Victoria Derbyshire has been married for several years now but her life was once in shambles after an affair became public news.
Victoria Derbyshire had an affair with her now husband (Image: BBC)
Many lives were rocked when BBC star Victoria Derbyshire’s affair came to light. Her relationship with BBC producer Mark Sandell caused a lot of heartbreak and drama, from job sackings to bullying claims.
Victoria’s partner, Mark, left his wife of two years, Fi Glover, a top BBC radio presenter, for Victoria, who is also one of the Corporation’s stars, in 2002. The two women had worked together on 5 Live and following the revelation of the affair, tensions began to rise in the studio. Fi previously told the Guardian that the experience was “deeply unpleasant”. She added: “I was amazed that a small piece of gossip would be turned into a huge thing like this. It was a long time ago and the situation has rectified itself and we have all found other people.”
The couple tied the knot after she was diagnosed with breast cancer (Image: BBC)
Times turned turbulent for Mark, too, who was editor of BBC Radio’s World Have Your Say (WHYS). He was sacked from his role following claims of bullying and sexual harassment and an investigation into his expenses.
However, he went on to appeal against the BBC’s decision after a disciplinary panel recommended he be dismissed.
Eventually, he successfully won his appeal and went back to work as a senior BBC editor. At the time, Victoria told Radio Times magazine: “It has been pretty stressful but we have moved on. We’re fine.”
Asked whether she still felt angry with the BBC about what happened, she said: “Only because of the time it took. It took a long time.”
Despite a rocky start, Victoria and Mark are now happily married. They tied the knot in 2018 in the grounds of their gorgeous country home, surrounded by close friends and family.
Victoria proposed to Mark after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. She later admitted that she wanted to marry her partner “in case she died”.
After being diagnosed in July 2015, the journalist had a mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Victoria finished her last round of treatment in May 2016.
Speaking about her wedding day, which was a very emotional time, Victoria told The Sunday Times: “I remember thinking Mark and I should marry quickly in case I die. It was joyous and teary, and the most magnificent day of my life.”
Victoria added: “I had to pause after saying ‘in sickness’ to hold back some tears. But, breathing deeply, made sure I said ‘and in health’ boldly.”
