Jo Wood Breaks Silence on Stepson Jesse's Baby Announcement
Jo Wood has publicly addressed the baby news involving her stepson, Jesse Wood, and his girlfriend, reality TV star Gemma Gregory. This comes after Jesse's split from his wife of ten years, Fearne Cotton. The former model, aged 71, who helped raise Jesse during her 26-year marriage to Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, is the first family member to comment on the pregnancy announcement.
Exclusive Revelation on How Jo Found Out
In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, Jo Wood disclosed the heartwarming moment she learned about the impending arrival. "Jesse texted me: 'Jo, I've got some great news…' I thought, woohoo! Wonderful!" she recounted. Expressing her joy, Jo added, "I’m very excited. It’s great. I’m really happy for them. Gemma is lovely and a really nice woman."
Blended Family Dynamics and Hope for Happiness
Jo emphasized the importance of hope and resilience in life's challenges. "Gemma makes Jesse happy," she stated. "There’s always hope - no matter what happens in life, you can never give up. See, I'm still here, still searching for Mr. Right." Reflecting on her own experiences, Jo, who divorced Ronnie in 2011 after his affair, noted, "She'll be a great mum. And she's good with Jesse's kids as well. Gosh, I've got plenty of blended families in my family."
Background on Jesse Wood and Gemma Gregory
Musician Jesse Wood, 49, and Gemma Gregory, 40, announced their pregnancy earlier this month, 16 months after Jesse's separation from TV presenter Fearne Cotton, 44. Jesse shares two children, Rex, 12, and Honey, 9, with Fearne, as well as two adult children from his first marriage to Katherine 'Tilly' Boone, 52. Gemma also has an 11-year-old son from a previous relationship.
The couple went public with their relationship in April of last year and shared the pregnancy news on Instagram. Gemma posted a photo of her baby bump with the caption "incoming" and another sweet snap with Jesse labeled "made by these muppets." Gemma, daughter of actor Paul Gregory, appeared in early episodes of Made In Chelsea and has worked as an actress and model.
Co-Parenting and Moving Forward
At the launch of her debut novel's audiobook, The Resurrection of Flo, Jo revealed that Jesse and Fearne are successfully co-parenting post-split. "They're good. They've got it all sussed. They're all happy. There's no bitterness or anything like that. They're all good," she said. Fearne has since moved on with TV director Elliot Hegarty, who is ten years her senior, and addressed the split amicably in a past interview.
Jo Wood's Personal Insights and Future Projects
During the launch party at Fitzrovia Studios in North London, sponsored by Apres Provence Rosé and Jukes’ non-alcoholic wine, Jo spoke candidly about staying hopeful in love. "They say it's the search that is the most interesting thing, because once you've got whatever you wanted, you've got it now. It's [about] the progress to it," she reflected.
Jo also shared that she has begun writing a sequel to her novel, titled Only Flo, which is 30,000 words in and planned for release next year. "It's a continuation [of the first book]. What I want to do is put lessons in it that will help other women," she explained. "I find that women as they get older feel that they aren't appreciated. It's an older woman that carries all the knowledge of her life that she can share with everybody."
Context of Jesse's Recent Challenges
The baby news follows Jesse's court appearance in January on a speeding charge, where he disclosed financial struggles, living on barely £1,000 a month and seeking work since his marriage breakdown. "I was due to be employed in 2024 but it got delayed," he told the court. "At the moment I'm living off my savings and I am looking to get employment."
