Unlucky-in-love Vanessa Feltz thought she had finally found her happy ever after when Ben Ofoedu popped the question.
But the 60-year-old now faces rebuilding her life again after confirming her split from her fiancé - and she's got plenty of experience with overcoming heartache.
The broadcasting legend says she is "disappointed" and "incredibly sad" after announcing it's all over after 16 years in each other's arms.
She says she is refusing to let her devastation destroy her life but will know its back to square one after a very difficult time.
The distraught TV and radio star says it's all over between her and the singer after their relationship recently crumbled.
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Ben Ofoedu and Vanessa Feltz have split after 16 years together (Getty Images for Orion Books)
It's not the first time the TV star has had to rebuild her life (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)Vanessa broke her social media silence this weekend to announce her split from Ben and revealed she's determined to find joy in life again.
But this is not the first time she has had to pick up the pieces.
The 50-year-old Phats & Small star has reportedly left their home in St John’s Wood, north London, as they go their separate ways.
Last year she spoke of her hesitancy to tie the knot for a second time after her divorce left her "shaken to the core".
Ben asked her to be his wife back in 2006 - a year after first meeting each other.
Vanessa had her heart broken when her husband, Michael Kurer, divorced her in 2020 (Mike Lawn/REX/Shutterstock)
She says she will recover from the latest blow (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Many wondered why they still hadn't got hitched more than 15 years on.
Vanessa last year admitted her divorce from her doctor ex-husband Michael Kurer 21 years ago made her "wary of getting married again."
Speaking to OK! magazine, the TV presenter explained that while she would "never say never" to tying the knot again, she hasn't made any firm plans for a wedding .
Vanessa's split from the father of her children derailed her "to the most terrific extent" and has made her "reluctant" to embark on a second marriage.
She married Michael in 1985 and the former couple welcomed daughters Allegra and Saskia into the world before their divorce in 2000.
Vanessa Feltz dumps fiancé Ben Ofoedu after he 'cheated with several women'
Vanessa 'begged' Michael not to leave her 20 years ago"I was so shocked and broken-hearted and rocked to my absolute core," the mum-of-two admitted.
"It makes you wary of getting married again. The marriage seemed to be so disposable - it could just be chucked down the toilet in 10 seconds flat, even though I didn’t want it to be and I didn’t realise there was any trouble with it or problems."
Speaking on the How To Fail podcast, Vanessa admitted how she felt as if she was physically broken after he left her.
She begged Michael to stay but he wouldn't change his mind.
She said: "I don't need to give you all of the details, but effectively I put my arms around the wheels and said, 'Please don't drive away, please don't leave us.'
"I remember getting home from a wedding with him and thought he was getting ready for bed.
Vanessa and Ben were engaged since 2006 (PA)
They never made it down the aisle - and her previous heartache may have played a part (Getty Images Europe)"The next thing I saw, he was getting dressed and packing a case and said,"'I'm leaving". I didn't understand what I'd done wrong."
Now she is faced with another life rebuild.
Her fans will be delighted to hear that the popular star sounds more than up for the challenge.
She defiantly said that she's not going to let the heartbreak "defeat" her and that she's looking for the good in life as she approaches her 61st birthday.
"Well I haven't been on Instagram for three weeks and that's because my relationship with Ben is over after sixteen years and I honestly didn't know what to say to you on Instagram," she told fans in a new video.
Ben popped the question to radio host Vanessa in December 2006 (Getty)
Vanessa has been left 'sad and disappointed' by the break-up (Dave Benett/Getty Images)"But now it's clear that it's over and I really do feel that once the trust in a relationship is gone then you can't really get it back and that's what I would tell anyone else to do."
Vanessa tried to hold back tears as she bravely continued: "And so I just wanted to say that obviously I feel incredibly sad and I am pretty disappointed and shocked and all those horrible things but also full of resolve. I am not going to let this defeat me.
"I am so glad to be living longer than my mum did, she died at 57 and for the Lord's prayers, I am going to be 61 next month.
"I am very very grateful to be alive and I want to carry on feeling that way and I want to celebrate and find fun and laughter anywhere I can.
"I know it is not going to be easy but I am absolutely determined to do it."
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