Fern Britton's pal breaks silence on Phil Vickery kiss as she says 'it's a difficult time'

express.co.uk:

Fern Britton's friend Lorraine Stanton, 58, emerged online. A source told The Sun that the ex This Morning presenter would be "dumbstruck" by the snaps.Now, Lorraine has broken her silence on the situation.While she didn't address the pictures directly or confirm whether or not she's dating Phil, the hospitality worker said she was going through a "grieving period".

She said: "I's a difficult time for me and the family."I don't actually live in the marital home anymore and it's got nothing to do with the latest incident over the pictures," she added to the Daily Mail online.Prince Harry's move may 'cause irrevocable harm' to Sussex plansLorraine went on to say that she had also recently lost her stepdad, adding they were "grieving"."My children are feeling very vulnerable, and they are very upset about the whole situation."Express.co.uk has contacted a represenative for Phil and Fern for comment.

The hospitality worker is said to have been friends with Fern and Phil for a number of years.On Wednesday, she and the chef were seen leaning over a suitcase for a kiss following a date in London.She reportedly stayed at his flat in the capital the night before.Today, Fern sparked confusion after tweeting that the story isn't true, despite the pictures.The author may have been referring to reports that she is "heartbroken and dumbstruck" by it all.At present, she is still following Lorraine on Twitter.George Clooney admits 'terrible mistake' he and Amal made with twins [INTERVIEW]Stacey Solomon sets record straight on resurfaced swipe at UK Royals [REVEALED]Kylie Jenner almost spills out of low-cut dress in Paris [PICTURED]A source told the Mail that Fern finds the situation "weird and awkward"."She's shocked and is struggling.