Janet Street-Porter, 79, Ties the Knot for the Fifth Time with Partner of 26 Years: The Secret Ceremony You Didn’t See
Janet Street-Porter, the renowned Loose Women panellist, has revealed that she has married her partner of 26 years, Peter Spanton, in a secret ceremony earlier this year. The 79-year-old journalist and broadcaster shared the heartfelt news during her appearance on Loose Women, where she delighted viewers by showing a home video of her wedding day, featuring herself, Peter, and their dog, Badger. The couple’s small wedding, which took place in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, was a quiet, intimate affair – and the public didn’t even know it was happening.
In an emotional moment, Janet confessed that this was her fifth marriage, admitting that she’d had reservations about remarrying after four previous failed marriages. “It’s embarrassing,” she explained to her co-panellists, Christine Lampard, Coleen Nolan, and Oti Mabuse. “I’ve been married four times before. The last one was particularly a big mistake, so I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it again.”
Despite her initial hesitation, Janet explained that after discussing it over Christmas, she and Peter decided the time was right for them to tie the knot. “We’ve been through so much together,” Janet said, reflecting on their 26 years as a couple. “I thought it was time to do it, and it felt like the right moment.”
A Quiet Affair: A Ceremony in Norfolk
The couple opted for a small ceremony in Norfolk, away from the public eye, with just a handful of close friends in attendance. Janet requested that the wedding be kept secret, and it was only after the ceremony that she shared the news with her fans. “There were six of us, so we stayed in a pub in Norfolk,” she explained. “When we got to the registry office, there was nobody in the car park, it was completely empty. We went in, and there was a room with chairs for about 100 people, but it was all over in 10 minutes.”
Janet’s simple, private wedding was the opposite of her previous public ceremonies, which were often followed by intense media scrutiny. “It was lovely,” she said. “I wanted it to be perfect for Peter because he’s never been married before, and I didn’t want to embarrass him.”
The Nerves Before the Big Day
Janet also admitted that she was nervous in the lead-up to her wedding. She explained that her previous marriages, particularly her fourth one, had left her with anxiety about making another mistake. “I got myself in a complete state the day before the wedding,” Janet confessed. “I think because I messed up the last one. It was a horrible, stupid mistake that I regretted. I didn’t want to go through that again. I didn’t want to embarrass Peter, I wanted this to be wonderful for him.”
In her earlier relationships, Janet had been married four times. Her first husband was Tim Street-Porter, followed by Time Out editor Tony Elliott. She then married Canadian filmmaker Frank Cvitanovich, and her fourth marriage was to salesman David Sorkin. Janet’s journey through multiple marriages has not been without its ups and downs, but she’s hopeful that this time, with Peter, she’s found the right partner.
Reflecting on Her Past Marriages
Looking back on her previous marriages, Janet shared how she had come to terms with her past mistakes and had learned valuable lessons. “It’s not been easy, but Peter and I have been together for so long,” she said. “This feels different. I didn’t want to get married again for the sake of it, but with him, I felt ready.”
For Janet, the decision to marry Peter was not about making a grand public statement but about personal fulfillment. “It’s not about proving anything to anyone,” she added. “It’s about us. We’ve been together for so long, and I just wanted this to be something we did together. It was the right time for us.”
A New Chapter for Janet and Peter
Now, with their marriage officially sealed, Janet and Peter are looking forward to their future together. Janet’s journey from her public divorces to her private marriage has been a reflection of her personal growth and her desire to find happiness on her own terms.
As for Peter, he’s been Janet’s rock for 26 years, supporting her through both the highs and lows. Their bond, built on years of companionship and shared experiences, has withstood the test of time. Now, as a married couple, they can enjoy the peace and privacy they’ve always longed for.
Janet’s openness about her journey, including the difficult moments and the mistakes she’s made, serves as an inspiration for many who may be going through similar struggles. It’s clear that her decision to marry Peter is not just about the act of getting married but about embracing love and commitment with someone who has been by her side for so long.