{{EngvarB|date=January 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}} {{Infobox television | image = | caption = | genre = Religion and ethics | runtime = 60 minutes | creator = | language = English | country = United Kingdom | presenter = Fern Britton | producer = Anna Cox | channel = BBC One | first_aired = {{start date|2009|11|29|df=yes}} | last_aired = {{end date|2017|12|17|df=yes}} | num_series = 9 | num_episodes = 37 }} '''''Fern Britton Meets...''''' is a British television talk show presented by Fern Britton which was first aired on BBC One during the four Sundays of Advent from 29 November 2009 to 17 December 2017. Each episode featured Britton interviewing a high-profile person about their life, career and religious beliefs. The programme attracted particular attention following an interview with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in which he discussed his thoughts about the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

==Summary== Each episode features Britton interviewing a different personality, with the discussion focussed on how the individual's beliefs have shaped their lives. The programme was the first to be presented by Britton since leaving the ITV daytime show ''This Morning'' earlier in the year.

The series was announced in November 2009, and Britton said: <blockquote>All the interviewees come from very different backgrounds but what binds them together is the fact that, although their faith has been challenged, they've emerged with strong spiritual beliefs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2009/11_november/04/christmas.shtml|title=New Advent series for BBC One heralds a season of Christmas tradition and worship on the BBC|date=4 November 2009|publisher=BBC Press Office|access-date=30 January 2010}}</ref></blockquote>

==Episodes== {{Series overview | link1 = #Series 1 (2009) | episodes1 = 4 | start1 = {{Start date|2009|11|29|df=y}} | end1 = {{End date|2009|12|20|df=y}}

| link2 = #Series 2 (2010) | episodes2 = 4 | start2 = {{Start date|2010|11|28|df=y}} | end2 = {{End date|2010|12|19|df=y}}

| link3 = #Series 3 (2011) | episodes3 = 4 | start3 = {{Start date|2011|11|27|df=y}} | end3 = {{End date|2011|12|18|df=y}}

| link4 = #Series 4 (2012) | episodes4 = 5 | start4 = {{Start date|2012|11|25|df=y}} | end4 = {{End date|2012|12|23|df=y}}

| link5 = #Series 5 (2013) | episodes5 = 4 | start5 = {{Start date|2013|12|1|df=y}} | end5 = {{End date|2013|12|22|df=y}}

| link6 = #Series 6 (2014) | episodes6 = 4 | start6 = {{Start date|2014|11|30|df=y}} | end6 = {{End date|2014|12|21|df=y}}

| link7 = #Series 7 (2015) | episodes7 = 4 | start7 = {{Start date|2015|11|29|df=y}} | end7 = {{End date|2015|12|20|df=y}}

| link8 = #Series 8 (2016) | episodes8 = 4 | start8 = {{Start date|2016|11|27|df=y}} | end8 = {{End date|2016|12|18|df=y}}

| link9 = #Series 9 (2017) | episodes9 = 4 | start9 = {{Start date|2017|11|26|df=y}} | end9 = {{End date|2017|12|17|df=y}} }}

===Series 1=== {{Episode table |overall=5 |series=5 |aux1=45 |aux1T=Guest |airdate=45 |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 1 | EpisodeNumber2= 1 | Aux1= Dolly Parton | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2009|11|29|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 2 | EpisodeNumber2= 2 | Aux1= Desmond Tutu | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2009|12|6|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 3 | EpisodeNumber2= 3 | Aux1= Tony Blair | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2009|12|13|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 4 | EpisodeNumber2= 4 | Aux1= Sheila Hancock | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2009|12|20|df=y}} }}

}}

===Series 2 (2010)=== {{Episode table |overall=5 |series=5 |aux1=45 |aux1T=Guest |airdate=45 |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 5 | EpisodeNumber2= 1 | Aux1= June Brown | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2010|11|28|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 6 | EpisodeNumber2= 2 | Aux1= Clarissa Dickson Wright | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2010|12|5|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 7 | EpisodeNumber2= 3 | Aux1= Jesse Jackson | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2010|12|12|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 8 | EpisodeNumber2= 4 | Aux1= Cliff Richard | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2010|12|19|df=y}} }}

