‘I will never stop being grateful'

Katie Piper tells us about nights out with her Loose Women co-hosts, why she finds social media so empowering and how much she’ll miss The X Factor

- KIRSTY HATCHER

When new gets Katie Piper on the phone for a natter, the Loose Women newbie and best-selling author is enjoying a rare, child-free moment of peace and quiet.

“I’ve just sat down in a quiet house with no kids, and I can give you my full attention. It’s luxurious, this never happens!” laughs Katie, 37, who is mum to daughters Belle, seven, and Penelope, three, with her husband Richard Sutton.

We’re catching up with the model and presenter to hear all about her brand-new book, A Little Bit Of Faith: Hopeful Affirmations For Every Day Of The Year. Full of hope and warmth, the book, which is Katie’s ninth, offers readers 365 affirmations to inspire positivity and help them overcome tough times.

Katie herself knows a thing or two about going through challenging periods. In 2008, aged 24, she survived an acid attack that had been arranged by her ex-boyfriend. But rather than let the incident defeat her, Katie used her experience to set up the Katie Piper Foundation to help other burns and scars survivors.

Here, Katie, tells us how thrilled she was to land the Loose Women gig and why she wants her daughters to have a good work ethic…

How have the last 18 months been for you and your family?

I think myself and my husband now know we never want to be school teachers! An extra level of respect has developed, especially for people like supermarket workers and delivery drivers. When I was in college, I worked at Tesco as my parents said I needed to earn money, and it really set me up to be the person that I am now.

Will you encourage your daughters to get jobs once they’re old enough?