Jeff Brazier Exits ITV Project Amid Family Tensions
Jeff Brazier has withdrawn from a planned fly-on-the-wall reality series, leaving the ITV production in disarray. The show, envisioned as a modern take on The Osbournes, was set to feature Brazier alongside his sons, Bobby and Freddy, highlighting their family dynamics.
Sources close to the family indicate that ongoing stress within the household prompted Brazier’s decision. This comes at a challenging time, particularly as Freddy prepares to become a father. “Jeff has pulled out of the show, leaving pre-production in chaos,” one source stated. “Nobody really knows why, but there is a lot of ongoing stress in the Brazier clan, especially with Freddy about to become a dad.”
ITV had high hopes for the series as a potential ratings hit. Despite Brazier’s departure, producers remain optimistic about proceeding with Bobby and Freddy. The brothers, sons of the late reality star Jade Goody, could turn the program into a standout reality offering. For Freddy, an aspiring model, it might launch a television career, while Bobby, known for his role on EastEnders and a recent Strictly Come Dancing appearance, seeks his next big project after joining the Hare Krishna movement.
Background on Family Challenges
Brazier, 46, serves as a parenting expert on This Morning. He raised Bobby and Freddy as toddlers following Goody’s death from cervical cancer in 2009. Unlike Goody’s approach of including the boys in public media appearances, Brazier prioritized their privacy until adulthood.
Recent years have seen tensions escalate, including a public feud with Goody’s mother, Jackiey Budden. Brazier has accused her of negatively influencing his sons and once pursued legal action to limit Freddy’s contact with her, though he later dropped the case. Freddy aligned with his grandmother during the dispute.
Adding to the strain, Brazier announced his separation from wife Kate Dwyer last November after seven years of marriage. Freddy also ended his relationship with pregnant girlfriend Holly Swinburn, who is due to give birth soon.
Brazier’s Statement on the Split
In an Instagram post last month, Brazier shared details of the breakup, referencing the tough year marked by strained relations with Freddy. “I’m so full of love and gratitude for Kate. For all we achieved, for how much we grew, for everything we endured,” he wrote. “We separated in the summer and kept it private for as long as we could to give us some time to adjust.”
He praised their partnership: “For 12 years we have been each others safe space, each others biggest supporters at a time when our lives have been busy, painful & complex. I’m so proud of how hard we worked, how we kept showing up, we gave everything and more.” Brazier noted Kate’s continued support for his sons and expressed mutual respect for her career.
“It’s credit to the woman she is that she still checks in to ask how the boys are doing because she is so invested in their lives,” he added. “They love her and I have many friends that love her too. I will miss her family who always went above and beyond to support us.”
Brazier concluded optimistically: “My words don’t tell the full picture because they don’t need to. We will carry on supporting each other and I know I’ll be celebrating her inevitable wins just like before. We both deserve complete happiness and we’re upset that we ultimately couldn’t be that for one another and It felt time to let it go.”
The family recently appeared together at the gym, signaling efforts to mend ties amid these developments.
