I’m not too old for baby No3

Presenter on family, why she quit Sky Sports, keeping fit and supporting women’s health

Strictly Come Dancing, sitting on Sky Sports News, thinking ‘I’m just going to explode’, and I did really.

“That’s not good and sometimes you’ve got to make those bold decisions that you know are right for you mentally, physically, they are right for your family.”

As well as Strictly, she continues to present Soccer Aid and also presented the Record’s Pride of Scotland last Hogmanay on STV with Elaine C Smith which recognised unsung heroes. Kirsty is also proud of her new podcast Stripped Back Sport on which she interviews big names from different sports.

Despite being one of the best presenters in the game, she admits she came up against sexism presenting what was seen as the male world of sport.

Kirsty said: “I did come across traditionalists who thought, ‘Oh hang on a minute, do I really want to hear this woman give me my football scores’. I ignored it. I’ve got stronger and got hardened to it.

“I did experience some, but it wasn’t overwhelming.

“Sky Sports were fabulously supportive, and I love that – they always embraced women, always have, always will.”

As a high-profile TV presenter Kirsty also wants to fly the flag for older women, continuing to do whatever they want job-wise.

She certainly doesn’t think the menopause should be a taboo subject.

Kirsty said: “At the moment, I’m not having any symptoms of perimenopause.

“I know weight training and fitness is vital. It is a taboo subject still, I don’t care what anyone says. I don’t know why it is a taboo subject really, I’ve never really got it. I also feel in this modern world now, I really feel that 40 is 30, I think 50 is 40. We live in a modern world, it’s completely different. Our thoughts should be modern too, there shouldn’t be such subjects that are, ‘Oh god, are you menopausal?’ Well, does it matter?”

Kirsty is all about fitness and that’s not just keeping her abs taut. She is also a strong advocate for regular smear tests and breast check-ups.

She said: “I have a fabulous relationship with my gynaecologist who delivered both children. I see her regularly because women’s health and gynaecological health is so important – we know that with regard to ovarian cancer and having smear tests.

“I’ve had a few friends who’ve had problems, difficulties, and sadness. So, I’m very on that, and the breast thing as well, so I have regular check-ups.”

Kirsty had a busy 2020 lined up including launching her podcast. Covid hit, her freelance work disappeared and last March, she caught coronavirus.

A year later, she puts where she is now down to fitness and determination.

Speaking to Women’s Health UK podcast, Going for Goal, said: “I don’t spend lots of money on myself, so for me my luxury is training and my luxury is to invest in a trainer.

“I love having a trainer. I love the relationship we have. He’s wonderful, he works for me, he gets me motivated and when I don’t feel like it.

“When you are a busy, working single mum, you need people around you that can cajole you. He’s been a bit of a pillar of strength for me in my harder times and I can’t thank him enough.” ●Listen to the full Kirsty Gallacher interview on the Women’s Health Going for Goal podcast, available now.

I’m glad I’ve been through all that and out the other end KIRSTY GALLACHER ON DEALING WITH TOUGH TIMES