The 38-year-old Loose Women anchor and mum of one, chats about her ballroom
dancing days and why she loves George Michael.
Where: Charlotte Street Hotel, Soho, London
You don’t seem old enough to be a Loose Woman! Are you the baby of the gang?
I am the baby, but at 38, I’m quite grown up. I don’t think there is a minimum
age for Loose Women. It’s not Shady Pines!
How are you coping after splitting with your partner of seven years, DJ
Darren Emerson?
Darren and I split a long time ago, but we kept it quiet while we both came to
terms with it. He’s not a public person and I don’t think it would be fair
to discuss it. When I explain to my son Ben, three, why his dad doesn’t live
with us, I want him to hear it from me, not the internet. We only have good
things to say about each other.
Is it tough as a single mum?
I couldn’t do it without my parents. I will never say: “Woe is me” because I’m
with my son more than I’m not, and I have an amazing part-time job. I’m very
lucky. Being a parent is hard full stop.
So, are you back on the dating scene again?
No! I’m terrified of going back on the market. The last year has been so
complicated that I’m sticking to the simple things: work, Ben, and friends.
I really don’t think you need a man to make you feel complete.
You must get chatted up though?
No, I’m crap. It will be a long time before I have the guts to even respond to
someone, let alone go on a date.
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
I see someone who hasn’t had enough sleep, with sticking-up hair, trying to
get a three year old to clean his teeth properly, while doing four other
things in order to get him to nursery on time so I can get to work, while
trying to appear unflappable and calm!
There were rumours about you and Robbie Williams, did it ever happen?
God, no. He was engaged to one of my best friends, Nicole [Appleton, now
married to Liam Gallagher]. It sounds alright though, doesn’t it? There are
far worse people to be linked to… Actually, I think you should fuel that
rumour!
Are you still BFFs with Tamzin Outhwaite and the Appleton sisters?
Yes, we see each other a lot. Tamzin’s daughter Florence came for a sleepover
on Saturday – she and Ben are good buddies. And I see Natalie and Nicole and
their kids loads.
Speaking of which, do you like Liam’s new band Beady Eye?
They’re great! I went to their first London gig. Nicole and all of my mates
were there. My friend Lou is married to Gem, the guitarist; and my friend
Chiara has started dating the bass player, Andy Bell. It was really special.
Tell us a secret about yourself…
I used to be a competitive ballroom dancer and was judged by Len Goodman! It’s
true! When I was working on the Strictly tour last year, I had a foxtrot
with Len, and I have to say he is fabulously light on his feet.
Kate Thornton is supporting the Procter & Gamble Thank You Mum campaign
(Pgproudsponsorofmums.co.uk).
The damage
Number of croissants eaten by Kate: 4
Number of coffees drunk: 2
Number of times her phone rang during our interview: 1 (she then
switched it off, bless)
WORDS: ROZ LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY: ALAMY, OLIVIA HARRIS
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