}}

===Series 3 (2011)=== {{Episode table |overall=5 |series=5 |aux1=20 |aux1T=Guest |aux2=50 |aux2T=Interviewees |airdate=20 |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 9 | EpisodeNumber2= 1 | Aux1= Ann Widdecombe | Aux2= Nicholas Kochan (Biographer) <br/> Rev Roger Widdecombe (Nephew) <br/> Helen Williams (School Friend)<br/> Gyles Brandreth <br/>Lord David Alton of Liverpool <br/> Anton Du Beke (Dancer) | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2011|11|27|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 10 | EpisodeNumber2= 2 | Aux1= Katherine Jenkins | Aux2= Susan Jenkins(Mother) <br/>Niki Sanderson (Publicist) <br/>Polly Noble (Friend) <br/>Eamonn Holmes (TV Presenter) <br/>Beatrice Unsworth (Singing Teacher) <br/>Colin Jackson (Athlete and Friend) <br/>Tom Chambers (Actor and Friend) <br/> Neil Fisher (The Times) <br/>Mark Cann (British Forces Foundation) <br/> | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2011|12|4|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 11 | EpisodeNumber2= 3 | Aux1= Russell Watson | Aux2= Tim Watson (Dad) <br/>Steve Gleave (Friend) <br/>Rob Gleave (Friend) <br/>Pete Reeves (DJ Piccadilly Radio) <br/>Gordon Burns(Journalist) <br/>Paul Hince (Sports Journalist) <br/>James Leggate (Consultant Neurosurgeon) <br/> | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2011|12|11|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 12 | EpisodeNumber2= 4 | Aux1= Brian Blessed | Aux2= Stephen Fry (Friend) <br/>Susan Engel (Actor and Friend)<br/>John Paul Davidson (Friend) <br/>Virginia McKenna (Actor and Friend) <br/>Ros Blessed (Daughter)<br/>Mark Lawson (Critic and Broadcaster)<br/>Sir Trevor Nunn (Director Cats) | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2011|12|18|df=y}} }}

}}

===Series 4 (2012)=== {{Episode table |overall=5 |series=5 |aux1=20 |aux1T=Guest |aux2=50 |aux2T=Interviewees |airdate=20 |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 13 | EpisodeNumber2= 1 | Aux1= Alfie Boe | Aux2= Neil Ferris (Manager) <br/>John Owen Edward (D'Oyly Carte Opera) <br/>Annie Benson (Alfie's Sister) <br/>Ruth Carter (Preston Musical Comedy Society) <br/>Matt Lucas (Actor and Friend) <br/> | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2012|11|25|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 14 | EpisodeNumber2= 2 | Aux1= John Barrowman | Aux2= Eve Myles (Actress) <br/>Jodie Prenger (West End Actress) <br/>Carole E Barrowman (Sister) <br/>Myleene Klass (Friend) <br/> Bernard Cribbins (Actor) <br/>Phil Collinson (Producer) <br/>Scott Gill (Partner) | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2012|12|2|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 15 | EpisodeNumber2= 3 | Aux1= Frank Bruno | Aux2= Dave Davies (Frank's Agent) <br/>Sue Baker (Time to Change Campaign) <br/>Lynette Bruno (Frank's Mother) <br/>Colin Hart (Boxing Columnist, The Sun) <br/>Mike Jackson (Sporting Club Charity) <br/>Cass Pennant (Frank's Friend) <br/> | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2012|12|9|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 16 | EpisodeNumber2= 4 | Aux1= Daniel O'Donnell | Aux2= Gloria Hunniford (Friend) <br/>Eddie Rowland (Biographer) <br/>Margo O'Donnell (Daniel's Sister) <br/>PJ Sweeny (Friend) <br/>Majella O'Donnell (Daniel's Wife) <br/>Pat Gallagher (Daniel O'Donnell Visitor Centre) <br/> | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2012|12|16|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 17 | EpisodeNumber2= 5 | Aux1= Dionne Warwick | Aux2= David Elliott (Dionne's Son) <br/>Bette Midler (Singer and Actress) <br/>Mary Wilson (The Supremes) <br/>Burt Bacharach (Composer and Producer) <br/>Steve Tyrell (Promoter and Producer) <br/>Jools Holland (Musician and Presenter) <br/>Gail Mitchell (Billboard Magazine) <br/>Randy Lewis (LA Times) <br/>Barry Manilow (Singer) <br/> | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2012|12|23|df=y}} }}

