Loose Women star Janet Street-Porter has tied the knot for a remarkable fifth time, revealing her latest marriage in a surprise video message to her ITV colleagues. The 79-year-old broadcaster, known for her candid opinions on the panel show, shared the news alongside her new husband Peter Spanton and their dog Badger, declaring she had "waited to the last for the best."
Wedding Regrets and Candid Confessions
Janet Street-Porter has never been shy about discussing her complex history with matrimony. The media personality, who has walked down the aisle five times, previously confessed that she awoke the morning after one of her weddings filled with immediate regret. She revealed that she didn't wish to proceed with half of her ceremonies but felt compelled by social pressure and embarrassment.
Discussing marrying someone you don't truly love, Janet explained: "Well maybe if you're involved in something, in an event of that magnitude, you think I'd better go through with it. I mean 50 percent of mine have been like that. One I knew the next morning. I adored him and I still do to this day but the next day I got up and I thought 'why did we do that?' That was a big mistake, but we had a great party."
The Grim Reaper of Marriage
Her colourful romantic history earned her the unflattering nickname "the Grim Reaper of marriage" from co-star Stacey Solomon during a lively Loose Women discussion about the significance of getting hitched. The duo clashed over wedding traditions, with Janet's multiple marriages becoming a focal point of the debate.
Fellow panellist Christine Lampard once likened Janet's romantic history to a "holding pattern at Heathrow" due to the numerous "arrivals and departures" in her love life. Despite the teasing from colleagues, Janet has remained characteristically unapologetic about her relationship choices.
A Change of Heart at Seventy
In a surprising turnaround, the seasoned broadcaster declared: "It might sound odd but actually at 70 I now believe in marriage. There is a big point to it because if you have any property or children, marriage is a legal document." This represents a significant shift for someone who has been openly critical of the institution throughout much of her public career.
Her latest wedding to current beau Peter Spanton appears to reflect this newfound appreciation for matrimony. The couple married quietly on a Saturday before sharing their happy news with Janet's television colleagues.
Colleagues Celebrate the News
Upon learning of her latest marriage, Janet's Loose Women co-stars offered warm congratulations mixed with their trademark humour. Brenda screamed out loud: "Congratulations Janet!" while Kaye exclaimed: "Husband number five!"
Brenda quickly added: "It doesn't matter, she's got happiness - stop counting the numbers." Former Strictly star Kaye then observed: "She looks content, radiant and happy." The panel's reactions captured the blend of support and gentle teasing that characterises their on-screen dynamic.
A Complex Marital History
Janet Street-Porter, who was born Janet Bull, has experienced a particularly eventful journey through matrimony. She was first married to photographer Tim Street-Porter between 1967 and 1974, keeping his surname as she launched her media career. She has since admitted to having multiple affairs during this marriage.
Her second marriage was to Tony Elliott, publisher of Time Out magazine, though they separated just two years later. Janet revealed she knew instantly she regretted this ceremony, recalling: "I turned to him and said 'well that was a mistake,' within 24 hours [of marrying] and he said 'I agree'. I said 'we were such great friends, exactly the same age, why on earth did we get married!?'"
Now, with her fifth marriage at age 79, Janet Street-Porter continues to defy expectations and challenge conventional wisdom about relationships and commitment. Her latest union represents both a personal milestone and another chapter in her remarkably public romantic journey.
