Vickery defends Britton weight loss

Phil Vickery has defended wife Fern Britton's recent weight loss, claiming that much of it was down to a healthy diet.

Britton caused controversy last year after if emerged that she had a gastic band fitted, but her TV chef husband revealed that a gluten-free diet was in part responsible.

"Fern has cut right back on carbohydrates and eats a really healthy diet now with loads of vegetables and fruit," he told The Mirror.

"She likes my cooking. Family meals are old-fashioned favourites, like cottage pie or chicken with lots of veg and salad."

Vickery added that gluten, a protein which is found in wheat, rye and barley, need not be completely cut out of a healthy diet but should be used in moderation.

"No food is completely banned because saying 'no' simply makes you crave something. It's all about moderation," he said.

The star's book Phil Vickery's Seriously Good! Gluten Free Cooking is out on May 14.