}}

===Series 5 (2013)=== {{Episode table |overall=5 |series=5 |aux1=20 |aux1T=Guest |aux2=50 |aux2T=Interviewees |airdate=20 |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 18 | EpisodeNumber2= 1 | Aux1= Susan Boyle | Aux2= Paul O'Grady (Presenter and Friend) <br/>Frank Quinn (University Lecturer and Friend) <br/>Lorraine Campbell (School Friend) <br/>Fred O'Neil (Singing Teacher) <br/>Elaine C Smith (actress) <br/>Yvie Burnett (Vocal Coach) <br/> | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2013|12|1|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 19 | EpisodeNumber2= 2 | Aux1= John Simpson | Aux2= John Humphrys (Journalist and Presenter) <br/>Nicholas Snowman (Friend)<br/>Brian Brooks (Family Friend) <br/>Julia Richards (Daughter) <br/>John Sergeant (News Correspondent and Presenter) <br/>Dee Kruger (TV Producer and John's second wife) <br/>Rev Dr Peter Elvy<br/>Tom Giles (Editor, Panorama) <br/> | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2013|12|8|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 20 | EpisodeNumber2= 3 | Aux1= Ken Dodd | Aux2= Bishop James Jones(Friend) <br/>Lord Michael Grade (Broadcaster) <br/>Professor Ian Tracey (Friend and Liverpool Cathedral Organist) <br/>Elizabeth Threadgold (Friend and Cathedral Volunteer) <br/>Stephen Shakeshaft (Photographer) <br/>Laurie Mansfield (President The Royal Variety Performance) <br/>Roy Hudd (Comedian) <br/>Peter Grant (Journalist) | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2013|12|15|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 21 | EpisodeNumber2= 4 | Aux1= Christine Ohuruogu | Aux2= Obi Ohuruogu (Christine's brother) <br/>Perri Shakes-Drayton (400m European Indoor Champion) <br/>Rev Stennett Kirby (Vicar of All Saints Church, West Ham) <br/>Gabrielle Bramwell (Christine's Former Netball Coach) <br/>Lloyd Cowan (Christine's Coach) <br/>Brendan Foster CBE (Broadcaster and Olympic Bronze Medallist) <br/>Michael Beloff QC (Sports arbitration lawyer) <br/>Katharine Merry (Broadcaster and 400m Olympic Bronze Medallist) <br/> | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2013|12|22|df=y}} }}

}}

===Series 6 (2014)=== {{Episode table |overall=5 |series=5 |aux1=20 |aux1T=Guest |aux2=50 |aux2T=Interviewees |airdate=20 |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 22 | EpisodeNumber2= 1 | Aux1= Donny Osmond | Aux2= Marie Osmond (Sister) <br/>Tony Prince (DJ Radio Luxembourg) <br/>Maureen O'Halloran (Fan Club Manager) <br/>David Hughes (Osmonds Press Officer) <br/>Nina Myskow (Editor, Jackie Magazine 1974 – 1978) <br/>Roger Holt (Promoter) <br/>Tina McKenzie (Fan) <br/> | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2014|11|30|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 23 | EpisodeNumber2= 2 | Aux1= Nicholas Parsons | Aux2= Admiral Sir John Treacher (Friend) <br/>Paul Merton (Comedian) <br/>Suzy Buchanan (Daughter) <br/>Justin Parsons (Son) <br/>Barry Cryer (Comedian) <br/>Carole Ashby (Sale of the Century Girl) <br/>Gyles Brandreth (Broadcaster) <br/>Jenny Eclaire (Comedian) <br/>Pam Ayres (Poet) <br/>Annie Parsons (Wife) | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2014|12|7|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 24 | EpisodeNumber2= 3 | Aux1= Tanni Grey Thompson | Aux2= Sian Harrison (Sister) <br/>Rt Hon Lord Neil Kinnock <br/>Roy Anthony (First Coach) <br/>Nicola Jarvis (Friend and Former Paralympian) <br/>Martin Corck (Manager)<br/>David Moorcroft (Former Head of UK Athletics) <br/>Carys Grey-Thompson (Daughter) <br/>Baroness Hollins | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2014|12|14|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 25 | EpisodeNumber2= 4 | Aux1= Richard Coles | Aux2= Will Coles (Brother) <br/>Lorna Gradden (Manager, The Communards) <br/>Helen Fielding (Author, Bridget Jones's Diary) <br/>June Miles-Kingston (Drummer, The Communards) <br/>Annajoy David (Friend) <br/>Ian Hislop (Private Eye) <br/>Revd Kate Bottley (Gogglebox Vicar and Friend) <br/>Sarah Jane Morris (Singer, The Communards) <br/>Rev Giles Fraser (Friend) <br/>Sara Maitland (Religious Author and Friend) <br/>Chris Evans (Broadcaster) | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2014|12|21|df=y}} }}

