As the legendary TV presenter supports the Big Give campaign, she opens up about 'rude' Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and finding confidence in her sixties
Lorraine, tell us about your role as ambassador for Big Give?
I’m so delighted to be an ambassador of this brilliant organisation, and to raise awareness and spread the world about Big Give. It helps so many charities by match funding campaigns, meaning that your donation goes so much further. One donation has twice the impact.
You're in your mid 60s – how is life for you? What do you love about this decade?
I really like being 66 - 67 on November 30th. I am lucky to be healthy and I have made lifestyle changes to help stay that way. I’ve given up booze and mindless snacking, when you don't even realise you have eaten a jumbo sized bag of crisps. I go to exercise classes twice a week that are designed to help the over fifties, and where we concentrate on strength and balance. They are great fun. I walk a lot with my dog Angus, and go wild water swimming whenever I can, which just makes you feel reborn in mind and body. I feel more confident and I genuinely don't care about what other people think of me - apart from my nearest and dearest of course. I wear what I like and I stand up for myself more.
You've recently said that Princess Diana remains unforgettable. Why do you think Diana remains in our hearts?
Diana was a kind woman. She wanted to make the world a better place. It was so sad her marriage didn't work out and that she could never compete with the woman her husband truly loved. Her death at such a young age was a tremendous shock and she would have achieved so much on the world stage, especially her charity work.
She lives on in her sons and I think she would be devastated to see them at loggerheads.
© In the Name of Love PhotographyHow is your daughter Rosie settling into married life?
The wedding was fantastic and they both looked so happy. Rosie was the most beautiful bride and it was a joyful time. We even had Scottish sunshine which was a big bonus. I loved every minute of it.
How is life as a grandma?
Billie is the light of my life and the centre of the universe. My favourite thing in all the world is just playing games, reading to her and of course, going for an afternoon nap. It’s just the best. She’s a lovely sweet-natured little girl. She’s so quick on her feet now and runs everywhere, and every day she’s learning new words. She’s very, very funny and I feel privileged to be her “nana”. I have so much more time and patience as a granny and I’m so lucky that we live close by.
You narrate Raa Raa the Noisy Lion – has Billie watched it?
She has watched me on TV in the morning and Rosie told me she shouts “Nana” and gives the screen a kiss. She loves Raa Raa. She must think I live inside her television when I’m not with her.
© In the Name of Love PhotographyHow do you find life as the 'sandwich generation', helping your mother and your daughter?
Rosie is a brilliant mum, her book “Mother To Mother” is just full of common sense and fantastic advice, as well as being really informative and funny. Her Steve helps a lot after his work. I am just there in case Rosie has to go out during the day for meetings, or she has a writing deadline. On the rare occasions they treat themselves to a night out I obviously babysit and that’s fantastic.
My mum hasn’t been very well and has an ongoing kidney complaint. She was in hospital after a fall at the start of September. It’s worrying when you don't live round the corner. She lives in East Kilbride just outside of Glasgow and gets wonderful treatment in the renal unit in Monklands hospital, and she recovered from her fall in Hairmyres Hospital.
My brother Graham came over from Singapore for Rosie’s wedding in July and stayed with my mum for a few months which was wonderful. She’s recovering well and is very determined and stoic. I go up at weekends as often as I can and we do a video call every day.
© Getty ImagesWe've watched you on morning TV for years – what do you love about the job?
I love that people trust me with their stories. It’s a very precious thing and I never take it for granted. It could be a famous A list star or someone going through a tough time, I treat everyone the same. It is all about the person sitting on the sofa opposite and never about me. I enjoy the process of researching and thinking up questions and then writing bullet points on my IPad - I don’t use scripts any more, since Covid. I just have it all on the IPad. I find it much easier when the running order changes or things need to be added.
What's next in your writing career?
I love writing novels. My second book, The Island Secret, the follow up to The Island Swimmer, is out now and I will definitely return to writing. It’s the hardest thing I do, but the most rewarding.
You've been married to your husband Steve since 1992 – what's the secret to your happy marriage?
We love spending time together but I also think it’s really healthy to have separate interests. He loves playing golf, tinkering about in his shed - no idea what he’s up to in there - and planning our trips.
Later in the year we are going back wild camping in Namibia. We hire a jeep and a tent and sleep on top of the vehicle. As long as you are careful it’s very safe. We have done the same in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia over the years. It’s a wonderful way to really explore the country and enjoy the wildlife and the great outdoors.
© InstagramPrincess Anne presented you with your CBE – what was she like?
I love Princess Anne. She’s a real grafter, doesn’t suffer fools gladly and she supports the Scotland Rugby Team. I was lucky to receive my OBE from the late Queen Elizabeth and that was very special. Prince William is charming, natural and puts everyone at ease. Prince Andrew was rude and surly and exactly what you would expect.
What ambitions do you have for the future?
More babysitting, and to see Billie grow up into a happy young woman. To keep enjoying my show, my SAGA podcast, to do more travel shows, and just to have lots of fun.
What do you love about the Big Give organisation?
The match funding, the enthusiasm and passion of everyone who gives up their time, and there’s also the way that so many charities are helped and how simple it is to give a donation that really makes a difference. It’s such an effective way to help people in most need, and is life-changing.
Big Give has grown to become the biggest fundraising machine in the UK, raising more in last year's Christmas appeal than better-known campaigns like Comic Relief and Children in Need. The Christmas Challenge raised a record-breaking £57.4 million, a truly incredible achievement.
Times are tough and so many people are struggling and need help. So it doesn't matter if you can only give a little because it all adds up and really makes a difference. Give what you can and be assured your help is so important and your donation is doubled.
Big Give's women and girls match fund runs from October 6th to October 13th and will help over 200 women and girls' charities - please support the campaign if you can by logging on to biggive.org
To donate to any of the charities taking part in Big Give's Women & Girls Match Fund and have your money doubled, log on to www.biggive.org from midday on October 6th to midday on October 13th.
