Television personality and broadcaster Janet Street-Porter has surprised her colleagues and fans by announcing her fifth marriage during Monday's episode of ITV's Loose Women. The 79-year-old journalist married her long-term partner, former restaurateur Peter Spanton, in a secret ceremony over the weekend, describing him as "the best" in a heartfelt video message.
A Surprise Announcement on Live Television
The regular Loose Women panel, including Kaye Adams, Sue Cleaver, Brenda Edwards, and Nadia Sawalha, were visibly stunned as they watched Janet's pre-recorded video announcement. In the clip, Janet appeared alongside her new husband and their dog Badger, revealing: "Hi everyone, I've been keeping a big secret. It's my big news for everyone. Peter and me, and Badger, got married on Saturday, so there you are."
She added with characteristic humour: "I finally did it. I waited to the last for the best. See ya!" The panel responded with enthusiastic applause and warm congratulations, with Brenda Edwards immediately exclaiming "Congratulations Janet" while Kaye Adams noted this marked "husband number five!"
Breaking with Wedding Tradition
Photographs obtained by The Mirror newspaper show that Janet chose to break with conventional wedding attire traditions, opting against the traditional white gown that many brides select for their special day. The images capture the couple's intimate celebration, though specific details about the ceremony location and format remain private.
Brenda Edwards offered supportive commentary during the show's discussion, responding to Kaye's observation about the number of marriages by saying: "It doesn't matter, she's got happiness – stop counting the numbers." Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Kaye Adams added her own observation about Janet's appearance in the video: "She looks content, radiant and happy."
A Complex Marital History
Janet Street-Porter, born Janet Bull, has experienced a varied marital journey throughout her life. Her first marriage was to photographer Tim Street-Porter from 1967 to 1974, with whom she shared a surname that would become central to her public identity as she launched her media career. She has openly acknowledged conducting several affairs during this initial marriage.
Her second marriage to Tony Elliott, publisher of Time Out magazine, lasted just two years, with Janet later revealing she recognised her mistake almost immediately. She recalled telling Elliott within 24 hours of the ceremony: "Well that was a mistake," to which he reportedly agreed.
Further Marriages and Reflections
The broadcaster's third marriage was to filmmaker Frank Cvitanovich from 1979 to 1981, followed by a fourth marriage to David Sorkin in 1997 in Las Vegas. She has since characterised this Las Vegas wedding as both a "mistake" and a symptom of "mid-life crisis," with the couple separating just two years later in 1999.
During a candid interview with The Guardian, Janet offered insight into her romantic history, stating: "I've been married four times and lived with a lot of blokes – I know how men's minds work." She added with characteristic wit: "What have all the men I've been with got in common? They're all pathetically grateful."
Sentimental Keepsakes and Personal Choices
Despite her multiple marriages, Janet has revealed on previous Loose Women episodes that she has retained all of her wedding and engagement rings as sentimental keepsakes. However, she has donated or sold several of her wedding dresses, including giving her fourth wedding dress to comedian Paul O'Grady for his drag persona Lily Savage to wear as a costume.
Her relationship with Peter Spanton has spanned nearly three decades, though the couple has generally maintained their private life away from public scrutiny until this recent announcement. The former newspaper editor has no children, a choice she has openly discussed without regret.
Contentment in Later Life
In a previous article for The Independent, Janet reflected on her decision not to have children, commenting: "I don't miss having kids. Men are far more demanding – especially creative, imaginative men who live in their own heads. I have certainly enjoyed the dramas and the delights of their company, and I wouldn't swap a smart man for a toddler or a goldfish."
This fifth marriage announcement comes as Janet approaches her 80th birthday, marking what appears to be a contented chapter in her personal life after what she describes as waiting "to the last for the best." The couple's decision to marry after nearly thirty years together suggests a relationship built on enduring companionship rather than impulsive romance.
