Anthea Turner Delays Wedding for Fourth Time Amid Home Renovations
Television presenter Anthea Turner has announced she is postponing her wedding to businessman Mark Armstrong for the fourth time, with the latest delay attributed to ongoing renovations at their home. The 65-year-old star revealed that the couple have just commenced work on their lounge, prompting another shift in their nuptial plans.
A Series of Postponements
Turner and Armstrong, 59, became engaged in Rome during September 2019 following a whirlwind two-month romance. Their wedding journey has encountered multiple obstacles, including the tragic deaths of both their mothers and the widespread disruption caused by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking exclusively to Woman's Own magazine, Turner explained their current situation.
'We need to sort it out, and we absolutely will, but we've got a lounge renovation that's just about starting,' she disclosed. 'We're not together because we want to breed or because it's the only way we can buy a house. We're together because he is my go-to, he's my best friend, he's my everything.'
Contentment in Their Relationship
The couple, who have been together for nearly seven years, expressed that they already 'feel married' despite not having formalised their union. Turner emphasised that while marriage remains a future aspiration, it currently takes lower priority amidst their busy lives and home improvement projects.
'Although it would be nice to get married someday, it's not our priority - but it will happen someday!' she affirmed, adding heartfelt sentiments about their bond. 'I can't think of anybody I would prefer to be snuggling up to at night. I am truly blessed that we found each other.'
Changing Wedding Perspectives
Turner recently shared evolving thoughts about her ideal ceremony during an appearance on Vanessa Feltz's Channel 5 programme. Having previously considered an Italian wedding, she now prefers a domestic celebration without the 'faff of organising anything abroad.' She also noted a cultural shift away from extravagant weddings.
'The tanker has turned around with these big flash weddings that we don't think 'oh how amazing now',' she observed. 'It's like when people have big flash cars, it's like, people with flashiness is actually going out.'
Reflections on Past Marriages
Turner's wedding history includes her controversial 2000 marriage to property developer Grant Bovey, which became infamous for the 'Flake Gate' scandal involving promotional Cadbury's Snowflake bars. Reflecting on that lavish ceremony, she admitted 'this was nowhere near what I wanted' and felt 'bamboozled into the whole thing.'
Her relationship with Bovey ended in 2015 after 15 years of marriage, following his adultery. Previously, Turner was married to Radio 1 DJ Peter Powell, whom she left in 1998 for Bovey - a move that attracted significant media criticism and the 'homewrecker' label.
New Chapter and Family Joy
Despite these challenges, Turner describes her relationship with Armstrong as a 'second chance at love' and remains optimistic about marriage. She has embraced her role as step-grandmother after Bovey's daughter Claudia welcomed a child, joyfully declaring 'I'm Granny Anth! I couldn't be happier.'
The presenter also addressed perceptions about relationships in later life, rejecting the idea that companionship replaces passion. 'Desire fades a bit in menopause but it doesn't stay like that,' she told The Sunday Times. 'I'm a fully paid-up member of the HRT club and there's nothing like a nice new relationship for igniting everything again.'
As renovations continue at their home, Turner and Armstrong focus on their strong partnership while anticipating their eventual wedding day, whenever domestic improvements allow.
