As she approaches her 65th birthday, television legend Anthea Turner, who is currently visiting Saint Lucia with her fiancee Mark Armstrong, opens up about love, loss, and finding happiness once more.
One of our most popular household names, Anthea Turner is as charming as ever as she welcomes OK! for an exclusive catch-up. Back from a dreamy break to Sandals Regency La Toc in Saint Lucia with her fiancé Mark Armstrong, the 64-year-old presenter is visibly glowing but, as she tells us, it’s not just thanks to that Caribbean sunshine.
Former Blue Peter presenter Anthea, who has been engaged to businessman Mark Armstrong since 2019 – reflects on life after heartbreak, having divorced ex-husband Grant Bovey in 2015 after 15 years of marriage, during which she gained three stepdaughters. Here, she opens up exclusively to OK! about the joys of becoming a “glam-ma” to baby Dexter, her bond with her stepdaughters, her famously honest take on ageing, and those much-anticipated wedding plans, as she shares her journey from heartbreak to healing.
Hi, Anthea! You appear fantastic. How does it feel to turn 65 in a few weeks?
Honestly, ageing doesn’t bother me, it’s how people react to it that’s the issue. I was born in 1960, and my generation really changed the world. So much has changed – including how the lines between generations have blurred. For example, there’s no longer a clear divide in fashion, which I think is just brilliant.
Has your definition of happiness changed as you age?
I don’t get as het up about things, I try to see the bigger picture. But inside, I’m still me. And I’m the woman I am now because of the ups and downs. I’ve had two divorces, not for lack of trying. I couldn’t have children, again not for lack of trying, it just didn’t happen for me. I’m so lucky, though, to have my stepdaughters – and to have found love again in my late fifties. It’s so important not to be negative. Life isn’t always easy. When you think about everything that’s happened to you, you realise you can’t change it. So, you can either have a sunnier attitude or go into every room with a cloud over your head. That’s your choice.
You and Mark got married in 2019. How are those wedding plans going?
We got engaged, then Covid hit. Sadly, both Mark’s and my mother both passed away. Then, my stepdaughters were married. So we ended up on the back burner – but yes, we’ll get round to it! Although we think we are already married, we are not. We’ll carry it out.
Was it a special trip for you to return from Saint Lucia?
It was a real success. Mostly because Mark and I had 10 days together – we even went on a sunset cruise, just us and the crew. I visited incredible locations while making the travel show Wish You Were Here…?, but what I realized was that those locations don’t mean as much unless you’re sharing them with someone. It was extremely important to spend time with Mark in Saint Lucia. It’s so easy to lose each other, if you’re not careful. You can reconnect with yourself during a vacation. Our relationship is truly dear to me. Maybe it’s because I’ve had another stab at love – after everything I’ve been through, I really do cherish it now.
Was finding love later unexpectedly born?
Not unexpected, no. I’m a Gemini, so I’m always optimistic. I always knew that at some point, I’d meet somebody else. But obviously, you don’t know when, who. And it’s daunting, if you’re in your fifties and all of a sudden, whatever you thought your future was, suddenly disappears. It depends what stage in your life things happen. I think the older you get, that natural optimism isn’t there in the same way. But for me, I’ve always had a younger attitude. The elixir of youth isn’t in a pot of cream. It’s in your attitude.
You became a “glam-ma” recently. What’s the sensation like?
Yes, our family currently includes Dexter! It’s wonderful. My stepdaughter, Claudia, is the happiest I’ve ever seen her. She is a wonderful mother, and James, her partner, makes it fun to watch her. It’s really lovely seeing someone you love so happy.
You and your stepchildren are very close, aren’t you?
Yes, but to me, it’s all very normal. They’ve been in my life since they were two, five, and six. When their father, my ex-husband Grant, and I split up, I must admit, I thought, “Oh gosh…” because you just don’t know what will happen when a relationship ends. But with the girls and me, nothing changed. Claudia actually lived with me for some time, after flat-sharing with friends. It’s a wonderful relationship – especially considering it’s not an umbilical cord one. Nobody’s forcing us, we’re in each other’s lives because we truly like each other.
You’ve had a long career. What are your most memorable moments in retrospect?
Blue Peter, without a doubt. If I wasn’t too old, I’d still be there! And Anthea Turner: Perfect Housewife – I adored that show. It was about giving people the tools to actually run a home. Not just decluttering, but putting systems in place so families could function. I loved helping people that way. I’d love to bring it back. I think it’s needed more than ever.
What are the toughest moments you’ve faced?
Divorce is undoubtedly possible. At 3 o’clock, I can recall being sobbing on the floor while wearing only my pyjamas. I’ll never forget, my mum said to me, “Right, get in the shower. Wash your hair thoroughly. Apply some make-up, and then call me back. And I did. She could have a meaningful conversation with me all of a sudden because it suddenly worked. And of course, time heals itself, so I ended up staying in touch with both of my ex-husbands [Anthea was also married to DJ Peter Powell from 1990 to 1998] and I even co-wrote the book How to Survive Divorce, which has stood the test of time.
Workwise, you’ve gone from being a travel influencer to a travel presenter these days… Yes ! I’ve always enjoyed travel in my work, from GMTV to Wish You Were Here…?, even with Blue Peter. I was in Saint Lucia while getting the full all-inclusive experience with Sandals Resorts, and I now serve as the Silver Marketing Association’s brand ambassador. We had a really relaxing time thanks to them for creating a fantastic, stress-free holiday experience. Next, I’m off on a river cruise, through Budapest and Vienna. I was late to the party thanks to social media, but I’m glad I’m back. There is a lot of criticism for it, but the upside is that you find your tribe and make connections with like-minded people.
You’re also very busy with your skincare brand and children’s book series…
Yes ! Underneath The Underground, a children’s book series based on mice who live in a different world on the London Underground, was written by my sister Wendy and I. It’s a bit like The Borrowers meets the Tube! The third book will be released in May, after the first two. My skincare line, By Anthea Turner, was founded in my 60s.
I wanted to create something that actually works – so much of the beauty industry is built on fear and false promises, like creams that claim to lift your neck or bum. Come on, folks! I wanted to break through the clutter and create something straightforward, practical, and affordable, like Balm 6, a multipurpose product that accomplishes six things in one. I’m very proud of it because it’s a real money-saver.
Speaking of skincare, what’s your secret?
Balm 6 obviously keeps my skin hydrated and in good shape. However, I still have Botox, which, when properly applied, can be amazing. I can still frown a bit, but I haven’t looked properly “angry” since I was about 40! My cheeks have a small amount of filler. I have relied on IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) for years to treat the pigmentation on my face, neck, and chest, and I regularly wear factor 30 to 50 on my hands, chest, and face.
I’m having micro-needling with Lynton, a laser company, and I recommend it. There are many fads, so it’s important to find ones that actually work. It involves anticipating the long-term. Most importantly of all though, it’s about embracing life with positivity, a positive attitude will always keep you looking young.
Anthea and Mark stayed in SaintLucia’s Sandals Regency to see sandals. jussail.com and they took a sunset cruise with them.
Source: Mirror
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