'Cliff taught me to go bigger and better!'

TV legend Gloria Hunniford on getting her energy back after illness, and lining up a busy year of work and celebrations

- SOFIA ZAGZOULE

After a hospital dash last year with sepsis of the kidneys, TV pro Gloria Hunniford is busier than ever and focusing as much on joyous family celebrations as she is on work. 'I returned to work in January and I've been back up to speed since,' she tells Woman's Weekly.

'I wasn't very well before Christmas with kidney stone complications. So I was relieved to feel better when my energy came back. I've always been blessed with good energy and a zest for work - I keep myself busy because I want to. Now I feel right back to how I should have been.'

A regular on Loose Women, Gloria, 83, also presents Rip Off Britain. Is the Northern Irish star planning to slow down?

'I am trying to be a bit more measured with work. I have maybe paced myself a little bit differently. I have learnt to say no to some things,' she says.

Going from strength to strength just like Gloria is her charity, The Caron Keating Foundation, which makes grants to cancer charities.

The charity held its first event for three years in February, with singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Nadiya and Pasha from Strictly helping to raise around £100,000. 'That was a fabulous start to the year,' Glo as she is affectionately known by many - reveals.