'Sometimes YOU HAVE TO TAKE chances'

Christine Lampard on her blended family, why she loves stepping into Lorraine’s shoes and how she credits her modest upbringing for her positive outlook

- JORDAN PARAMOR

If Christine Lampard hadn't taken a deep breath and made the move from Northern Ireland to London after accepting a job at the BBC, life could have turned out very differently for her. She began her TV career working behind the scenes as a runner and then a floor manager for BBC Northern Ireland when she was in her late teens. She later dropped out of her politics degree at Queen's University Belfast, to concentrate on forging a full-time career both behind and in front of the camera.

'I always knew I wanted to work in television and it's a blessing to have a passion like that. If you have any kind of pull towards something you love, you've got to go for it. I got told countless times I'd never get anywhere, but that spurred me on and made me even more determined. Back then, I had a real "Who cares?" attitude, which I don't have now. I was also a lot less fearful in my younger years, so that definitely helped!' Christine's first big presenting role was on The One Show, alongside Adrian Chiles, from 2007 until 2010. These days, the 44-year-old is best known for presenting a number of different shows, and this summer she will step into Lorraine's high heels once again when the host takes a much-deserved break from her eponymous show.

Her career may be an ongoing success, but the thing that makes Christine's face light up more than anything is talking about her family. She and her husband, footballer turned club manager Frank Lampard, 45, met at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2009. The couple married in 2015 and are parents to daughter Patricia, four, and son Freddie, two.

Christine is also stepmum to Frank's daughters, Isla, 16, and Luna, 17. Their adorable Havanese, Minnie, completes the picture of domestic bliss.