Jane Moore: ‘You can’t please everyone all of the time’
Feisty Loose Woman Jane Moore talks reality TV, life with her daughters and why she’s never afraid to say what’s on her mind…
She’s the tenacious, whip-smart panellist who takes no prisoners with the guests on LooseWomen. But Jane Moore has a soft centre – one the seasoned journalist showed when her good friend Barbara Windsor, recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, rang into the show to wish her a happy birthday. Here, Jane talks about her favourite moments, looks back at a couple of spectacular on-air clashes, and unveils the show that’s got her and her three daughters absolutely hooked…
As a panellist on Loose
Women, what do you feel you bring to the show?
I’m the ‘journalist’ on the panel, like Janet Street-Porter. We both do two days and that’s why you’ll never see us on together. Other panellists, being celebs themselves, may find it harder to ask an awkward question, whereas, as a journo, I will always go there!
Some viewers say you can be too harsh on guests. Does that upset you?
No, because I’ve worked in the newspaper business for 25 years and I don’t really care what anybody else thinks. You’ve got to be careful, though, especially in a TV interview, as it needs pace. But you can’t please everyone all of the time.
What are your stand-out moments on Loose Women?
A couple of years ago, when we got told Billy Idol was coming on – who was, in fact, my idol – I was virtually mute, I was just staring at him! We also had Goldie Hawn on, who I adore. Finding yourself in a morning meeting with her is one of those moments when you go, ‘ Wow – I love my job!’
Are there any celebs you didn’t get on so well with?
I famously had a stand-off with former Strictly dancer, Kristina Rihanoff. To her credit, she came on the show and we had it out. Then there was reality TV star Josie Cunningham. I felt uncomfortable having her on as I felt she needed help, rather than money. Our editor told me to say that on air – so I did! To her credit, Josie took on board what I said. When she came back six months later, she gave me a bunch of flowers and thanked me!
How was your recent trip to Ibiza with some other Loose Women?
It was so much fun. It was supposed to be a fitness retreat with no alcohol. That
lasted two days. Kaye Adams was the first to bring in a G&T. We were there for the launch of Gay Pride night. We have a huge gay following on Loose Women – so we had a hoot dancing till 3am in a gay club! We bought these red Ibiza swimsuits, and were laughing because they were so high cut. That’s when we decided to do the Baywatch video. My 14-yearold texted me saying, ‘ You are so embarrassing, Mum!’ Andrea [McLean] said to me, ‘If they say that, you’re doing your job right as a parent!’
Speaking of sunny islands, are you watching Love
at the moment?
Island Oh, I’m obsessed! I love the conversations, like Jane Austen – old fashioned, emotional dilemmas. The girls all want to be loved and have long-term relationships, while the boys (except Jack) are looking for their chance!
What about the risqué stuff, though?
I don’t like the sex stuff producers keep bringing in, but I do want my younger daughter to see that when a girl gets sexual too quickly, the boy swiftly moves on. Dani Dyer, for me, is a fabulous role model. She went in saying to Jack, ‘ You’re going to have to look my dad in the eye when we get out of here!’ And when your dad’s EastEnders hardman Danny Dyer, that’s bound to have an effect! She has great poise – all the people in the villa like her.
You mentioned your daughters. Are you very close?
I have a step-daughter, Lauren, 31, plus two daughters, Ellie, 25, and Grace, 14 – quite the age gap! The older two have moved out, but they live nearby. Each Sunday, everyone comes around for lunch.
Did you find it challenging to begin with, having a ‘blended’ family?
Not really. When I met my husband, Ellie was six and Lauren was 11. They were both just thrilled that Mum and Dad had met someone else with a daughter! Once, we were off on holiday, and they threw a note down the plane to us, asking if we could get married so they could be sisters. So, my deeply romantic husband Gary said, ‘Shall we get married then?’ That was my proposal!
Was it more difficult being an older mum, though?
When Ellie was young, I was a single mum and working full-time. My mum would look after Ellie during the day, and I’d ring from a traffic jam shouting, ‘Keep her up till I get home!’ Then I’d get back and she’d be beside herself with tiredness. With Grace, I had less energy – but two built-in babysitters in my older daughters!
Do you have any regrets?
That I didn’t go to university. In those days, university was just a thing that other people did who didn’t live on a council estate. And not having more children. In my head, I wanted four. I should have started earlier – but I am very, very grateful for what I have.