Fern Britton has announced that she is to take a break from ITV TV show, This Morning until after Christmas.

The 51-year-old is thought to be hoping to spend more time at home and take part in a charity cycle race in Cuba.

“I’ve decided to take three weeks off to be a proper mummy at home. I’m absolutely fine and dandy and there’s no problem,” she told replacement host Ruth Langsford on This Morning.

However a source has said that the decision was very last minute and has left the show bosses in the lurch.

“No-one understands why Fern isn’t coming back until after Christmas. It wasn’t pre-planned. It was a last-minute thing and she has dropped the show right in it. They are not happy,” said the insider.