‘I’m loving life!’

Weather presenter Siân Lloyd, 60, is one of eight lucky ladies who travelled to Greece to find fun, friendship and love…

What was it about this show that made you want to get involved? Mainly because it was all women – and they’re a great bunch. I’ve been single for three years and, for me, life is about female friendship. I loved that there weren’t any blokes there, because it just changes everything if there are. Did you know any of the group beforehand? I was lucky enough to know Ingrid [Tarrant] – we’ve been friends for a long time. I’ve also met Lizzie Cundy a lot at social events, and she’s just great. I bonded with everyone, and the number of times I kept saying, “Why aren’t these women on mainstream telly?”... Can you tell us what to expect? We were all living together in a stunning villa, in a stunning location – how lucky were we? We even had a private beach. Everything was so perfect and so wonderful. We did work hard, however, doing everything from running a Greek taverna, to shearing sheep… Has the trip changed you at all? One of the things I’ve done since getting back is I’ve said “No” more, and both Lizzie and I said we’d do this. We had rooms next to each other, so we had lots of late-night chats, discussing everything. We shook hands on the fact that we would be a little bit bolder in terms of our social obligations. We’re trying to put more space into our lives. You were in Greece for a month; did you take much with you? Well, I was the least glamorous of everyone there. Nancy [Dell’olio] was incredibly funny and would say, “Siân, your wardrobe is so basic!” But because I write travel pieces [for a national newspaper], my whole life is devoted to finding crease-free, practical clothes… I had one suitcase; everyone else had two hefty suitcases. Are you ready to date again? I’m flying solo, but dating is very much on my agenda, and I’ve been on loads of dates recently. I dated in Greece – a lovely guy. He was handsome and gorgeous, but if it’s not there then you can’t force it… The number of coffees I’ve had with gentleman friends recently, you would not believe! I love the fact that people are asking me out – and there was no ageism in our group at all. Speaking of age, you’ve just celebrated a special birthday? I’m not doing one thing to celebrate my 60th – I’m doing about a dozen things! A huge party in my house in the country in mid-wales, where we’ll be playing Bruce Springsteen at the loudest of volumes and drinking loads of champagne. In London I’m having another big party, with cocktails and Japanese food… I’m loving life at the moment. I’m busier, embracing everything – and doing things I’ve never done before.