‘I want women to reclaim their lives’
Debilitating menopause symptoms left LISA SNOWDON feeling anxious and exhausted. She tells Julia Llewellyn Smith how speaking out about her struggle to get ‘strong again’ has turned her into a champion for women like herself
isa Snowdon has always come across as a woman’s woman. Whether she’s advising viewers on what to wear on This Morning or sharing tips with her 400,000 Instagram followers on how to cope with menopause, the former model is someone you sense would have your back.
So it’s no surprise that although Lisa, 50, first came to public attention after dating George Clooney, the relationship’s legacy has been two of her closest girlfriends. ‘George was charming, a really nice man, good fun and we had a great time on-and-off for about five years. It was quite wild. But the best thing about that time was I met my best friend,
Michele,’ says Lisa. ‘She was George’s mate’s wife and as soon as we met, we just clicked. She split up with her ex and I split up with George, but we kept in touch; she’s like my sister. We’ve got a lot of history and memories. I get the interest in George – he was one of the most famous men in the world. I don’t see him any more but if I did, it would be all like, “Hi! How are you doing?” But for me, it’s all about Michele.’
Another dear friend from that period is Matt Damon’s wife Luciana Barroso – Lucy, as Lisa calls her. The Damons attended Lisa’s 40th birthday party in London and Lisa stayed with them in the US last year. ‘They’re really close friends. Matt’s wicked; he’s brilliant.’
She and Clooney got together in 2000 when they filmed a Martini advert. ‘I had to open the door to him and say, “George!” and then, “No Martini? No party!” and slam it in his face. I’d never watched ER, which he was best known for then, so I really didn’t know who he was. But my mum was so excited.’ Lisa turns slightly pink, fearful she’ll be accused of name-dropping. ‘I just don’t want people thinking, “Oh God, she’s banging on about [Clooney] again,”’ she says. ‘It was a long time ago.’
Since then Lisa has proved herself to be more than a movie star’s ex. She’s gone on to present a host of television shows including Britain’s Next Top Model, foxtrotted her way to third place in 2008’s Strictly Come Dancing and spent seven years hosting Capital FM’s breakfast show with Johnny Vaughan.
Now she uses her social media platforms