Trisha Goddard: ‘We’ve rediscovered the art of communication!’
Trisha Goddard talks about feeling philosophical about the pandemic, and the silver linings of the last crazy few months…
Former chatshow host, Trisha Goddard, 62, has been based in the US since 2010 – she was most recently back in her native England in January, for a stint on Dancingon Ice (when she returned to her adopted home midMarch, it was just going into lockdown). A frequent face, via video link, on shows like Lorraine and GMB, the mother-of-two – who has been divorced three times, fought breast cancer and battled alcohol problems – opens up about life post-lockdown with her current partner [who she won’t name!], and deep and meaningful chats with her daughters back home…
Trisha, how have you been?
Well, I’d normally be whizzing back and forth to England a lot more – but I’m not too bad, you know! My partner and I live in a gated community, right by a harbour side. I feel I’m pretty lucky. I’ve been keeping healthy – I run, and I was rollerblading during lockdown, but now my local rink has re-opened I’m keeping the skating up, since Dancing on Ice!
How have you and your boyfriend been since the crisis began?
We’re pretty laid-back… I think that’s to do with age! He works on the top floor. Sometimes, I might have to do a live link for GMB or something and we’re trying to juggle space, but no, we’re good. In this relationship, companionship is important. We’re not joined at the hip.
Are you used to this changed landscape now?
Yes, here in Connecticut, we’ve been wearing masks for ages. But I do find cloth masks triggering – like I’m going to have a panic attack. I’ve had to rush out of supermarkets a couple of times. I’ve got a little disinfectant station set up inside my front door, and I’ve always got hand gel in my car. It’s life, now.
You’ve had many struggles in life – is Covid yet another challenge?
What’s happening, people losing their lives is horrendous. But I’ve learned that all you can do is look after you, not worry yourself sick about others. America might not be in a great situation, but you have to just look after yourself and your loved ones. For me, the death of George Floyd and Black Lives Matter was more draining than Covid-19 – because it was so emotional and personal for me.
You suffered racism as a child, didn’t you?
I did… I remember I’d mix talcum powder with water and put it on my face to change the colour of my skin – though I didn’t go out of the house like that. I learned to shut up. But
my daughters, who have suffered racist abuse too, are of a whole different generation, and they’re less willing to put up with it. I’ve learned from them, if anything.
You cried talking about your late mum, Agnes, on ITV’s Lorraine recently…
My lovely mum. She passed away in 2004 and, in many ways, I’m glad she’s not around to see what I’ve been going through. I know as a mother what it would have done to her. She came to the UK as a nurse, aged 26, as part of the Windrush generation – people from Caribbean countries that the UK asked to come and help fill post-war labour shortages. And she had her fair share of racism, she’d been there.
What about your daughters, have you spent a lot of time on Zoom?!
I talk to Madison, 27, and Billie, 30, a lot. They’re usually so busy they’re always rushing out the door – but since the pandemic, my youngest, Madison – who’s an NHS worker and was doing stupid hours on the frontline, is home more. Her sister, Billie, has been working from home – that’s led to some brilliant, deep conversations. My dad’s elderly, and we’ve also had some lovely, long talks on the phone. Thank god for social media. I do think there’s been a return to the art of communication.
Are you worried about Madison – particularly if a second wave hits the UK?
Well, she’s had Covid-19, she later discovered with an antibody test, but she’s fine now. She announced it on social media! I said, were you going to tell me at any point?! I was ticked off in the early stages of the crisis on her behalf, when they were struggling to get the right PPE. It got stressful, but she knew she could talk to me and her sister. I was never hugely freaked out about Madison – she’s very sensible, she’s young and very fit.
You were fabulous on Dancing on Ice. Would you do another reality show?
Oh, they’ve asked me to do everything. Shows like Ready Steady Cook – I’m like, ‘Can I use a microwave?!’ I wouldn’t do Strictly. I hate ballroom dancing, and the outfits… I struggled with the spangles on Dancing on Ice! I live in gym gear. When I saw pictures of myself on DOI, I thought, she looks lovely – but I couldn’t believe it was me!