Jan Leeming
VeteRAn tV presenter and newsreader Jan Leeming, 76, most recently appeared in the the Real Marigold hotel documentary series. Married five times, with a son, Jonathan, 36, she lives alone in Kent.
BETTER 1ST-CLASS LONELINESS THAN 2ND-CLASS COMPANY
I’VE made many mistakes in my life. I’ve had five husbands, for instance! It does upset me that I’m tarred with the brush of being a scarlet woman. I’m not. I’m a stupid woman addicted to love. I always say I’m like Elizabeth Taylor, but without the diamonds.
Still, better first-class loneliness than second- class company. I’ve done internet dating; I make no bones about it. But, as soon as the men look me up on Wikipedia, they’re off.
Well, look at my track record. I’ve been on my own for 14 years now, but I’m still here, pretty healthy and grateful for every new day that dawns. Live in the moment, that’s my philosophy — born of sometimes bitter experience. Now I’ve reached the autumn of my life, I don’t need a partner to validate me. I pay all my own bills, but then I always have.
I was twice voted newscaster of the year in the Eighties and then the BBC in its wisdom somehow fell out of love with me.
I wonder now if being a woman of a certain age began to count against me. I was 40- something and out of a clear blue sky came this bombshell.
It’s unfair and it always has been. Look at Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer in America. They’re 88 and 72 respectively and they’re hired for their experience and their wisdom.
But they don’t have British equivalents. Get to a certain age here as a woman and you’re thrown on the scrapheap. I don’t understand it. We’re an ageing population — not everyone wants to see nubile young women on screen.
Anna Ford and Angela Rippon and I have had 50 years or more of TV experience. Why aren’t we reading the news?
I count myself very lucky that I still get invited to appear on television. I love my work.
I also love my little papillon dog, Rene. I’ve had many two-legged partners but, in the end, the most loyal and faithful male of the lot has four legs. JAn is an ambassador for Just you singles holidays: justyou.co.uk