Janet Street Porter has revealed that she has secretly married her long-term partner, making this her fifth husband, surprising fellow Loose Women panellists and viewers alike with the announcement on Monday's programme.
The 79-year-old broadcaster shared the news through a video message during the ITV show, confirming she married long-term partner Peter Spanton in Great Yarmouth last Saturday.
Mr Spanton, a 70-year-old former restaurateur and entrepreneur, has been in a relationship with Street-Porter since 1999, though the couple have largely kept their romance private over the years.
The pair appeared together in the video clip alongside their dog Badger to share their happy news with the Loose Women audience.
Janet Street Porter has married for the fifth time
|GETTY
In the heartfelt video message, Ms Street-Porter addressed viewers directly, saying: "Hi everyone, I've been keeping a big secret. It's my big news for everyone. Peter and me, and Badger, got married on Saturday, so there you are. I finally did it."
She concluded: "I saved the best till last."
Despite her previous four marriages, the veteran journalist appeared delighted to have finally made things official with her long-term partner, with the couple choosing the Norfolk seaside town for their intimate ceremony.
The Loose Women panel reacted with delight upon watching the video announcement, with Brenda Edwards appearing particularly moved by the news.
The Loose Women panel reacted live to the news
|ITV
"Congratulations Janet," Ms Edwards exclaimed, before adding: "That's got me quite emotional. I love that."
When fellow panellist Kaye Adams noted that Mr Spanton represented "husband number five," Ms Edwards was quick to respond.
"It doesn't matter, she's got happiness, stop counting the numbers," she said.
Ms Adams observed that Ms Street-Porter looked "content, radiant and happy" in the footage, while Sue Cleaver and Nadia Sawalha also offered their congratulations to their colleague following the surprise revelation.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Fans and friends of the broadcaster were quick to share their delight at the announcement, leaving their well-wishes beneath the video clip posted to Instagram by the official ITV Loose Women account.
The clip was captioned: "Loose Exclusive! Our Janet reveals some happy news that she’s finally tied the knot with long-term partner Peter! Fifth times the charm of course."
Fellow Loose Women panellist Coleen Nolan commented underneath: "OMG I’m so so happy for you both. Huge congratulations."
Broadcaster Mariella Frostrup quipped: "Congratulations… presume it precedes Peter’s canonisation?"
Model and speaker Katie Piper left a love heart emoji for the star, while TV presenter Oti Mabuse wrote: "Yes Janet!" in approval.
Dame Kelly Holmes also shared her delight, writing: "Ahhh congratulations."
One fan wrote: "Such wonderful news. Congratulations to you both xxxx." Another added: "OMG, thought that was never going to happen, what beautiful news. Congratulations to you three."
"Congratulations to you both wishing you much happiness," said another, while a fourth fan wrote "Awwww I LOVE this! Congratulations to you all! One of my favourite TV personalities and I’m so happy for you."
Fans were quick to congratulate Ms Steet-Porter
|ITV
Ms Street-Porter's previous marriages span several decades, beginning with photographer Tim Street-Porter, whom she wed in the late 1960s while studying architecture, before their split in 1975.
She subsequently married Time Out editor Tony Elliott, though that union lasted just two years, followed by a marriage to Canadian filmmaker Frank Cvitanovich from 1979 to 1981.
Her fourth husband was David Sorkin, whom she married in 1997 before divorcing in 1999, the same year she began her relationship with Mr Spanton.
The broadcaster is presently touring the UK with her one-woman show Off The Leash, with upcoming dates including performances in Blackfriars, Southampton and Hampshire.