Janet Street-Porter Announces Fifth Marriage in Surprise Ceremony
Earlier this month, Loose Women star Janet Street-Porter revealed she had tied the knot with her long-term partner, Peter Spanton, in a low-key ceremony in Great Yarmouth on January 31. The 79-year-old broadcaster, known for her candid personality, joked in a statement: ‘I finally did it. I saved the best til last.’ This marks her fifth marriage, a fact that has sparked renewed interest in her romantic history.
The ITV daytime chat show star shared the happy news on Loose Women last week, with co-stars like Coleen Nolan and Brenda Edwards offering their congratulations. The wedding was an intimate affair, attended by only four guests, including their dog Badger. Janet admitted to feeling nervous beforehand, saying: ‘I got myself in a complete state the day before. I was shaking. I was so nervous.’
Who Is Janet Street-Porter's Husband Peter Spanton?
Peter Spanton is a former restaurateur who owned a London-based bar and the since-closed Clerkenwell restaurant from the 1980s to early 2000s. He is also an entrepreneur behind Peter Spanton Drinks, a company selling premium mixers. The couple, who met in 1999, have largely kept their relationship out of the public eye. Janet explained their decision to marry after 27 years together: ‘Peter and I have talked about it a lot. We’ve been through so much. And I suppose in the end, we talked about it. And then I’d always thought, you know, it’s embarrassing.’
In a 2020 appearance on Lorraine, Janet discussed their living arrangement, joking that she sees Peter from late Thursday to Monday morning, which she finds ‘quite enough’ of him and their dog. This reflects her open yet private approach to their long-term partnership.
A Rundown of Janet Street-Porter's Past Marriages
Before meeting Peter, Janet was married four times, a track record she has reflected on publicly. In 2009, she told The Guardian: ‘I’ve been married four times and lived with a lot of blokes – I know how men’s minds work. What have all the men I’ve been with got in common? They’re all pathetically grateful.’ Here is a closer look at her previous marriages:
- David Sorkin (1997-1998): Married at age 50 to 27-year-old David Sorkin in a Las Vegas ceremony at 3:30am, this marriage lasted 14 months. Janet has called it a ‘big mistake’ and a mid-life crisis. It ended after an argument where he squirted her with salad cream.
- Frank Cvitanovich (1979-1981): Married to Canadian filmmaker Frank Cvitanovich, who was 19 years her senior. The marriage ended after two years, with Janet citing his depression following his son's death and an alleged affair on her part.
- Tony Elliott (1974-1977): Married to Tony Elliott, founding editor of Time Out, after she had an affair with him while married to her first husband. She became deputy editor of Time Out but struggled professionally, and the marriage ended after another affair.
- Tim Street-Porter (1967-1974): Her first marriage to photographer Tim Street-Porter, whom she met while studying architecture at age 19. They had a happy marriage for several years until she had an affair with Tony Elliott, leading to divorce. She kept his surname for her career.
Reflections on Love and Marriage
Janet has been open about her experiences with love, often describing a fear of being alone. She once said: ‘I think throughout most of my life I’ve been afraid to be by myself. I can do it when I walk, but being alone in the house – I can only do one night.’ In her 2006 memoir, Fall Out, she expressed regret over some of her decisions, particularly moving in too quickly with lovers.
Despite her multiple marriages, Janet has maintained friendships with some ex-husbands, such as Tim Street-Porter. Her latest wedding to Peter Spanton, after 27 years together, suggests a more settled chapter in her life. As she told Loose Women, this marriage feels different, perhaps because it came after decades of companionship rather than impulsive romance.
The announcement has captivated fans, highlighting how Janet Street-Porter's personal life continues to intrigue the public. Her journey through five marriages offers a unique perspective on love, commitment, and self-discovery in the spotlight.
