Former supermodel Jodie Kidd, 47, has revealed the heartbreaking reason she stepped away from the catwalk, citing debilitating panic attacks that ended her modelling career. Now, she runs The Half Moon pub in West Sussex with her fiancé, Joseph Bates, and embraces a quieter life in the countryside.
A New Life in the Countryside
Jodie, who once graced global runways, now spends her days tending to chickens, growing vegetables, and managing her 15th-century pub. She describes her current life as idyllic, though she admits there is little downtime. 'The pub is amazing,' she says. 'We’re very supportive of the local community and try to get all our produce from within a 25-mile radius. It’s just a joy.'
The Toll of Modelling
Reflecting on her modelling days, Jodie recalls the intense pressure that led to severe anxiety. 'I was exhausted, feverish, anxious,' she explains. 'I’m a country girl. Suddenly I was in these big cities, not looking after myself, not eating well, not sleeping. My body just went, “I’m not doing this.”' At the height of her career, with campaigns for Chanel and numerous shoots, she made the difficult decision to quit. 'I found it triggering. So I moved to the countryside, started growing vegetables again, and got my nervous system back in order.'
Family and Future Plans
Jodie, engaged to former Royal Marine Joseph Bates since 2021, plans a country wedding in Devon. She praises their relationship as 'a lovely balance of respect and honesty.' Her son Indio, 14, is a source of joy, though she jokes about learning 'teenager language.' Despite two previous marriages, she is optimistic about the future.
Embracing Age and EVs
Approaching 50, Jodie embraces ageing with a practical attitude. She maintains her health with red-light therapy, skincare, and good sleep. She also champions electric vehicles, partnering with the Department for Transport on The Electric Road Trip campaign. 'I love driving EVs,' she says. 'The infrastructure is improving, and road trips are my peaceful place.'
Jodie’s journey from supermodel to pub landlady highlights her resilience and commitment to a balanced life.
