when we all received this video from Janet!" Janet responded by explaining her reluctance to share the news publicly.
Planning and Secrecy
Janet and Peter discussed the idea before Christmas and consulted with a registrar to arrange a discreet ceremony. She emphasised her wish for privacy, saying, "I said, I just don't want to come along. I guess I'm worried that people... I want it to be a secret. And they really helped us out." This approach allowed the couple to celebrate their union without the public scrutiny that often accompanies celebrity weddings.
Overall, Janet Street-Porter's story highlights the personal challenges and emotions involved in navigating high-profile relationships, even after decades together. Her honesty on Loose Women has resonated with viewers, shedding light on the complexities of love and marriage in the public eye.
