TV star Ulrika Jonsson has told how she embarked on a Grand Designs–style dream home a decade earlier than planned – and could not imagine doing so with anyone other than her latest husband.
The three-times-married presenter has moved into a bespoke home in Oxfordshire which has taken 15 months to complete.
Mum-of-four Ms Jonsson – married to art director Brian Monet – told Hello! magazine that the home had been pencilled in for a few years down the line.
“It was a pipedream for 10 years’ time, when the kids had flown the nest,” she said.
Ms Jonsson – who is pictured in the magazine perched on a ride-on lawnmower outside the property – added: “But as soon as we saw the garden and its position we fell in love and couldn’t get it out of our heads and hearts.”
The presenter opens the doors of her sleek, modern five-bedroom home to the magazine and talks about a new chapter in her life.
She said taking on the project together with Mr Monet – whom she married three years ago – was a big commitment: “(This) felt like I was creating a home with somebody else, so that was a big thing, and quite fundamental.
“Now this feels like mine and Brian’s house. I could never have done a project like this with anyone else.”
Shooting Stars panellist Ms Jonsson has been struggling with depression and a debilitating back condition, which has left her in constant pain.
The conditions, she said, did put “a huge strain” on their relationship.
“But I think I probably carried the bulk of it psychologically as I kept thinking: ‘How is this affecting Brian?’ And Brian was like ‘poor her, what can I do to help?’
“But I’m very lively and loud and go ‘Grrr-rrrr-rrrr’ and then move on. It’s not like we ever walk around bearing grudges.”
She is about to open another new chapter of her life with the publication of her debut novel but is bracing herself for criticism.
“I’ve been in the business for 23 years, so everything I do, somewhere along the line, gets a bit of negative critique.
“The thing is, I’ve always done the unexpected. I’ve never been scared of taking chances, of challenging myself and going out on a limb.”