‘LOOSE WOMEN DID NOT EMPOWER ME'

TV PRESENTER SAIRA KHAN OPENS UP TO OK! ABOUT WHY SHE’S HAPPY TO HAVE LEFT THE ITV SHOW BEHIND AND WHAT’S NEXT IN HER CAREER

- ANNA MATHESON

Saira Khan is known for always speaking her mind – it’s what made the businesswoman-turned-TV presenter a brilliant Loose Women panellist. And talking to OK! about her shock exit, the straight-talking star doesn’t hold back about her reasons for leaving.

“You’re on there discussing a subject with your friends in a very innocent way but the amount of trolling you get online is horrendous,” Saira explains. “It just becomes toxic for women. It’s a show for women but I don’t feel like it empowered me.”

Since leaving the show in January, the 51-year-old has been focusing on her beauty business, her health and her family life with husband Steve Hyde and their kids Zac, 13, and Amara, 10. She’s also on a mission to empower women and isn’t afraid to chat about once-taboo subjects – including female incontinence, which is something she has experience of.

Here, Saira talks life post-Loose Women, taking control of her health and finally feeling great…

Hi, Saira. How are you?

I’m great. It’s a bit manic during the school holidays but my kids are of that age where they can look after themselves. Amara is really into doing cartwheels and handstands. Zac is really into his 80s music and his sport. We’ve shown him that Harry Enfield sketch where he turns into Kevin [the teenager], because he can be a bit like that. I’ve got to keep reminding myself, it’s hormones – this is normal!