Miquita Oliver has tearfully apologised to Fearne Cotton for past comments that strained their relationship for years. The broadcaster, 42, broke down on the Miss Me? podcast with singer Jordan Stephens as she reflected on an NME interview from over 20 years ago in which she called Fearne a 'devil woman'.
Revealing the fall-out
Miquita explained that she 'wasn't very nice' about Fearne in the interview, which led to her being fired from BBC Radio 2. 'I lived a lot of consequence,' she said, adding that it was 'really awful and I was really ashamed of it for a long time.'
She elaborated on why she made the comments: 'I figured what was going on, and we didn't like each other. I don't think she didn't like me, but because I'd been so awful, she stayed away from me – fair enough.' The situation became more complicated when Fearne started dating Steve Jones, with whom Miquita hosted T4 every week. 'We were civil but it was a bit uncomfortable… but it was OK,' Miquita recalled.
Instagram message sparks healing
Miquita revealed that Fearne, 44, recently messaged her on Instagram out of the blue. The message came after Miquita and her former podcast co-host Lily Allen discussed how 'awful the press had been over the years' to them. Fearne said the clip was 'powerful' and that she was 'sending love', adding that she didn't feel so alone after hearing them discuss it openly.
'Thank you, Fearne, for this message – and you know it makes me realise the press were part of it,' Miquita said. She explained that as a young TV star, she was called 'ugly and dirty and fat' in public, and saw Fearne as 'what a TV presenter should look like – clean, thin, groomed – and she scared me. She made me feel like I wasn't in the right job, that I shouldn't be there.'
Emotional apology
Starting to cry, Miquita added: 'I didn't mean to be awful to her – that shit makes you turn on each other.' She acknowledged she was 'unkind' and called Fearne's message 'healing'. 'I sent her so much love back and I knew she was going through a divorce and was on this new journey and I just said "I wish you so much luck on your new chapter." It was just all love. So actually me and Fearne Cotton are fine!'
Fearne herself commented on the podcast clip on Instagram, writing: 'Beyond grateful for how we've reconnected. Makes me very happy.' Miquita's mother, TV chef Andi Oliver, also praised her: 'I am so proud of you and your honesty xxx.'
Hatchet buried
Miquita signed off by joking she'd see Fearne at 'Happy Place festival next year', confirming their reconciliation. The emotional exchange has been praised by listeners, with many commending Miquita's honesty and public apology.
