Music legend Sir Rod Stewart has revealed how his wife of over 25 years, Penny Lancaster, has fundamentally changed him as a person and transformed their family life in a rare joint interview.
The Secret to Their Enduring Bond
Speaking to the BBC's Anita Rani at their Durrington House for a new Christmas series, the 80-year-old rock icon didn't shy away from discussing the 26-year age gap between him and his 54-year-old wife. While acknowledging there are occasional "downsides" to their age difference, Rod emphasised that their relationship has been overwhelmingly positive for both partners.
"I think there's a maturity I may have taught Pen, and there's a certain honesty that she's taught me," Rod explained during the intimate conversation filmed beside a festive Christmas tree. The couple have developed a successful strategy for handling disagreements that has served them well throughout their long marriage.
Transformation Through Honesty and Understanding
Penny Lancaster observed significant personal growth in her famous husband over the years. "I think that over the years, you've become a lot more understanding and compassionate to others around you," she told Rod during the interview.
She noted that while Rod exists as a "super legendary star on a pedestal," her own diplomatic nature and empathy have positively influenced him. "The kids will say that dad's much easier to talk to now," Penny revealed, highlighting how her openness has encouraged Rod to become more emotionally available.
Rod shared his philosophy on conflict resolution, stating: "I've always said we don't argue before we go to bed, and we do not argue when we've had a glass of wine. We wait till the morning. And if we do have arguments, it's over real quick."
Christmas Celebrations and Family Traditions
The couple detailed their ambitious plans for Christmas 2025, which include a massive family gathering organised primarily by Penny. "Penny is a really great organiser," Rod praised. "So it's a gathering of the clan. Penny books all the flights and everything and gets the timing right - she's organised my life."
The festive celebration will feature a mini Faces reunion with Rod's band and special guest Ronnie Wood. Family members flying in include Rod's children Ruby and Liam along with three grandchildren from Los Angeles, plus their own sons Alastair, 19, and 14-year-old Aiden.
Reflecting on past Christmases, Rod shared an amusing anecdote about his mother once requesting only a "bread bin" as a gift despite his success. He also recalled extravagant gift exchanges with friend Elton John during the Seventies, including the time he gifted Elton a high-tech champagne fridge only to receive a Rembrandt etching worth £12,000 in return.
The full interview, *My Life At Christmas with Anita Rani*, featuring Rod and Penny Stewart will air on BBC One on December 7 at 10.30am.
