Latest news with #BenOfoedu
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Vanessa Feltz's fury at ex Ben Ofoedu's callous broadside about her on his wedding day: Friends tell KATIE HIND how she 'knows his game' - and reveal inner his circle's spiteful nickname
It was an outburst few expected on what should have been the happiest day of his life. Moments after singer Ben Ofoedu said 'I do' to his new wife, Vanessa Brown, at the breathtakingly beautiful medieval Rose Castle in Cumbria last week, he launched a bitter broadside at his ex – another Vanessa, with whom he was in a relationship from 2006 to 2023.
Daily Mail
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ben Ofoedu makes extraordinary swipe at ex Vanessa Feltz in his wedding speech after tying the knot with new wife 'Vanessa 2.0' in lavish £100k ceremony
Ben Ofoedu made an extraordinary reference to ex Vanessa Feltz as he married his new bride, who he affectionately calls 'Vanessa 2.0', earlier this week. The Phats & Small singer, 52, was previously set to marry the TV personality, 63, until reports of his infidelity were leaked to the press in 2023. He has since moved on with aesthetics expert Vanessa Brown, who is 23 years his junior, marrying in a lavish £100,000 ceremony in Cumbria. However, despite his romance with Celebrity Big Brother star Vanessa ending two years ago, Ben made a savage dig at his ex, claiming he'd 'wasted 17 years' in their relationship. In an exclusive Mail+ interview, Ben reflected on his relationship with the former This Morning agony aunt, stating: 'Never again will I do that. I wasted 17 years of my life. 'I don't believe in long engagements any more. You don't want to get married if there's a question mark over your engagement. 'If you don't want to commit to someone, that's fine. But don't pretend you do and hold on to someone for a long period of time. Let them free, let them fly.' Speaking of his joy at finally becoming a husband, Ben shared: 'I have been waiting for this feeling, I have always wanted to be married since I was seven years old. I always wanted to be with someone who would take my surname. 'I almost gave up on marriage, thinking there wasn't a lady that would walk down the aisle for me. 'I can't believe the day has come, it is a dream come true. It feels like I've been waiting for this moment all my life. This is the finale of the chapter that was 17 years of my life.' After undergoing therapy in the wake of their split, the DJ – who refuses to mention Feltz by name 'ever again' – said the torrid experience gave him clarity. 'I knew what I was getting into going out with someone that talks about their sex life on TV. What did I expect? It was great media attention for her. I went into it with my eyes wide open thinking it wouldn't affect me, but it did.' As he surveyed the crowd of loved ones, Ofoedu reflected that the most valuable outcome of his break-up with Feltz was 'finding out who my real friends are'. He said: 'I thought I was friends with everyone but people acted differently towards me [after the break up]. At the time it hurt me but it turned out to be great because it showed me who actually had my back – every member of Boyzone and a couple of boys from Blu who couldn't be here. 'But I know she [Vanessa Feltz] will look at these pictures today and see that everyone here knows the truth about our relationship and the narrative she spun. 'This love with Vanessa [Brown] has made me realise that the other one didn't love me as much as she made out, we had two different definitions of love.' Insisting he didn't want to make his special day about the 'past', Ofoedu added: 'All of that was worth it and everything happens for a reason because I've found my perfect person. 'The main thing now [is] it's ended happily ever after for me – getting married in a beautiful castle in Carlisle and I'm happy. 'Vanessa is the woman of my dreams, our connection was instant and when I found out she was dreaming of a beautiful white wedding fit for a princess, I thought, 'Ben, it's time to get your Prince Charming boots on and be the fairytale prince she's always dreamed of'. 'As I look back at our beautiful romance it has confirmed my belief that true love is waiting around the corner – you just have to keep the faith.' Bride Vanessa echoed the sentiment, beaming as she recalled how their connection had been 'instant', adding: 'It was like everything suddenly made sense. When you know, you know.' She revealed the couple hope to start a family within the next year and are planning a business venture together. 'But I know she [Vanessa Feltz] will look at these pictures today and see that everyone here knows the truth about our relationship and the narrative she spun' Though the new bride didn't shy away from referencing her husband's former relationship, she dismissed the negativity surrounding it. She said: 'When it comes to his last relationship, a lot of it is spiteful and untrue. 'I'm the right person for him. Their relationship ended for reasons the public weren't aware of. Everyone always says they have never seen Ben as happy as he is now. 'That's a testament to where he is in his life. He's completely fulfilled when previously he wasn't. 'To be honest I don't care whatsoever, I couldn't care less about her. She is his ex – I have exes – and they're in the past. 'Why would you care?' Brown adds, talking about Feltz. 'Enjoy your retirement, your family and just chill. Stop talking about it, it's so tragic! 'Part of me feels sorry for her but it's my life and I don't care.'
