When news first escaped of Fern Britton’s secret gastric band, many people were sure that Ryvita would drop her from their advertising campaigns pronto. Luckily for Fern, her £200,000 a-year contract has been renewed despite the controversy the operation caused.

‘We are delighted to continue are association with Fern,’ said Ryvita’s marketing director Nigel Nelms to the Daily Mirror.

‘We have developed a fantastic and successful working relationship with her. She has played an intrinsic part in the success of our ads.’

Fern added: ‘I am delighted we are continuing the relationship as I have such fun making the ads and I greatly value our working relationship.’