Penny Lancaster has opened up in an exclusive interview, offering a fascinating window into her life with rock legend husband Rod Stewart, their festive family plans, and her own professional aspirations for the new year.
Christmas at the Stewart Household
The model-turned-photographer-and-special constable revealed that their 18th-century Hertfordshire estate, Durrington House, will be filled with family this Christmas. As well as their two sons, Alastair, 19, and Aiden, 14, Rod’s children Ruby and Liam and three grandchildren are flying in from Los Angeles to celebrate.
Penny, 54, has meticulously planned the holiday schedule. "We’re going ice skating, to the theatre, the races, then there’s local pubs and catching up with Rod’s sister Mary, who’s 97 on Boxing Day," she shared. "Everything’s booked because if it’s done ahead of time, I don’t stress and just let it unfold, like a gift!"
She fondly recalled Christmases when her boys were younger, noting that Rod used to dress up as Father Christmas, complete with a pillow stuffed up his front, to the children's delight.
Future Careers and Personal Passions
As a new year approaches, Penny is contemplating another professional pivot. Having previously reinvented herself from model to photographer, Strictly Come Dancing contestant, and special constable for the City of London Police, she now has her sights set on nature television.
"I love the idea of doing my own gardening show, maybe even based out of Durrington," she said, referring to the estate's expansive 50-acre grounds which feature a walled garden, greenhouse, and eight beehives. "I’m learning more about different varieties of plants with [our] head gardener. I love being amongst nature."
She also revealed she is considering training to be a psychotherapist, believing it would assist in her police work. This follows the publication of her autobiography, Someone Like Me, in September, which she said was "a little bit" like undergoing therapy.
Life with a Rock Legend
Penny reflected on her 25-year relationship with Rod, which began after they met at a Christmas party at London’s Dorchester Hotel in December 1998. Despite Rod initially vowing never to remarry or have more children, the couple wed in Portofino, Italy, in 2007.
"To think of all that we’ve gone through... and what a gift it is to have found one another and to have brought this family so close to one another, it brings a lump to my throat," she said emotionally.
When asked what she finds most sexy about her husband, now 80, Penny didn't hesitate: his sense of humour. "He doesn’t take himself too seriously. He also takes so much care and pride in his appearance and how he dresses for me. And he doesn’t have a lazy bone in his body. THAT’s sexy!"
The couple also openly discuss mortality. In the upcoming BBC One's My Life At Christmas, Rod points out a cream-columned temple in their garden where he wishes to be laid to rest. Penny explained his practical mindset: "You don’t want to talk about the end, but he’s like, 'Look, it happens to all of us.'"
With Rod touring until just before Christmas and again in the New Year, Penny believes their time apart helps keep their relationship fresh, allowing them to "start missing someone again and remember why it’s so important to have snuggles on the couch together."
