Divorce may not be the final answer for Tarrants

Last updated at 15:21 29 September 2006


TV presenter Chris Tarrant has hinted the final nail in the coffin may not yet have been hammered into his marriage.

Admitting his life was 'a bit of a shambles' following revelations of an affair, Tarrant suggested that the tumultuous relationship might be salvaged.

Speaking at a Belfast charity golf event, he said: "I hate golf from the depths of my soul. I'm just here for the crack."

"I'm a fisherman, and I think if I did fishing and golf it would be the final, final, final, final nail in the coffin of the Tarrant marriage."

The Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? star gave his first interview since the split from wife Ingrid to television station UTV.

Tarrant said: "I'm OK. I read a lot about myself in the papers, but I'm OK."

"I'm trying to sort my life out. It's a bit of a shambles but I'm good, I'm strong."

He spoke at the Royal Belfast Golf Club event, held to mark comedian Frank Carson's 80th birthday.

The Tarrants announced their separation nine days ago and Ingrid, 51, was said to be consulting a divorce lawyer.

The TV star and former Capital Radio breakfast host issued a statement saying: "I am deeply sorry for the hurt I have caused to my loyal wife and wonderful children, all of whom I adore."

"I have only myself to blame for the breakdown of my marriage."

The announcement followed reports that Tarrant had an affair with 50-year-old deputy headteacher Fiona McKechnie.

He was also spotted drunkenly kissing another woman in a wine bar near his Surrey home.

Ingrid later revealed she had known of the relationship for several months - and hired private investigators to confirm her suspicions.

ITV said they would still be screening a series in which the couple tour the country meeting local personalities and characters.

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