Loose Women star Brenda Edwards has revealed for the first time that she suffered a miscarriage before giving birth to her son Jamal Edwards. The 57-year-old singer and presenter made the admission during Tuesday's episode of the ITV show (October 20), while discussing motherhood with fellow panellists Coleen Rooney, Kaye Adams, Janet Street-Porter and Ruth Langsford.
A Dream of Two Children
Brenda explained that she had always dreamed of having two children. "I did grow up saying 'by the time that I'm 27, I want to have a job, I want to have a husband. I want to have two children.' It was always two children. I wasn't going for a football [team] or anything," she said.
She also revealed that her desire to become a mother was partly shaped by losing her own parents at the age of four. "There was a little bit of me that wanted to have children [and] to raise them because I wasn't raised by my mum and dad. I was four when my parents died but I was kind of thinking 'I'd like to go past that age that we were,'" she explained.
Miscarriage Before Jamal
The Luton-born actress went on to give birth to Jamal at 21 years old, followed by her daughter Tanisha. However, she revealed that she miscarried before Jamal was born. "I was 21 when I had Jamal and then Tanisha and then I did finally get married at 27," she shared, adding: "I did unfortunately have a miscarriage before Jamal came."
Reflecting on the loss, she said: "And when that happened, it really made me think 'Oh my god, that would have been so lovely. What would that have been like if I hadn't [miscarried]?' So I see children as a blessing."
Tribute to Jamal
The revelation comes four years after Jamal died aged 31 in 2022 following a cardiac arrhythmia. Brenda recently paid tribute to him on what would have been his 36th birthday, posting childhood photos on Instagram with the message: "Jamms 36 years ago today you were born, the sun was shining bright just like your beautiful smile. These photographs capture so many beautiful memories that will never be forgotten. I miss you each and every second of every day!! I love you always and forever."
For those affected by baby loss, support is available from Sands on 0808 164 3332 or helpline@sands.org.uk. Loose Women airs at 12:30pm on ITV1 from Monday to Friday.