Daily Mail
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Vanessa Feltz's friends rally round her as ex Ben Ofoedu claims he 'wasted 17 years' in their relationship following wedding to 'Vanessa 2.0'
Vanessa Feltz 's friends have rallied round her after her ex Ben Ofoedu claimed he 'wasted 17 years' in their relationship. The TV personality, 63, previously dated the singer, 53, for 16 years, and they were set to get married, until reports of his infidelity were leaked to the press in 2023. Ben moved on with aesthetics expert, Vanessa Brown - who he affectionately calls her 'Vanessa 2.0' and they married in a lavish £100,000 ceremony in Cumbria earlier this week. Joining the presenter on her show, Vanessa on 5, Francine Lewis said Vanessa was feeling 'pretty blue' in the wake of his wedding and vowed to find her a man. The singer, who starred on Britain's Got Talent in 2013, said: 'Vanessa deserves a man that will treat her like a queen not a door mat.' A close friend later told MailOnline: 'Vanessa's been really strong - he might be an ex but she still has a heart that got broken - he didn't hang about!' The TV personality, 63, previously dated the singer, 53, for 16 years, and they were set to get married, until reports of his infidelity were leaked to the press in 2023 (pictured in 2022) They added: 'Vanessa's got her girls rallying around her in support.' Vanessa met Ben in 2005, when she was at the height of her broadcasting fame and he was a little-known pop singer – best remembered for his stint in Phats & Small. The couple quickly became a fixture on the celebrity circuit and within months were engaged, with Vanessa proudly introducing him to the public as her fiancé. She frequently featured him in her media appearances, from red-carpet events to reality TV shows, reviving his public profile and transforming him into a household name. But behind the scenes, cracks were beginning to show. Their relationship came to a dramatic end in 2023 after he admitted to cheating — a betrayal that left Vanessa heartbroken and publicly humiliated. Reflecting on his relationship with the former This Morning agony aunt, he said: 'Never again will I do that. I wasted 17 years of my life.' Ben added: 'I don't believe in long engagements any more. You don't want to get married if there's a question mark over your engagement. 'If you don't want to commit to someone, that's fine. But don't pretend you do and hold on to someone for a long period of time. Let them free, let them fly.' After undergoing therapy in the wake of their split, the DJ – who refuses to mention Feltz by name 'ever again' – said the torrid experience gave him clarity. 'I knew what I was getting into going out with someone that talks about their sex life on TV. What did I expect? It was great media attention for her. I went into it with my eyes wide open thinking it wouldn't affect me, but it did.' Meanwhile, Vanessa confessed that she still has hope of finding love again, despite admitting that it's a 'dating desert out there'. While she had a secret short-lived romance last year, Vanessa has been single ever since, now insisting it is 'impossible and agonising' to find someone new. Reflecting on Jennifer Aniston 's new relationship with hunky hypnotist Jim Curtis, the broadcaster admitted it had been a 'beacon of hope' to her that she would also find love again. exclusively revealed last week that Jennifer, 56, spent the Fourth of July weekend with life coach Jim, 49, with snaps showing the couple packing on the PDA onboard a yacht. Vanessa discussed the twice divorced actress' newfound happiness in her latest column for the Daily Express, where she lamented how tricky it was for women over the age of 45 to find a partner. She wrote: 'It's so tough, impossible and agonising to find a decent bloke these days. The apps are hopeless. It's a dating desert out there. 'I loathe this lament but also can't deny that these days, finding a man to love and be loved by is a huge task once maturity has kicked in. 'If Jen has indeed landed her own Mr Darcy then she'll send a beacon of hope to the rest of us. Go girl!
