Loose Women panellist Penny Lancaster has revealed the 'terrifying' struggle she faced with undiagnosed dyslexia during her formative years, in a candid television appearance this weekend.
Saturday Morning Confession
The former model and photographer joined celebrity chef James Martin on his Saturday Morning programme, where she opened up about her educational challenges during an era when learning difficulties often went unrecognised. Lancaster, now 55, described how she couldn't understand why learning proved more difficult for her than for her peers throughout her school days in Essex.
Shared Experience with James Martin
Martin, who also lives with dyslexia, questioned whether Lancaster's experience mirrored his own educational journey. The TV chef recalled how pupils were typically labelled as either bright or 'thick' during his school years, leading to his placement in a special skills class. However, Lancaster explained that she was simply grouped with the rest of her classmates and left to struggle without any specialised support or understanding of her condition.
"It was absolutely terrifying," Lancaster emphasised, characterising this period of her life as particularly challenging given the lack of diagnosis or explanation for her learning difficulties.
Late Diagnosis and Personal Triumph
Remarkably, Lancaster's dyslexia diagnosis didn't arrive until she reached 46 years old. Despite this late recognition, she has since embraced her journey and is now celebrating the release of her memoir, Someone Like Me, which chronicles her life and professional experiences.
From Modelling to Memoir
Lancaster first entered the public eye when she was spotted by a modelling talent scout at approximately 22 years old. She later transitioned to photography, which is how she met her now-husband, musician Rod Stewart, in 1998. The couple married in 2007 and now share two children together.
Lancaster has previously described how encouraging Stewart has been following her diagnosis, noting that he has never made her feel incapable. She recalled a particular instance when he encouraged her to read a pledge at a charity event despite her initial panic.
Overcoming Educational Fears
In a radio interview, Lancaster once revealed that "reading out loud was one of my absolute terrors" and that English classes proved particularly problematic during her school years. This makes her current achievement of writing and recording an audiobook for her memoir particularly significant to her.
"So the idea that I've now written a book and did my audio and actually had to read that out loud to produce that book was quite an accomplishment for me I have to say," she explained.
Programme Details
Saturday Morning with James Martin, featuring Penny Lancaster's interview alongside singer and actor Alfie Boe, airs Saturdays at 9.25am on ITV1 and is available for streaming on ITVX. The programme showcases Martin preparing specially chosen dishes for his guests while engaging in conversations about their personal and professional journeys.