}}

===Series 7 (2015)=== {{Episode table |overall=5 |series=5 |aux1=20 |aux1T=Guest |aux2=50 |aux2T=Interviewees |airdate=20 |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 26 | EpisodeNumber2= 1 | Aux1= Shane Lynch | Aux2= Edele Lynch (Sister) <br/>Tara Lynch (Sister) <br/>Ronan Keating (Boyzone) <br/>Keith Duffy (Boyzone) <br/>Ben Ofoedu (Musician and Friend) <br/>Sheena Lynch (Wife) <br/> | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2015|11|29|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 27 | EpisodeNumber2= 2 | Aux1= Linford Christie | Aux2= Philip Henry (Friend) <br/>Briannah Christie (Daughter) <br/>Sally Gunnell(Runner) <br/>Brendan Foster (Commentator) <br/>Mihir Bose (Sports Journalist) <br/>Katharine Merry (Former Athlete) <br/>Margaret Adeoye (Athlete) | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2015|12|6|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 28 | EpisodeNumber2= 3 | Aux1= Lord Paddy Ashdown | Aux2= Tim Courtenay (Friend) <br/>Jane Ashdown (Wife) <br/>Keith Aston (Former colleague from Special Boat Section) <br/>Nick Clegg MP (Former Deputy Leader) <br/>Cathy Bakewell (Former Constituency Office Manager) <br/>Ian Patrick (Former Private Secretary) <br/>Martin Bell (Former War Reporter) <br/>Ian Patrick (Former Private Secretary) | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2015|12|13|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 29 | EpisodeNumber2= 4 | Aux1= Baroness Karren Brady | Aux2= Terry Brady (Dad) <br/>Rita Brady (Mum) <br/>Paul Peschisolido (Former Birmingham City Player) <br/>David Gold (Former Birmingham City Co-Chairman) <br/>Lord Alan Sugar<br/>Suzanne Angelides (Friend) <br/>Tara Warren (West Ham United) | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2015|12|20|df=y}} }}

}}

===Series 8 (2016)=== {{Episode table |overall=5 |series=5 |aux1=20 |aux1T=Guest |aux2=50 |aux2T=Interviewees |airdate=20 |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 30 | EpisodeNumber2= 1 | Aux1= Alexander Armstrong | Aux2= | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2016|11|27|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 31 | EpisodeNumber2= 2 | Aux1= Nigel Benn | Aux2= | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2016|12|4|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 32 | EpisodeNumber2= 3 | Aux1= Michael Gove | Aux2= Christine Gove (Mother)<br/>Sarah Vine (Wife)<br/>Mike Duncan (Teacher)<br/>Ed Vaizey MP (Friend)<br/>John Rentoul (Chief Political Correspondent for ''The Independent'')<br/>Tim Shipman (Author of ''All Out War'')<br/>Daniel Finkelstein (Associate Editor of ''The Times'') | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2016|12|11|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 33 | EpisodeNumber2= 4 | Aux1= Rebecca Ferguson | Aux2= | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2016|12|18|df=y}} }}

