Celebrating Women's Second Acts
A remarkable group of influential British women have been honoured in the first-ever HELLO! Second Act Power List, demonstrating that life after forty can be the most vibrant and powerful chapter yet. Television presenter Davina McCall, musician Myleene Klass, and fashion icon Twiggy are among the legendary figures celebrated for their achievements across television, fashion, sport, philanthropy, and activism.
An Unforgettable Evening of Inspiration
The prestigious list was officially unveiled during an exclusive celebration held at Sartoria Launceston Place in London. The event, hosted by The EVOLV Collection, brought together these influential women for a night filled with empowering speeches, bespoke cocktails, and dancing. Guests enjoyed Piaff Champagne and cocktails featuring Jo Vodka's Blackberry Jo-jito, while canapés such as truffle arancini and beef tartare were served.
The evening was marked by heartfelt speeches, including a rousing address from Davina McCall that celebrated female power and resilience. Author Kathy Lette encouraged guests to 'hit the dancefloor with panache,' a call enthusiastically answered as Dame Denise Lewis led a choreographed Candy dance routine. Later, Dame Kelly Holmes delighted the crowd by joining Mi-Soul DJs Lorraine Ashdown and Janice Vee on the decks.
Stories of Resilience and Reinvention
The honourees spoke candidly about empowerment and the freedom that comes with life's next chapter. Their messages were particularly poignant given Davina McCall's recent revelation that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, just a year after undergoing surgery for a benign brain tumour.
Davina shared how a poster from Lorraine Kelly's daytime show, urging women to check for signs of breast cancer, prompted her to discover a lump. She stated that her cancer was caught 'very, very early' and that she has since had a successful lumpectomy. She will undergo five days of radiotherapy in January as a precaution.
Reflecting on her journey, Davina said, 'I feel like my life started at 50, and I think that what mother nature takes away in terms of youth and bearing children ability she gives you back in wisdom.'
Other honourees shared similar sentiments of liberation. Twiggy, 76, emphasised the importance of self-belief, stating, 'You've got to have faith and believe… I only do the things I want to do.' Myleene Klass, 47, spoke about transforming personal pain into purpose through her miscarriage law campaign, declaring, 'My superpower isn't just endurance — it's transformation.'
Dame Kelly Holmes, 55, highlighted the confidence that comes with age, adding, 'You get to an age where you think: 'I know me now… You matter to yourself.'' Meanwhile, Dame Denise Lewis, 53, described navigating life after her marriage split as a empowering 'second act.'
HELLO!'s Chief Content Officer Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon underscored the importance of the Power List, stating it aims to reframe the conversation around midlife, transforming it from a period where women were once seen as 'invisible' to an 'exciting new start.' This collective of women truly cements their status as role models for a new generation, proving that with independence, reinvention, and self-belief, the second act can be the most remarkable one yet.
