'I became a lapdog': Vanessa Feltz's ex-fiance Ben Ofoedu hits back with a scathing tirade after she claimed she was his 'mummy' during their 17-year relationship... as he tells RICHARD EDEN about 'rock bottom'

Ben Ofoedu, the ex-fiancé of British television personality Vanessa Feltz, has responded to her recent remarks in The Mail on Sunday’s YOU magazine, describing their 17-year relationship as emotionally abusive. Feltz, 64, referred to Ofoedu, 34, as a “hulking great adult” and claimed that she felt burdened by being called “mummy” to him. She also alleged that he cheated frequently enough that she eventually threw him out. In response, Ofoedu told journalist Richard Eden that Feltz “emasculated” him, subjected him to verbal abuse, and made him feel small throughout their time together. Ofoedu described how Feltz treated him in public, often speaking to him in a derogatory manner and acting as though she were his parent. He recounted instances where she would reprimand him in front of others, mock his actions, and belittle his efforts. According to him, the relationship reached its lowest point when Feltz told him that if they ever ended, “no one would care about you because I’m a national treasure, and you’re just a one-hit wonder.” This, he said, left him feeling like a “lapdog” who existed solely to accompany her life. Ofoedu currently resides in a new relationship with beauty entrepreneur Vanessa Brown, whom he affectionately refers to as “Vanessa 2.0.” The couple married last year in a lavish ceremony at Rose Castle in Cumbria, costing approximately £100,000. He describes his current life as “healthy” and “happy,” contrasting it sharply with the dynamics of his past relationship. He admitted that for much of the 17 years, he remained on the defensive, constantly monitoring his behavior and ensuring he met Feltz’s expectations. Feltz has yet to publicly address Ofoedu’s allegations. Her focus appears to be shifting toward launching her own YouTube channel, which will be filmed at her home in St John’s Wood, London, known as Feltz Towers. Ofoedu criticized the environment there, saying that it was dominated by Feltz, with everything revolving around her. He described the place as a “world of Vanessa,” suggesting that her presence overshadowed all other aspects of life. Meanwhile, other celebrity stories have emerged. English actress and singer Hannah Arterton, 37, has announced that she is expecting her first child with her husband, musician Chris Hyson, 38. The couple, who have been together for several years, shared photos of themselves on social media, including a shot of an empty cot at their London home. Arterton, best known for her roles in films such as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and The Golden Compass, has also thanked her older sister, Gemma, for guiding her through her early career. Gemma, 40, is a mother of two sons with actor Rory Keenan. In another notable development, Hollywood actor Taron Egerton, 36, has spoken openly about his strained relationship with his father, David. The actor, known for his roles in Kingsman and Rocketman, revealed that he moved to Anglesey, Wales, with his mother after his parents separated when he was two. He described pushing the “ejector seat” and not seeing his father since, stating that while he still loves him, their relationship does not function well. Egerton discussed these feelings on the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard. At the 79th Cannes Film Festival in May 2026, TV presenters Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews attended the event. Williams, 40, is married to former Made In Chelsea star Spencer, and the couple has three children together. Meanwhile, Spider-Man actor Tom Holland and Zendaya celebrated their wedding at the Beaverbrook Hotel in Surrey. Their union, which took place shortly before the Cannes event, marked a personal milestone for both actors. However, their celebration reportedly disrupted plans for Spencer Matthews’ birthday, as Williams had intended to take him and their children to the Surrey Hills estate for the occasion.