Coming out of a marriage is hard. I just want to be respecful Nick: I m really pleased my ex has a new fella Warring pair make their peace

Things had been strained between the DIY SOS host and Jess, 30, the mother of his youngest son, since their three-year marriage ended in 2015. But now they are building bridges.

Father-of-four Nick, 55, said: “It took me a while to figure stuff out. I’m really proud of the fact that Jess and I are really good. “She’s a great mother. “Coming out of a marriage is hard, so I just want to make sure it stays respectful.

“I’m not divorced yet but the process is really tough on everybody.

“I really care about my ex. She’s got a new chap and I’m really pleased. They seem really happy.

“My children are the absolute joy of my life. To see my youngest playing with my eldest means absolutely everything to me. I just want my children to be happy.”

While Nick has split from his latest girlfriend, marketing executive Rebecca Cairns, Jess has found new love with 27-year-old RAF engineer William Babbage.

She had previously accused Nick of “emotional cruelty”, something he has strenuously denied.

Meanwhile, housewives’ favourite Nick denies being a sex symbol.

He said at the Attitude Pride Awards: “What it is, is utterly preposterous. What I am is carrying a lot of weight. If I am a bear, I am going into hibernation. It’s very nice when people find you attractive, but it’s really meaningless at the end of the day – as all of that stuff is.”

He added that he’s proud to be one of the Beeb’s best-paid staff. His longevity puts him in the same bracket as the likes of late Strictly host Sir Bruce Forsyth.

Nick said: “Yes, I’m one of the BBC’S highest earners. I don’t want to be on anything else.”