Judi Love, the beloved Loose Women panellist and Maltesers ambassador, has shared how her late mother's battle with dementia taught her to embrace ageing and the wisdom that comes with it. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, the 45-year-old comedian and TV host highlighted the importance of older women in society, a lesson she learned firsthand from her mother, who passed away from dementia in 2009.
Ageism in the UK
A recent survey by Age UK, polling 1,300 older adults, found that 51% have experienced ageism. Respondents reported impacts on emotional wellbeing, with 37% feeling devalued and nearly a quarter feeling disempowered. Over 60% lacked confidence to speak out against ageism. Liz Drury, CEO of Age UK London, commented: "Our findings show a clear need for action. Despite age being a protected characteristic, ageism remains widespread and normalised, affecting quality of life."
Loose Women's Diverse Age Range
Judi credits the success of Loose Women, which has aired since 1999, to its diverse age representation, featuring panellists from 36-year-old Stacey Solomon to 79-year-old Janet Street-Porter. "People love Loose Women because it's like a village. Nothing is off the table, and all ages are represented," she said. "Older women are often written off, but they're the ones with the wisdom."
Celebrating Ageing
Judi believes ageing should be celebrated. "I love sitting around women who have lived life a bit longer than me; there's so much I can learn from them," she told the Mirror. "I am older and wiser than I was, but I look forward to being even older with more knowledge to share." With age, she has also gained acceptance of her body. "I appreciate it for what it's done—I have two amazing children, I can exercise, I can make people laugh. I love everything about it."
Motherhood and Support
A single mother to a 21-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son, Judi lives in Hackney, East London. She has previously spoken about the challenges of solo parenting, including fighting against negative influences like gangs and the internet. However, she has always relied on the support of women around her. "I love having women around me. I've grown up around amazing women, I work with amazing women, and I learn so much from women both older and younger."
Maltesers Campaign: The Sisterhood Code
Judi is the face of a new Maltesers campaign highlighting the silent solidarity between women. New data from the brand, polling 2,000 UK women, found that 68% can tell what another woman is thinking just by looking at her, 89% use an unspoken "Sisterhood Code" to communicate and support each other, and 50% have experienced this connection with strangers. Judi recalled: "When I used to go out with my kids and they'd be crying, a woman would always give me a look as if to say, 'It's ok—we've all been there.' It's a silent acknowledgement that brightens your day."
Lessons from Her Mother
Judi learned parenting from her mother, who died of dementia. "My mum taught me to be dedicated, hard working, to show a lot of love, to help your community, to show love with food, and to be nurturing." She now ensures her home is a safe space for her children and their friends, always with a pot of food ready, just as her mother did.
Concerns About Social Media
Judi worries about the world her children are growing up in, especially regarding social media. She supports Prime Minister Keir Starmer's recent announcement of potential restrictions for under-16s. "Social media takes up so much of a young person's time. It's about building trust and helping them navigate it safely," she said. Reflecting on her own childhood, she added: "I'm grateful we didn't have social media. We got to play out, make mistakes, and have fun without distraction."
Career and Comedy
Judi, born to Jamaican parents in Hackney, has always been funny. In 2024, she became the first black female comedian to sell out the London Palladium with her one-woman show. She believes there has never been a better time for women in comedy. "There are so many more female comedians in 2026, and we're much more empowered to speak about what concerns us," she said. She also participated in Amazon's Last One Laughing UK, describing winner Bob Mortimer as "a comedy assassin."