}}

===Series 9 (2017)=== {{Episode table |overall=5 |series=5 |aux1=20 |aux1T=Guest |aux2=50 |aux2T=Interviewees |airdate=20 |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 34 | EpisodeNumber2= 1 | Aux1= Gregory Porter | Aux2= | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2017|11|26|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 35 | EpisodeNumber2= 2 | Aux1= Stef Reid | Aux2= | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2017|12|3|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 36 | EpisodeNumber2= 3 | Aux1= Barbara Dickson | Aux2= | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2017|12|10|df=y}} }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber= 37 | EpisodeNumber2= 4 | Aux1= Rose Hudson-Wilkin | Aux2= | OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2017|12|17|df=y}} }}

}}

==Tony Blair interview== [[File:WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM ANNUAL MEETING 2009 - Tony Blair.jpg|thumb|Tony Blair at the World Economic Forum, 2009. Blair spoke to Britton about the decision to join the 2003 invasion of Iraq.]] The series attracted particular attention for an interview Britton recorded with Tony Blair which was aired on Sunday 13 December 2009, in which the former Prime Minister said that it would have been right to remove Iraqi president Saddam Hussein even without evidence he had weapons of mass destruction.<ref name=BBC12Dec09>{{cite news|url= https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8408918.stm|title= Removing Saddam was right, even without WMD – Blair|work=BBC News Online|date= 12 December 2009|access-date= 29 January 2010}}</ref> Asked whether he would still have joined the 2003 invasion of Iraq had he known that there were no weapons, he said: "I would still have thought it right to remove him. I mean obviously you would have had to use and deploy different arguments, about the nature of the threat." [...] "I can't really think we'd be better with him and his two sons still in charge, but it's incredibly difficult.." [...] "That's why I sympathise with the people who were against [the war] for perfectly good reasons and are against it now, but for me, you know, in the end I had to take the decision."<ref name=BBC12Dec09/><ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/6789231/Tony-Blair-Iraq-War-was-right-even-if-there-were-no-WMDs.html|title= Tony Blair: Iraq War was right even if there were no WMDs|work=Telegraph.co.uk|first= Anita|last= Singh|date= 12 December 2009|accessdate= 29 January 2010}}</ref>

Responding to the statement, former United Nations weapons inspector Hans Blix said that he believed Blair's statement had a "strong impression of a lack of sincerity",<ref name=BBC12Dec09/> while former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell said that Blair would not have obtained the support for an invasion if he had been so open about his view on regime change at the time.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/uk/feedarticle/8854073|title= Iraq invasion was right, says Blair|work=The Guardian|date= 12 December 2009|accessdate= 29 January 2010}}</ref> Conservative MP Richard Ottaway, a member of the House of Commons Intelligence and Security Committee dismissed the comments as a "cynical ploy to soften up public opinion" before his appearance at the Iraq Inquiry.<ref name=BBC12Dec09/>

Giving evidence to the inquiry on 29 January 2010 Blair addressed the interview, saying that it had been recorded in July 2009, some months before the inquiry convened,<ref name=BBC29Jan10/> and he admitted that it had been a mistake to say he would have got rid of Saddam Hussein regardless of whether or not he had WMD.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/jan/29/tony-blair-iraq-inquiry-key-points|title= Tony Blair at Iraq inquiry – the key points|work=The Guardian|author1=Mulholland, Hélène |author2=Sparrow, Andrew|date= 29 January 2010|accessdate= 29 January 2010}}</ref> He told the inquiry he "did not use the words regime change in that interview", and that what he had meant was that he "couldn't describe the nature of the threat in the same way if you knew then what you know now".<ref name=BBC29Jan10>{{cite news|url= https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8486930.stm|title= Tony Blair defends Fern Britton interview|work= BBC News Online|date= 29 January 2010|access-date= 29 January 2010}}</ref> Blair's performance was later condemned by families of military personnel killed in Iraq as disrespectful.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/jan/29/tony-blair-iraq-war-inquiry1|title= Families of Iraq war dead voice anger at 'smirking' Blair|work=The Guardian|author1=Lewis, Paul |author2=Dodd, Vikram|date= 29 January 2010|accessdate= 29 January 2010}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== *{{BBC programme|b00wkjd8}} *{{IMDb title|id=1554655|title=Fern Britton Meets...}}

Category:2009 British television series debuts Category:2017 British television series endings Category:2000s British television talk shows Category:2010s British television talk shows Category:BBC high definition shows Category:BBC One original programming Category:BBC television talk shows Category:Christian television Category:British religious television series Category:English-language British television shows