As she turns 84 this week, Gloria Hunniford shares what her career ambitions are and how she’s helping others keep their health in check
WORDS: LUCY ROBINSON PHOTOS: GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK
WORKING WOMAN
Having spent the last six decades working in TV and radio, Gloria Hunniford needs little introduction. And the presenter, who celebrates her 84th birthday this week, is showing no signs of slowing down. She’s as driven now, in her current roles on Loose Women and Rip Off Britain, as she was in her early broadcasting days on Good Evening Ulster in the late 70s. And she tells us it’s her work that keeps her mind healthy and active.
“I just want to keep my brain ticking over,” she says. “I’ve worked since I was seven. I was a singer originally and that’s what I was going to be. Through a record I made, I was offered a job as a broadcaster on BBC Belfast. I loved it and I ended up loving it more than I did singing.”
Gloria was the first woman to have a daily show on Radio 2 in 1982, which paved the way for a host of female presenters to follow. And she has never lost her passion for the entertainment industry.
“In Northern Ireland, you’re taught to work and I still want to work. I’m the oldest person on the Loose Women team, Janet Street-Porter being the next one down,” she tells us. “Every day I have to read about somebody else. I read the research, I get to meet new people and I get to interview people. “Also, with Rip Off Britain, I’m learning all the time about scams and how to manage your bills and energy prices and everything. It doesn’t matter how you keep your brain busy, but I think it’s important as you get older to do that.”
While many people of Gloria’s age are enjoying retirement and relishing a quieter routine, the TV presenter insists that isn’t the lifestyle for her. “I don’t want to be sitting at home and retired,” she says.
“I do understand that people want to be retired – I’m not denying that – but for me, I still want to work and I enjoy the stimulation of work.”
It’s not just Gloria’s TV work that keeps her busy. After her daughter, presenter Caron Keating, died of breast cancer in 2004 at the age of 41, Gloria embarked on a new venture. With the help of her sons Paul and Michael, she set up the The Caron Keating Foundation.
The foundation raises money for grants that are awarded to smaller cancer charities throughout Britain. As a result of her efforts, Gloria was awarded an OBE for services
