Fern Britton's stalker James Haviland, 63, admitted that he had been following the Big Brother star for the last two years, a magistrates' court in Cornwall heard last week.
Haviland managed to track down the TV favourite in a “disturbing and scary” campaign, which started by sending her flowers and cards, before escalating his tirade and driving more than 200 miles to be close to her.
The 63-year-old stayed near Britton's village near Padstow, Cornwall, four times and last year spent a week renting the holiday cottage.
It wasn't until he attempted to book again in November that he was reported to the police and action was finally taken against his behaviour.
Britton lived with her TV chef husband Phil Vickery for 10 years, but after their marriage broke down and both her parents passed away, she decided to move to the out-of-the-way spot in 2020.
The TV star regularly posts on her social media her day-to-day activities, enjoying countryside runs and beach picnics and telling of her cosy evenings with her cat Barbara.
Fern had been being stalked by James Haviland for two years
ITV
Her online presence caught the eye of Haviland, with sources claiming his campaign was "disturbing and scary" before he eventually turned up in the village where she lived.
Last week, Haviland appeared at Bodmin magistrates’ court where he admitted stalking without fear, alarm or distress across a nearly two-year period between November 20, 2021, and September 16, 2023.
Prosecutor Samantha Rogers named “Fern Britton, a TV personality” as his victim and added: "Over a prolonged period he sent flowers, stayed in a particular village moving closer to where she lives and stayed in a cottage that she owns.”
Haviland appeared in court via video link and confirmed he understood the charge before a report was prepared ahead of his sentencing at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on June 18.
Fern moved to the countryside after her marriage to Phil broke down
GETTY
This isn't the first time Britton has encountered unwanted attention due to her TV popularity, as she previously clashed with photographer George Bamby.
Bamby followed and took pictures of her near her home in Holmer Green, Buckinghamshire before she revealed to her Instagram followers how “distressing” it was to encounter the "menace".
However, there is no suggestion that Bamby's actions were illegal.
GB News contacted Britton's representatives for a comment who declined to speak on the matter.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
- Kim Kardashian sparks concern with Met Gala 2024 appearance as fans spot distracting feature: 'Look in pain!'
- ITV BGT sparks fury as eagle-eyed fans spot Golden Buzzer act in another talent show: 'Already a pro singer!'
- Jeremy Clarkson launches savage attack on woke Britain - 'There are warnings before every show'
Fern Britton was stalked for two years
ITV
Despite the ongoing stalking over the past two years, Britton recently admitted that she is open to the idea of a romance again after her marriage breakdown.
She recently told Lorraine Kelly: "People say to me, 'Are you dating? Are you doing this, are you doing that.' The answer is no. I'm not dating at all.
"I'm not looking for anything, but - although I'd never want to get married again, or live with anyone again - I'd like just a bit of romance.
"A little bit of going out to supper or maybe having a bit of a holiday. Someone to talk to at the end of the day to run things past. That would be nice. I don't need it. But it would be nice."
