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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Seamus Duff

Inside Simon Thomas’ surprise wedding to Derrina Jebb where his son was best man

Simon Thomas delighted fans over the weekend by announcing he has married Derrina Jebb – four years after the tragic death of his wife, Gemma.

The 48-year-old TV presenter granted fans and followers on social media access into his big day by sharing a collection of photos and details of the happy event online.

Simon looked sharp in a suit as he swapped vows with 30-year-old Derrina with his 11-year-old son Ethan joining the ceremony as one of Simon’s best men.

Former Sky Sports star Simon shared a photo of himself kissing his new bride inside Norwich Cathedral, while further snaps showed friends and family applauding the happy couple as they walked down the aisle after swapping vows.





















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Bride Derrina stunned in a white dress complete with long, flowing, floor-length veil which cascaded down her back, and she carried a stunning bouquet of flowers.

While Ethan looked stylish in a suit that matched that of fellow best man, Dan Ritchie – who is a close friend of Simon.

Revealing his happy news on Sunday, Simon shared a photo of himself and his now wife on Instagram alongside the caption: “Love. Wins.”





















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The proud dad also shared a photo of his two best men – as Ethan delivered his best man’s speech.

Simon wrote: “And I couldn’t have asked for two better best men - my legend of a mate @danjmritchie and Ethan whose speech was just . . . . . well . . . . amazing.”

He added: “We’re so so proud of him.”

OK! Online reports that guests joined Simon and his new wife at their reception at Oxnead Hall in the Norfolk countryside following the nuptials.

Simon has been sharing moments from his wedding on social media (INSTAGRAM)

Several celebrities were among those invited to celebrate at the event – with TV stars Angellica Bell, Liz Barker, Matt Baker and Richard Marson present.

Commenting on the social media updates about the celebrations, Angellica wrote online: “Thank you for letting us share your special day.”

The big day came two years after Simon and Derrina made their debut as a couple at the Cheltenham festival in 2019.

As well as bringing a smile to Simon’s face, Derrina has helped look after Ethan – with Simon previously stating she helped bring his son “back to life” following the death of Gemma, aged 40, in 2017.

Simon’s first wife tragically passed away after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

Former Blue Peter presenter Simon has discussed his grief and healing process at length in the past, and also shared how Derrina helped him heal his own broken heart.











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Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the presenter said: "Right from the early stages – she had this empathy towards me. She is Christian as well and that’s important to me as a man of faith.

"She’s been an incredible support for me. She was the only person who would always pick up the phone.

"What I saw in her, I saw in Gemma. When she said my phone is always on, she meant it."

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