Closer Exclusive: Jeff Brazier on his new love: ‘She’s wonderful with my kids, it’s a weight off my shoulders’

Jeff Brazier has had a turbulent few years. Following the loss of his ex-girlfriend and mother of his two children, Jade Goody, in 2009, he was faced with the daunting task of raising his sons alone. We speak to the presenter about family life, healthy eating and dealing with loss.

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by Ellie Hooper |
Published on

On single parenting

Since I started training as a life coach, I find everything so much easier. I'm a better presenter, a better dad, better in general. I get up at 6am every day, regardless of when I have to leave the house, and use those hours to make lists, get things done, plan out the kids' food for the week and so on.

With the boys being off for six weeks over the holidays, I've sat them down and asked them what they'd like to do with their time. I said, what would you do if Daddy lost his wallet, what would you like to do then? And they said things like bike rides, camping in the garden - which are the best things anyway.

I think a lot of parents think you have to take kids to Alton Towers or on holiday in order to be a good parent, but actually children just want our time.

JEFF BRAZIER ON HELPING CHILDREN COPE WITH LOSS

Jeff poses with his girlfriend Kate

On healthy eating

I've got behind the free school meals campaign because I like to know that my kids will be getting the same quality food at school than they do at home. I'm really into my cooking - you are what you eat and all that. I massively bought into Jamie Oliver - I love his 30 minute meals and the way he makes eating well so approachable. He's really got me into cooking and he was the one championing the free school meals thing a few years ago.

I think the campaign is a great idea because a lot of parents just don't have time to make a packed lunch, so this is a great way to make sure your children are getting the nutrients they need.

'For what they've lost, for what they've had to go through, they've picked themselves up and I know they'll be stronger as a result of that'

On the lady in his life

I met Kate (who works in PR) in Mauritius and we've been together about 10 months now. With dating I always decide if that person is right for me before introducing them to the boys. If anything, once she met them that just made the relationship stronger because she is a real natural. It's a weight off my shoulders. All parents worry that that person won't be right for their kids, but she's fit right in.

Jeff and his ex-girlfriend, Jade Goody, the mother of Freddie and Bobby

JADE GOODY'S SONS INHERITANCE COULD BE WIPED OUT BY TAX BILL

On accepting the boys are growing up

Bobby goes to senior school in September, and I've noticed he wants more distance between us at the moment. But I think as parents you have to know when to back off a little. It's OK, and it's a natural part of growing up. It is upsetting because it's the end of an era, but I've watched very proudly as my sons have blossomed into wonderful people. And you know, I cuddled them a lot when they were little, I definitely made the most of that.

On life without Jade

You never want to seem as if you're trying too hard or overcompensating for that loss. So we take one day, one problem at a time. That's how we've approached the last six years really. I could not be happier with the results really, my boys are such strong, strong people - forget being children. For what they've lost, for what they've had to go through, they've picked themselves up and I know they'll be stronger as a result of that.

Jeff Brazier is a supporter of the free school meals initiative. With all children in England aged between four and seven now eligible for healthy and nutritionally-balanced free schools lunches, the changes will help parents save up to £400 per year, per child.

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