ALL FIRED UP

She’s been brightening up daytime TV for over a decade and next month, along with husband Nick, Andrea McLean will join Surrey Life as our new columnist. We sent Zoe Richards to meet them at their home in Ashtead

- Zoe Richards

In her role as anchor on ITV’s Loose Women, Andrea McLean is used to dealing with high-profile guests. But today, at her home in Ashtead, it’s adorable new addition, cavapoo Teddy who is getting all the attention. We’re greeted at the door by Andrea’s husband Nick Feeney and the four-month old rescue pup. The couple had already acted as foster carers to several dogs from Battersea before Teddy showed up but it’s clear to see why the pair couldn’t resist giving this particularly cute ball of fluff his forever home.

Aside from the obvious distraction of Teddy, the couple mill around in an easy, friendly manner as Nick prepares breakfast and Andrea gets set for a day of meetings up in London. We’re here today to talk about Andrea and Nick’s new column in Surrey Life, starting next month. As devoted Surrey residents, it’s their mission to explore and report back on the rich pickings of small businesses, days out and places to discover around the county.

While beautifully decorated, there are no airs and graces in this house. Drawings and certificates are stuck casually on the fridge, photographs of happy holidays adorn the walls and there are stacks of books around the place – all clues to the bustling family life that goes on here. The couple share their home with Andrea’s teenage children Finlay and Amy, along with Nick’s two daughters, Tia-Lily and Sienna who regularly visit. “There’s a lot of love in this house,” Nick confides. “My happiest time of the week is Saturday morning when all the kids are around. I’ll make a massive stack of pancakes and we’ll gather around the table to have breakfast and chat.”