Just weeks before his financial difficulties were laid bare in court, Jesse Wood and his girlfriend, former Made In Chelsea personality Gemma Gregory, were publicly marking their first anniversary as a couple.
A Public Celebration Before Private Struggles
Earlier this month, Gemma Gregory, 40, shared an intimate Instagram post dedicated to her "year of love" with Jesse Wood, 49. The post included several personal snaps, notably one featuring the musician in a bath, accompanied by the caption: 'Winter loving,' 'Celebrating one year of love, a year of sobriety and a year of growth'.
This gushing tribute came shortly before a very different picture of Wood's life emerged at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court. The son of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood was summoned for a speeding offence, and during proceedings, he revealed a stark financial situation.
Court Reveals Unemployment and Financial Strain
Representing himself in court on Thursday, Jesse Wood explained that he had been unemployed and was currently living off his savings. He stated his income from the last tax year was around £14,000, leaving him with a monthly budget of barely £1,000 after his split from TV presenter Fearne Cotton.
The court heard that Wood, who shares two children, Rex, 12, and Honey, nine, with Cotton, has struggled to find paid work since their separation was announced in December 2024. This is despite his father's estimated £100 million fortune and Jesse's own residence in a £3 million townhouse in Richmond.
The speeding charge itself stemmed from an incident on April 7 last year, when he was caught driving at 27mph in a 20mph zone on the A4 Cromwell Road in West London. This was his fourth such offence, adding to nine existing points on his licence.
Relationship Timeline and Legal Outcome
Jesse Wood and Gemma Gregory first went public with their relationship in April. An insider described the pairing as "getting serious," noting that Gemma had helped lift Jesse's spirits following the "rough patch" after his decade-long marriage ended.
Despite pleading guilty and outlining his financial hardships to the magistrates, Wood faced consequences for his driving. He was handed three more penalty points, triggering an automatic six-month driving ban. He was also ordered to pay £255 in fines and costs.
Gemma Gregory, who has a son from a previous relationship, is known for her lifestyle content online. She appeared on E4's Made in Chelsea in 2011 and 2012, famously leaving the show for a spa retreat before returning declaring herself "sober."
While Wood has remained quiet on his split, Fearne Cotton previously stated the separation was "very amicable" and that she was in a "very good place."
