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Jo Whiley on feeling young at heart, how loss changed her outlook on life and the importance of friendships

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There’s a reason why Jo Whiley has got such a stellar reputation in the showbiz world. One of the loveliest and most grounded celebrities you could meet, Jo simply exudes confidence and enthusiasm. Despite having taken part in numerous campaigns, she describes woman&home’s photo shoot as ‘like a fantasy’.

‘I’m so happy and grateful to be doing this,’ she smiles, looking incredible in a full-length powder-blue dress. ‘Getting the chance to dress up in these amazing clothes is… I’m loving it!’

The 58-year-old kicked off her career on local radio in the late 80s and went on to work as a researcher on the boundary-pushing youth programme The Word. She transitioned to Radio 1 in 1993, was soon also presenting Top of the Pops, and has been a BBC stalwart ever since.

As well as hosting her evening show on Radio 2 from Monday to Thursday, she also hosts her 90s Anthems revival nights and fronts the BBC’s Glastonbury coverage, taking us behind the scenes and interviewing some of the world's biggest music acts.

Even though she laughingly denies it, Jo is undeniably cool. Jay-Z once visited her Northamptonshire home and ate strawberries with her grandma, and Snow Patrol did a mini gig in her kitchen.

Her private life is every bit as busy as her career. Jo has been married to music executive Steve Morton, 59, since 1991, and the couple share four children - India, 31, Jude, 25, Cassius, 22, and Coco, 15.