Andrea McLean has admitted she still 'feels lost' after leaving Loose Women in December 2020. The 52-year-old former presenter quit the ITV talk show to focus on her mental health and spend more time with her family.
Speaking about her departure, McLean described it as 'the bravest thing I ever did' despite the financial risks. 'It's a lot easier to make a brave move when you have nothing to lose. With a bold move, potentially you have everything to lose, not just your reputation, but also financially,' she said.
McLean first opened up about having a nervous breakdown during a Loose Women episode in May 2020. She said the moment felt therapeutic and helped her realise there is 'no shame' in struggling. 'I had a breakdown. I've spent a year building my mental strength back up,' she recalled.
Since leaving the show, McLean has written a book, 'This Girl Is On Fire', and created an accompanying app. She said she has not returned to television because her energy has been focused on this new venture. 'The day I left Loose Women, I cried because I was leaving my friends. But when I got home, I actually got a real sense of peace,' she added.
Despite her progress, McLean admitted she can still feel lost. 'I know how it feels to feel stuck, scared, burnt out and overwhelmed. I'm a capable woman, I'm really good at what I do but I don't know, I feel lost, I feel like I've kind of lost my direction,' she said.
McLean remains happily married to husband Nick Feeney, whom she met after swearing off men. She advised others to 'be cool with yourself and then you will find someone who is cool being with you.'
