OK Exclusive - “ageing doesn’t bother me, it’s how people react to it that’s the issue”

As Anthea Turner approaches her 65th birthday, the much-loved presenter opens up about becoming a proud “glam-ma”, to navigating heartbreak, healing after divorce and finding love again later in life.

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 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 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.

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