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EXCLUSIVE
Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards talks friends, family and the reason she is happy for her friend Coleen Nolan but finding love isn’t for her right now…
If anyone could be described as a poster girl for positivity, it’s Brenda Edwards. The singer, presenter and actress has had more than her fair share of heartache over the years, yet she bounces back and counts her blessings.
Brenda, 55, was just five when her parents died in a car crash. Yet, after her grandma encouraged her to attend church, young Brenda discovered her love of music and singing – and that’s been the mainstay of her life.
Making her name on The X Factor in 2005 let Brenda swap her day job for showbiz, juggling work with being a mum to her son Jamal and daughter Tanisha.
While she’d survived domestic violence, divorce and stage three breast cancer, there was more grief to come when Jamal, a hugely successful music mogul, mentor and fund-raiser, died from heart failure in 2022. So moved have we been on best by Brenda’s strength in the face of adversity, we gave her a Heroes Award in 2023. Here, we catch up with this formidable woman as she watched fellow singer Beverley Knight star in Sister Act...
Hi Brenda. You’re looking on great form!
Well, that’s because I designed this whole outfit, so I’ve made it to measure.
Have you lost weight? How do you keep in such great shape?
No! I keep very busy with the West End stuff – musical theatre really keeps you on your toes. I’m also directing Hairspray this year, and that involves a lot of running around, as well as auditions and everything that comes with that.
Do you make any time to meet men?
No, I’m very single. I’m too busy for a man, to be honest.
Would you not try dating apps? That’s where your friend Coleen met her man…
I was part of that whole experience, so I’m happy for her. It works for some, but it doesn’t work for others.
Tell us more…
We were swiping through the apps. I was there when she swiped on her boyfriend but it just wasn’t for me. I like the single life.
And we’ve heard you like to get a good sleep…
I do! I aim for eight hours, but I’ve had 12 hours today! A good night’s sleep never hurts. I think what keeps me looking young and fresh is just positivity and keeping on smiling.
Talking of staying positive, musical fans know you from We Will Rock You but you’re watching someone else play a role you were due to have…
Originally, I was supposed to be [lead character
