The one lesson I’ve learned from life

The 51-year-old has presented Tv shows including C4’s Big Brother and Itv’s long lost Family. alongside her Tv work, she has carved out a career as a fitness guru with a series of workout DVDS. She is divorced with three teenage children.

EXERCISE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A CHORE

I love that I have become synonymous with fitness. But if you had told me 20 years ago that I’d be known almost as much for health and fitness as I am for telly, I wouldn’t have believed you.

I was so embarrassed [when I started]. I was probably 27. I walked into a gym in Richmond and everybody there was a Muscle Mary.

It’s daunting and scary when you first start. I didn’t know how to use any of the machines. But I asked questions and I learned. Don’t be embarrassed to say you don’t know anything. everybody starts somewhere. Now, I’ve done my level 2 qualification — meaning I can teach a class — and this summer I will do level 3, the personal training bit.

exercise is part of the fabric of my life. Just recently, I had maybe six weeks off running and the bike because I had a twinge in my hip and had to see the physio. I did miss it.

The hit I get from working out carries me through the day. For me, spinning is like clubbing on a bike. It’s the best hour you could ever spend.

My motivation has changed — it was very much, ‘I want to look nice in this dress’. Now it’s more, ‘I want to stay alive as long as I can and this is going to be great for my health’.

I aim for three sessions a week as a minimum. And if I haven’t time to go to the gym I’ll do a workout DVD at home. I work out to myself, which is hilarious!

I love trying everything. I’m going to get a high-tech Peloton bike.

Classes-wise, barre had a profound effect on my body. I was doing loads of cardio, but I wasn’t doing enough toning. If you’re older, things such as Pilates, barre and gentle yoga are brilliant.

I would love to see more spin classes for people in their 60s and 70s because it’s low-impact, really good fun, to music and amazing for the heart.