Bake Off Noel’s family heartache
Lost his real mum when he was a child
HE’S the eccentric new host of The Great British Bake Off who has credited his parents for nurturing his flamboyant and colourful character.
But today, on Mothering Sunday, Noel Fielding will no doubt be nostalgic for his real mum, whose life was tragically cut short when he was only a teen.
He was raised by his dad Raymond and step-mum Diane, who married when Noel was three.
But the Irish Sunday Mirror can reveal his birth mother Yvonne Fagan – who went on to have two more children – died aged 37 from conditions brought on by liver damage when he was just 17.
Yvonne, who worked as a receptionist, and Raymond, now 64, split shortly after Noel was born.
A source said: “The circumstances around Yvonne’s death are very sad and this is something that has always been with Noel.
LIBERAL
“He has always talked about his parents and how liberal they were when he was growing up. But it is not known if he was talking about his step-mum Diane or Yvonne. “Despite losing his mum so young, he has defied the odds and gone on to great things.” Noel, 43, has previously told how he likes “strong women”. He credited his French grandmother for being a huge influence on his life, comparing her to Elvis’ grandmother. He said: “When I saw a photo of Elvis’ grandmother, you could tell she ruled the house. My grandma is really strong. I like strong women. That’s what I respond to.” The TV presenter has been in a relationship with Radio X star Lliana Bird, 36, for seven years. They were last week pictured strolling around London’s Soho. Sources say she has been a big support for the star who has battled alcohol and drug addiction. One said: “Lliana and Noel are a great team. She has been there for him through everything.” Since he shot to fame in the cult BBC show Mighty Boosh, Noel has spoken about his unconventional upbringing in London. He has told how his parents would have wild parties and he’d often have to step over sleeping guests who were “quite crazy characters” the morning after. His Mighty Boosh co-star Julian Barratt, 48, once described his upbringing as “feral”. Last night Noel declined to comment. halina.watts@ trinitymirror.com
He’s gone on to great things despite his tragic background SOURCE ON NOEL’S UNUSUAL UPBRINGING