As Vanessa Feltz welcomes us into her home, she reveals the secret behind her stunning weight loss – and why she has even more cause to celebrate
From adorable grandkids running around the living room to family mementos decorating the walls of the hallway, it’s clear Vanessa Feltz’s home is one of love and laughter. And that makes it the perfect place to celebrate the launch of her daughter Saskia Joss’s debut book, entitled Help! My Child’s Anxiety Is Giving Me Anxiety .
As we arrive at broadcaster Vanessa’s Gothic-style home in north London, preparations are in full swing for the book launch party, which later sees famous pals such as Helen Flanagan, Katie Piper and Anthea Turner join in the celebrations alongside friends and family.
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With the whole family going full-on glam for the occasion, we can’t help but notice how in shape Vanessa looks, as we ask whether she’s got any new beauty secrets up her sleeve.
“Oh, that’s very nice of you to say, thank you,” says Vanessa, who adds, “What have I been doing? I don’t know! I think it’s because I’m working so much, to be honest. I’m just working seven days a week. I’ve got the new Vanessa show on Channel 5 every day at 12. 30pm. Then I do LBC Saturdays and Sundays. Being busy and on my feet must be contributing to how I look. ”
Opening up about her daughter’s first book, she tells us: “I am so unbelievably proud of Saskia, I’m incredibly excited and she has written the most wonderful book,” says Vanessa, 63, as we sit down for a chat with her and youngest daughter Saskia, 36, before the party.
With a massage station setting up behind the mother-daughter duo – who are like two peas in a pod – and a table of charcuterie nibbles to their left, Vanessa has pulled out all of the stops for Saskia’s big bash.
Grateful for her mum’s unwavering support, it’s clear Saskia has a close bond with her TV host mum. “I’m very pleased to be doing this here with my mum at her house. It just shows how much she supports me, that she would host such a beautiful event to celebrate something so important in my life,” she says.
“We’ve got a very close relationship,” beams Vanessa, who shares Saskia and eldest daughter Allegra, 39, with ex-husband Michael Kurer. “I’ve got two daughters and we’re all very close. We’re all supportive and are all very proud. ”
Saskia, a children’s therapist who can now add the feather of published author to her cap, hasn’t previously followed in her mum’s show-business footsteps, but tells us she was keen to make her own mark on the industry with the book, which aims to help parents with anxious kids.
She explains, “I specialise in working with children with all different kinds of anxieties, particularly post-pandemic. So, my job is looking after children and helping them get better from anxiety, and I learnt a lot in the last few years. I wanted to share that with other parents, so they could feel less out of control and manage their children’s anxiety. ”
While they may not be in the same career fields, Saskia credits her mum – who released her own autobiography last year, Vanessa Bares All: Frank, Funny And Fearless – for being her chief sub-editor, and coming up with the book’s striking title.
“She certainly didn’t need advice from me, but yes, I was a bit of a sub-editor,” laughs Vanessa, as her daughter explains, “She edited it for me before I gave it to my real editor and she also came up with a title, which is very important for a book! It’s a very catchy title. It’s surprising and if there’s one thing you can be sure of, my mum will always surprise you with words! ”
As we chat, Vanessa and Saskia are sweetly interrupted by Saskia’s eldest daughter, Cecily, who skips over to nestle into her mum. “This is Cecily, by the way, she’s my youngest grandchild and she’s only two,” says doting grandmum Vanessa as she beams down at the toddler, who is dressed for the occasion in a pretty pink gown.
As we leave Vanessa and her daughter to meet their guests, Vanessa’s close friend Helen Flanagan is one of the first to arrive. “I love Vanessa and I’ve met Saskia a few times before, so I’m happy to be here,” Helen reveals. As a mum-of-three, the former Coronation Street star – who has been very open about her own mental health struggles – admits she’s looking forward to getting stuck into the new book.
“I feel passionate about mental health, especially as a mum. My little girl sometimes gets anxious. So, I’ll definitely be reading this book! I don’t think you can overshare when it comes to mental health. ”
Loose Women ’s Katie Piper is next to arrive. “I love Vanessa and I’ll always support everything she does,” says the mum-of-two. “She’s one of my female heroes. I’ve admired Saskia from afar for a while, so I’m excited to read her book.”
Later, as we’re grabbing some fresh air at the front of Vanessa’s home, we spot another famous face – former Blue Peter star Anthea Turner. She explains that her fiancé Mark Armstrong was also meant to be there, but he stayed home to take care of their French bulldog, Soho. Gesturing at her friend Lizzie Cundy nearby, Anthea gushes over how the TV personality was the one to set her and Mark up. She explains, “If it wasn’t for Lizzie, I wouldn’t have met Mark and got engaged and been incredible happy. ”
Anthea, who in 2001 was in the first season of Celebrity Big Brother with Vanessa, adds, “I’ve known Saskia since she was a tiny person! I think there are some showbiz friendships, you know, air-kissing friendships, and then there’s proper friends. Vanessa is a proper friend.”
With the home now buzzing with guests and the dining room turned dance floor in full swing, Saskia takes the opportunity to give a speech, as she thanks her nearest and dearest for their unwavering support.
After hugs and a few tears of joy, guests were left to mingle, take a trip to the DIY adults arts-and-crafts section, enjoy a massage or hit the cute pick ’n’ mix selection. And before calling it a night, they ensured to pick up their goodie bags – complete with a copy of Saskia’s book, jewellery and a packet of Haribo sweets. Oh, what a night…
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