Anthea’s tributes to Mum

ANTHEA TURNER’S mother, Jean, didn’t live to see the TV presenter get married again, to socialite fiance Mark Armstrong.

Yesterday, Anthea was mourning Jean, who has died of pneumonia at the age of 91.

‘When I was much younger, I’d have railed against this but, I am my mother’s daughter and, on reflection, I’m ticking off a long list of thank-yous for the lessons she’s taught me,’ says the 61-year-old. ‘They begin with basic manners; table etiquette was high on her agenda; then skills — I’m not sure I’d have passed my Blue Peter audition if she hadn’t made me handy with scissors and glue.’

Jean was saddened by Anthea’s fall-out with her sister, Wendy, a fellow presenter best known for Channel 4’s Pet Rescue.

Wendy said in 2018 she had cut all ties to her older sister after a row over money she allegedly owed her.