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Vanessa Feltz, 63, appears to make subtle dig at ex Ben Ofoedu on live TV - days after his wedding to 'Vanessa 2.0'
Vanessa Feltz appeared to make a subtle dig at her ex Ben Ofoedu live on her Channel 5 show on Thursday. The TV personality, 63, previously dated the singer, 53, for 16 years, and they were set to get married, until reports of his infidelity were leaked to the press in 2023. Ben married aesthetics expert, Vanessa Brown - who he affectionately calls her 'Vanessa 2.0' - in a lavish £100,000 ceremony in Cumbria earlier this week. Just days after they tied the knot, Vanessa couldn't help but take a subtle swipe at Ben in a discussion about working with spouses. Speaking on her daytime talk show Vanessa, she chatted to Carrie and David Grant, former Strictly star James Jordan and her daughter, Saskia Joss. As the group gushed about their perfect working-marriage dynamic, Vanessa joked: 'And I'm sitting here single, single and all alone.' Among the 72 guests at Ben's wedding this week were famous faces including Boyzone 's Shane Lynch, who acted as best man, as well as his former bandmate Keith Duffy, S Club 7 's Bradley McIntosh and pop group 911's Lee Brennan. Guests toasted the newlyweds with filled-to-the-brim flutes of £33-a-bottle Jean-Noel Heritage Champagne. After a romantic first dance to Boyzone's Every Day I Love You – a nod to Ofoedu's long-standing music industry friendships – the crowd was treated to a £7,500 drone show that told the couple's love story, which began in April last year after a chance meeting backstage at a gala dinner celebrating business men and women in Carlisle, at which Ofeodu was performing. Vanessa Feltz met Ben in 2005, when she was at the height of her broadcasting fame and he was a little-known pop singer – best remembered for his stint in Phats & Small. The couple quickly became a fixture on the celebrity circuit and within months were engaged, with Feltz proudly introducing him to the public as her fiancé. She frequently featured him in her media appearances, from red-carpet events to reality-TV shows, reviving his public profile and transforming him into a household name. But behind the scenes, cracks were beginning to show. Their relationship came to a dramatic end in 2023 after he admitted to cheating — a betrayal that left Vanessa heartbroken and publicly humiliated. Reflecting on his relationship with the former This Morning agony aunt, he said: 'Never again will I do that. I wasted 17 years of my life.' Vanessa took her mind off the wedding on Wednesday and headed out dressed in a bright pink floral gown for a night at Gymkhana in London Ben added: 'I don't believe in long engagements any more. You don't want to get married if there's a question mark over your engagement. 'If you don't want to commit to someone, that's fine. But don't pretend you do and hold on to someone for a long period of time. Let them free, let them fly.' After undergoing therapy in the wake of their split, the DJ – who refuses to mention Feltz by name 'ever again' – said the torrid experience gave him clarity. 'I knew what I was getting into going out with someone that talks about their sex life on TV. What did I expect? It was great media attention for her. I went into it with my eyes wide open thinking it wouldn't affect me, but it did.' Meanwhile, Vanessa confessed that she still has hope of finding love again, despite admitting that it's a 'dating desert out there'. While she had a secret short-lived romance last year, Vanessa has been single ever since, now insisting it is 'impossible and agonising' to find someone new. Reflecting on Jennifer Aniston 's new relationship with hunky hypnotist Jim Curtis, the broadcaster admitted it had been a 'beacon of hope' to her that she would also find love again. exclusively revealed last week that Jennifer, 56, spent the Fourth of July weekend with life coach Jim, 49, with snaps showing the couple packing on the PDA onboard a yacht. Vanessa recently confessed that she still has hope of finding love again, despite admitting that it's a 'dating desert out there' (seen yesterday) Vanessa discussed the twice divorced actress' newfound happiness in her latest column for the Daily Express, where she lamented how tricky it was for women over the age of 45 to find a partner. She wrote: 'It's so tough, impossible and agonising to find a decent bloke these days. The apps are hopeless. It's a dating desert out there. 'I loathe this lament but also can't deny that these days, finding a man to love and be loved by is a huge task once maturity has kicked in. 'If Jen has indeed landed her own Mr Darcy then she'll send a beacon of hope to the rest of us. Go girl!
