Nadia’s big flare-up!
One of our favourite Loose Women presenters, Nadia Sawalha, talks about the popular show and reveals what really makes her itch…
Mum-of-two and TV presenter Nadia Sawalha, 53, openly admits to being a slave to anxiety. ‘I create stress – even if there isn’t any!’ she admits. So it’s no wonder, when she feels the heat, that the former
EastEnders actress gets severe stress eczema, which is sometimes so bad, it leaves her hospitalised. Despite this, she can still poke fun at herself, claiming a skin complaint is the only thing she and Kim Kardashian will ever have in common! Here she talks about the condition, the things that stress her, body confidence and more... You say you create stress where there is none... but what sort of things make you the most anxious? I stress about managing. I have two children (Kiki-Bee, 10, and Madison, 15) who are home-schooled, so whenever I’m at work I feel as though I should be with them, and vice versa. My eczema goes from mildly irritating to infuriating. I like to think of it as my body’s way of telling me to take more care of myself.
Tell us more about your battle with eczema?
Put it this way – around 15 years ago, my eczema was so graphic on my arms that my dad, who lives next door, said to my mum, “Do you think it could be skin cancer?” Thankfully, I now mostly get little flare-ups on my hands. Yet since becoming post- menopausal, I find I get it more on my face – which can make me very self-conscious.
When were you last affected badly?
I had a big bout last Christmas, when my husband Mark’s grandmother sadly passed away. It tends to be stressrelated with me. I had a massive flare-up on my face, as we were spending a lot of time in the hospital, along with managing family and work life, as well. I had to go to hospital myself in the end, because it became infected.
Is there competition among the Loose Women to look good?
Definitely not. I mean, we’re all so different, and that’s the key – you really couldn’t compare us. Plus, most of us are at an age where we’re past that horrible stage of life, where you feel in competition. Having said that, I do feel enormous pressure to look good enough for television.
How have you been preparing for your annual retreat to Ibiza with the other Loose ladies?
I’ve been drinking green juices with broccoli, ginger and kale. I’m trying to be quite vegan at the moment, because last time I arrived I was in a right state. I’d been unhealthy, and
was in a back brace. So, this year, I’m not drinking and I’m eating lots of healthy food beforehand. Although, on the last day, I’ll probably be found on a beach somewhere drinking rosé wine.
Do you worry a lot about ageing?
Definitely. One minute I think, wow I’m 53, and I couldn’t care less what people think, and the next, I panic that I’m losing my hair. My parents are getting older and my children are growing up – you begin to feel quite vulnerable.
How do you feel about wearing a bikini this year?
I’m more confident after doing last year’s Body Stories on Loose Women, where we all posed in our underwear. I walked down the street for the first time ever in a bikini only last summer. I will no longer hide under my sarong. Saying that, I would like to be a stone and a half lighter, but I do love my hourglass figure.
What’s your favourite form of exercise?
I do 10,000 steps a day – if I haven’t reached my target, I’ll jump up and down on my trampoline until I have!
You know Barbara Windsor, of course – the recent news about her Alzheimer’s is so sad...
It is. I’m very fond of her and her husband Scott (Mitchell) – I used to socialise with them a lot. The last time I saw them, I felt something had changed in her. I just felt she wasn’t quite the Barbara I had known before.
Did she give you any sage advice during your time on EastEnders?
She said to me once, ‘ You know what, love – you’re going to be exactly like me. You’re always going to be a jobbing actress – you’re never going to be a star.’ I remember thinking to myself, ‘But you are a star!’
Speaking of stars, who would be your dream guest be on Loose Women?
Dolly Parton would make a brilliant guest panellist - she’s super smart and funny. I’d love to have the Kardashians on too, and I’d go for a long lunch with ‘momager’ Kris Jenner.
Nadia Sawalha uses Cetraben Cream to keep her skin healthy. Visit cetraben.co.uk