TV legend Anthea Turner opens up about love, loss and finding happiness again as she approaches her 65th birthday, fresh from a sun-soaked trip to Saint Lucia with fiancé Mark Armstrong
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’re looking fabulous. You’re turning 65 in a few weeks, how does it feel?
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’ve got older?
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 got engaged to your fiancé Mark in 2019. How are those wedding plans going?
We got engaged, then Covid hit. Then, sadly, both Mark’s mum and my mum died. Then two of my stepdaughters got married. So we ended up on the back burner – but yes, we’ll get round to it! We feel like we’re married already, but we’re not. We will do it.
You’ve just come back from Saint Lucia, was that a special trip?
It really was. Mostly because Mark and I had 10 days together – we even went on a sunset cruise, just us and the crew. When I did the travel show Wish You Were Here…?, I went to amazing places, but what I realised was, unless you’re sharing those places with somebody, they don’t mean as much. Being in Saint Lucia with Mark was really important. It’s so easy to lose each other, if you’re not careful. A holiday gives you that space to reconnect. I truly cherish our relationship. Maybe it’s because I’ve had another stab at love – after everything I’ve been through, I really do cherish it now.
Was it unexpected finding love later in life?
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. How does it feel?
Yes, we have Dexter in our family now! It’s wonderful. Claudia, my stepdaughter, is the happiest I’ve ever seen her. She’s an amazing mum and it’s a joy to watch her with James, her partner. It’s really lovely seeing someone you love so happy.
You’re extremely close with your stepchildren, 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 quite a career. Looking back, what are your proudest moments?
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, definitely. I remember once, I was on the floor sobbing, still in my pyjamas at 3pm. I’ll never forget, my mum said to me, “Right, get in the shower. Have a wash. Wash your hair. Put some make-up on, and then ring me back.” And I did. All of a sudden, it worked and she could have a proper conversation with me. And of course, time heals all, and I ended up staying on good terms with both my ex-husbands [Anthea was also married to DJ Peter Powell from 1990 to 1998] and I even wrote a book How To Survive Divorce, which has stood the test of time.
Workwise, you’ve come full circle these days, from travel presenter to travel influencer…Yes! I’ve always enjoyed travel in my work, from GMTV to Wish You Were Here…?, even with Blue Peter. I’m now a brand ambassador for the Silver Marketing Association and I was in Saint Lucia getting the full all-inclusive experience with Sandals Resorts. They have created a fantastic, stress-free holiday experience and we had a really relaxing time. Next, I’m off on a river cruise, through Budapest and Vienna. With social media, I was late to the party, but I love it now. It gets a bashing, but there’s a huge upside – you find your tribe and it can be a rewarding way to connect with like-minded people.
You’re also very busy with your skincare brand and children’s book series…
Yes! My sister Wendy and I created the children’s book series Underneath The Underground, about mice living in a parallel world on the London Underground. It’s a bit like The Borrowers meets the Tube! Two books are out already, and the third comes out in May. Then there’s my skincare brand, By Anthea Turner, which I started in my sixties.
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! I wanted to cut through the c**p and create something simple and effective, affordable yet luxurious, like Balm 6, which is a multipurpose product that does six things in one, so it’s a real money-saver and I’m very proud of it.
Speaking of skincare, what’s your secret?
Well, Balm 6 obviously keeps my skin hydrated and in good shape. But I still have Botox, which can be amazing if used properly. I can still frown a bit, but I haven’t looked properly “angry” since I was about 40! I have a tiny bit of filler in my cheeks. I’ve used IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) for years to manage pigmentation on my face, neck and chest, and I wear factor 30 to 50 on my face, chest and hands every day.
I’m having micro-needling with Lynton, a laser company, and I recommend it. There are lots of fads, so it’s important to find things that genuinely work. It’s about playing the long game. 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 at Sandals Regency La Toc, SaintLucia, see sandals.co.uk, and they enjoyed a sunset cruisewith Jus Sail Home, see jussail.com.
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