The Irish Sun
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Vanessa Feltz takes subtle swipe at ex Ben Ofoedu after his wedding – live on C5 show
VANESSA Feltz appeared to take a subtle swipe at ex fiance Ben Ofoedu after his marriage this week during a live chat on her Channel 5 show. Phats & Small singer on Wednesday - five months after proposing on Valentine's Day in New York. Advertisement 7 Vanessa Feltz appeared to take a subtle swipe at ex Ben Ofoedu after his wedding Credit: Channel 5 7 The broadcaster was chatting about working with partners on her C5 show, Vanessa Credit: Channel 5 7 She told how she was 'single and alone' following her split with singer Ben 7 Ben said I Do to wife Vanessa Brown this week Ben, 53, called time on his engagement with was dating his now-wife just weeks before he popped the question. He appeared to take his own dig at former fiance Vanessa following the special occasion in a stunning Cumbria castle, telling how his nuptials were 'a new beginning' and added: "I wasted 17 years of my life." Now broadcasting legend Vanessa appears to have hit back. Speaking on her daytime talk show Vanessa, she nattered to Carrie and David Grant, former Strictly star James Jordan and her daughter, Advertisement read more vanessa feltz In the discussion about working with their respective spouses, James said of teaming up with fellow professional dancer Ola "for us its always worked." After Carrie and Saskia gushed about their working dynamics, Vanessa quipped: "And I'm sitting here single, single and all alone." She then moved on and said: "Alright let's get straight into our first topic." Yet later in the show, the anchor hinted the subject had resurfaced. Advertisement Most read in News TV Vanessa teased that there were 'censored' conversations with her guests during the break. She didn't disclose what the chats were about - but the guests were all laughing as the theme tune played out. It came a day after she was spotted all smiles as BEN'S CATTY SWIPE While the pair were partying, Ben took a catty swipe at his ex as he said I Do. Advertisement Inside Ben Ofoedu and fiance Vanessa's 'no expense spared' three-day wedding with HUGE boyband star best man and luxury fairground as they set date for nuptials New husband Ben then told "I almost gave up on marriage, thinking there wasn't a lady that would walk down the aisle for me. "I can't believe the day has come, it is a dream come true. It feels like I've been waiting for this moment all my life. "This is the finale of the chapter that was 17 years of my life." Advertisement Vanessa Feltz and Ben Ofoedu relationship timeline 2005 The couple meet at a Christmas party after being introduced by mutual friend Keith Duffy. Ben tells OK! years later: 'My first impression of you Feltzy was cheeky, very very cheeky and very very quick-witted." 2016 The pair get engaged in December in Ireland after a whirlwind romance. Ben pulls out all the stops, covering their hotel bed in red roses. 2020 Ben teases on Loose Women that a ceremony is imminent. He says: "I think we'll be making an announcement very, very soon. 2022 The stance changes significantly. Vanessa tells OK!: "I do think 'never say never', but I certainly haven't made any plans for a wedding and I think we're quite happy this way." 2023 Shocked Vanessa announces the relationship is over, heartbroken by Ben's infidelity. An insider also told The Sun: 'Ben's never been happier. He's always wanted to get married and knew Vanessa was the one instantly." Back in April, Ben revealed no expense was going to be spared in order to make it the perfect day. He told us: "There's a three-day wedding celebration. We've got a summer soiree the night before, a barbecue, then the whole day of celebrations the day after and then a farewell brunch. "So it'll be jam-packed." Advertisement FELTZ'S PAIN TV star Vanessa dumped her fiancé Ben two years ago after suspicions that he had cheated on her with several women. The This Morning segment presenter spoke of her 'shock' and 'heartbreak' over the singer's Amid a string of allegations that Ben cheated with a number of women, Vanessa was horrified to discover his 'double life'. It was understood she discovered a trail of emails and social media messages that led her to uncover the infidelity. Advertisement She told fans of her TalkTV drive time show that despite the "sadness" and "shock", she wouldn't let it get her down. Vanessa said: "People who have been reading about my private life over the weekend will know that my 16-year relationship has come to an end. "I have said, I'm very sad. I'm very shocked, but I am going to soldier forth. I hope to rise like a phoenix from the ashes and all of that." The TV presenter revealed after the painful break-up . Advertisement 7 Vanessa made her comments 24 hours after Ben's nuptials Credit: Channel 5 7 Ben appeared to take his own swipe at his broadcaster ex shortly after his ceremony Credit: Getty 7 Vanessa was all smiles on Wednesday as she celebrated pal Myleene Klass' MBE Credit: Getty
