Nadia Sawalha Left Speechless by Frankie Bridge's Intimate Question
Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha has opened up about a memorable and awkward encounter with her co-star Frankie Bridge, recalling how the former Saturdays singer left her "shocked" during a backstage meeting on the ITV chat show. The incident occurred when Frankie, 37, directly asked Nadia if she was still having sex, a question that left the 61-year-old actress and television personality momentarily speechless.
An Unforgettable Loose Women Meeting
Nadia, who has been married to Mark Adderley since 2002, described the moment during Wednesday's edition of Loose Women, where she appeared on the panel alongside Christine Lampard, Penny Lancaster, and Gloria Hunniford. While Frankie was not part of that day's panel, the discussion turned to Prue Leith's recent comments about intimacy in older age, prompting Nadia to share her personal experience.
"People don't wanna think about people of a certain age having sex," Nadia explained. "Frankie Bridge did this to me. We were in the morning meeting, talking about sex and she was [shocked]. She asked me if I was still having sex. I was just [open-mouthed]! Out of all the meetings I've had on Loose Women, I'll never forget it."
Nadia admitted that she once held similar views about older women and sexuality, reflecting on how perspectives can change over time. "I was in that place once looking at older women like that but yet here I am," she added, highlighting the societal taboos surrounding aging and sexual activity.
Prue Leith's Candid Discussion on Libido and HRT
The conversation on Loose Women was inspired by chef Prue Leith's recent revelations about intimacy in later life. The 86-year-old Great British Bake Off judge, who recently announced her departure from the Channel 4 series after joining in 2017, spoke openly about using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to maintain her libido.
Prue, who married John Playfair in 2016, described consulting a doctor about what is considered "normal" for sexual activity at her age. "She said there are no studies because it's just imagined people my age don't," Prue revealed, pointing to the lack of research and societal assumptions about older adults and sex.
The television personality credited HRT with helping her feel younger and more vibrant, stating, "I don't think I'd be active in every sense without hormone replacement therapy." Initially prescribed HRT after a hysterectomy at age 40, Prue continues to use progesterone tablets, oestrogen patches, and "dabs" of testosterone gel, which she described as "great for libido."
Prue told Saga Magazine, "It's great for libido. You feel better and younger and..." with the outlet noting she gave a "suggestive wink" and "broad grin." Despite reported links to breast cancer, she has no plans to stop using HRT, fearing that menopause symptoms in her 80s would be "horrendous."
Broader Implications and Health Considerations
This discussion on Loose Women sheds light on important issues regarding aging, sexuality, and healthcare. The NHS provides comprehensive information on HRT, detailing its potential risks and benefits, and emphasising that like all medicines, it can cause side effects.
Nadia Sawalha's experience with Frankie Bridge underscores how conversations about sex and aging remain fraught with discomfort and surprise, even among colleagues in the entertainment industry. The episode serves as a reminder of the need for greater openness and understanding around these topics.
As public figures like Nadia and Prue share their stories, they challenge stereotypes and encourage more honest dialogue about the realities of intimacy across different stages of life.
