I found my calling in THE POLICE

Penny Lancaster talks marriage to Rod, ageing and her love of the law

- CATHERINE LARNER

She's best known as the wife of rock legend Rod Stewart – who she has been with for more than 25 years, and married to for 18 – but Penny Lancaster, 54, is very much her own woman.

Mother of two, stepmum to six, her early career was spent modelling before training as a fitness instructor, then a photographer. These days she combines TV appearances with volunteering as a special constable. In her new autobiography, she reveals how she combines a celebrity lifestyle with charity work while being a warm, levelheaded mother, wife and friend.

You've been asked to write your story many times – so why now?

I've done a lot of soul-searching since hitting the menopause during lockdown. It was a period when a lot of people reassessed their lives and recognised what was important. The menopause sent me in a complete spiral. I felt I lost myself. Rediscovering who I am made me think about other women going through 'the change', and I've wanted to say that it's not the end. You can reinvent yourself. You can begin again.

You were bullied at school, and endured a sexual assault as a young woman. How has this affected you?