She burst on to the Loose Women panel in 2019, and singer Brenda Edwards quickly won over viewers with her infectious laugh and larger-than-life personality.
Yet behind her smiles, the former X Factor contestant, 54, has endured unimaginable grief. She lost her music mogul son Jamal Edwards, 31, to a heart attack in February last year and both her parents died in a car crash three days before Christmas when she was just four years old – she and her brother were raised by their grandmother in Luton. Amazingly, the West End star – who is also mum to Tanisha, 30 – still sees the goodness in life, and since beating breast cancer in 2016, she is adamant that she wants to make every day count.
Since joining Loose Women, have you ever been starstruck?
I’ve had a couple of starstruck moments, and one was when American pop star will.i.am appeared on the show – that was absolutely amazing! The other was Janet [Street-Porter]. I used to watch Loose Women before I became one, and I still do. I come from a family full of strong women, including my grandma and my aunts, so Janet is a big icon in our household. Plus, I’m quite a feely person and on my first visit to Loose Women I was told, “Do not touch Janet,” so I was pleasantly surprised when she gave me a big hug.
You tragically lost both your parents at a young age. How was life for you growing up in Luton?
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 08, 2024-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S OWN.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 08, 2024-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S OWN.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the gender gap, cats and timed hugs
Check out CHICAGO
With a spectacular skyline, sandy beaches and great food, the Windy City is calling, says Zoe West
LET'S EMBRACE OUR CHRISTMAS TAT!
Becky Dickinson explains why she'll still be rocking around her tinsel-strewn tree this year
BURIED SECRETS
We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it
FESTIVE NO-BAKES
Pop on the Christmas tunes and whip up a batch of these easy sweet treats
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Are you doing enough to look after your teeth and gums?
'TIS THE SEASON TO SHINE!
At last, Hayley McCrossan, 39, feels fit and healthy
FOR THE LOVE OF TOM
When Deborah Mitchell, 57, lost her son, she vowed to help other families facing the same heartbreak
THE NURSE WHO LEFT MY GRANDAD FOR DEAD belict
Rachael Fealey, 31, had one question for the woman who killed her beloved Grampa - how could you?
Coleen's MONEY WORRIES
What are the reasons behind her financial and marriage fears?