'Penny Lancaster shares her experience of being bullied by Gregg Wallace and feeling abandoned'

Penny Lancaster admits she was overwhelmed with emotion while filming My Life at Christmas with Anita Rani. The BBC series opens with the 54-year-old model, photographer, Loose Women panellist, and police special constable sharing quiet moments with her 80-year-old husband, rock icon Rod Stewart. Viewers are taken on a tour of their 18th-century Essex home, meet their Labradoodle Lily in a Santa outfit, and hear about the couples life stories.

Stewart, who has faced thyroid and prostate cancers, guides Lancaster and host Anita Rani around the property, including a Grecian mausoleum where he plans to be buried. Lancaster often becomes teary-eyed, laughing through her tears and explaining, I just go bloop! My mind drifts to heart-warming places and I melt. She notes friends would always check if she was okay during such moments.

Fans might remember Lancasters tears on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity MasterChef, the latter highlighting her experience of sexist bullying by former host Gregg Wallace. She recounts an incident where Wallace took a fake orchid from her table and then dropped it on the floor, forcing her to retrieve it herself. She criticizes the production team for allowing such behavior, stating no one stepped in to support her.

Rod Stewart, who is also openly emotional at times, defended Lancaster publicly on Instagram, describing Wallace as an ill-mannered bully who humiliated her. Lancaster recalls seeing Stewarts post after her jury duty, reflecting on his support as vital.

Lancaster shares insight into her life with Stewart, detailing their 18-year marriage. She describes their initial meeting at a Christmas party in 1999, when she was 28 and he was 54. Despite doubts from others, Lancaster emphasizes that their relationship grew from mutual readiness for commitment. She also explains her role in blending into Stewarts family, which includes eight children from various relationships, noting the patience and diplomacy required to establish strong bonds with her stepchildren.

Her memoir, Someone Like Me, addresses both her personal traumas and professional challenges. Lancaster recounts childhood assaults that shaped her resilience and empathy, as well as industry harassment in modeling and television. She shares how these experiences influenced her confidence and her approach to relationships and career.

Beyond her public life, Lancaster has found fulfillment in policing as a special constable. She describes helping vulnerable people on nights out in London, using her role to address safety concerns and provide support, which she finds personally healing.

Lancaster also defends Stewart amid criticism of his Glastonbury performance, asserting that female musicians chose their attire and celebrating their confidence. She emphasizes the mutual support and accountability in her marriage, highlighting the patience they have cultivated together.

As the holiday season approaches, Lancaster looks forward to family celebrations, including her sons, Stewarts children, and grandchildren. She plans coordinated festive outfits and heartfelt family moments for Christmas, underlining the joy and closeness of their household.

My Life at Christmas with Anita Rani airs on BBC One on Sunday, 7 December at 10:30am.

Author: Olivia Parker