KIRSTY GALLACHER
TV PRESENTER KIRSTY GALLACHER ON HER SECRETS TO LOOKING YOUNG AND WHY SHE’S HAPPY TO HAVE PUT ON WEIGHT
If there was ever a celebrity who deserved a fresh start for 2020, it’s Kirsty Gallacher. The beautiful TV presenter has been through some tough times lately, battling with the stressful aftermath of her divorce and trying to find a new balance between work and family life.
The year started brightly, with Kirsty settling into her dream Berkshire country house with her sons Oscar, 13, and Jude, 10, ready to enjoy the freedom of freelance life after two decades at Sky Sports. Then lockdown happened, and it’s changed Kirsty in more ways than she expected.
We caught up with her to find out how she’s looking and feeling better than ever at 44…
Kirsty, we hear you had a tricky start to lockdown…
Yes, I caught the coronavirus and I was really unwell just as we were going into lockdown. I was wiped out for a good month and felt very anxious. It’s such a lonely illness when you’re having to stay apart from your children.
How did you cope with that?
Lockdown has been a really big reset button. I’ve found ways to deal with being by myself, like going for a really long walk or reading. I’ve had to deal with that anxiety, and I feel like maybe, touch wood, I’ve cracked that one, which is rather wonderful. It’s taken years.
You’re famously super-fit – how did falling ill affect that? Exercise is vital for my mind and body, so as soon as I felt ready I got back to it. My trainer and I have been doing lots of Facetime sessions. I work out three times a week and I love my Wattbike – I’ve got the bug.
Has lockdown affected your beauty regime?
I’m not really a pampering person, but I miss having sports massages. And I’m desperate to put some make-up on. In fact, I tried the other day for TV and thought, “I can’t remember what I’m doing!” I made a meal of it.
Do you worry about ageing?
I’m like everyone – we all have things we look at in the mirror and think, “Oh, God.” I’m not saying never to surgery, Botox or whatever, but I’m not ready for it yet.
You look incredible – what’s your secret?
I have Ultherapy [a non-surgical face and neck treatment to tighten and tone skin] which uses ultrasound to boost collagen production. It’s brilliant because it’s your skin working for itself. You only really need one treatment and then over the weeks and months you see a change.
It lifts and sculpts and improves smoothness. I had it just over a year ago and my skin quality has been 100 per cent better.
What’s the treatment like?
It takes about an hour and there’s no downtime. It’s not painless, but it’s bearable and you don’t have to hide away afterwards. It’s not like injections where you might have bruising. It’s something you can just do, then go live your life and see the wonderful results. My skin just feels great and rejuvenated.
What else do you use on your skin?
I use a lovely natural British brand called Ark. I adore it. No parabens, no rubbish and it’s really working for me. There’s a serum that gives my skin a lovely glow, then I’ll put on the moisturiser and an amazing eye cream.
Do you follow a healthy lifestyle?
I eat well, I drink lots of water and I take MSC Nutrition Vital Greens superfood powder which is great for training. I lead a very healthy life. I’m a real early-to-bed person – I actually go to bed at the same time as the kids. We’re as boring as hell.
What else keeps you looking young?
I think it’s keeping a healthy weight. I was so grief-stricken after the divorce, I didn’t really want to eat a lot. I was skinny as a rake and I looked older then than I do now. I had more lines and was gaunt. I look and feel much better now. I much prefer having a bit of a bum, a bit more muscle.
We’re loving your “new you” haircut...
I was very nervous about it because I was scared of cutting off my femininity. That’s a terrible thing to admit, but I don’t want to lie about it. But my hairdresser also does Emma Willis’ hair and I had so much faith because how sexy does that woman look? So he did it and I loved it. I’m growing it again now though. I feel like a change again.