It was back in 2010 when Lisa Faulkner first met her future husband, TV chef John Torode, when she took part in – and subsequently won – Celebrity MasterChef. Two years later, romance blossomed between the pair and, in 2019, they tied the knot in front of their friends and family in a beautiful ceremony in Oxfordshire.
That year, the busy pair also launched their own ITV series, John And Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen, and Lisa published her book, Meant To Be: My Journey To Motherhood, in which she revealed the struggles with infertility and IVF that led to her adopting her daughter Billie with her ex-husband Chris Coghill.
Then, Covid hit in early 2020 and, like everyone, life slowed down dramatically for Lisa. Here, the actress and presenter, 49, reflects on the challenges of the past year, married life and her greatest achievements.
How has the past year been for you, Lisa?
It’s been intense, although I tend to look back with rose-tinted glasses and go, “I had time to clean my drawers and cook a recipe every day and spend time with my family.” I did enjoy having a year extra with our children that we possibly wouldn’t have had. They’re growing up so fast, so having them at home with us was lovely. I think we all got to know each other better and learnt to be patient with each other, which is an amazing thing.
Billie is a teenager now. Is that tricky?
She’s actually a super teenager. She spends a lot of time in her room, on her phone, watching Netflix and hanging out with her mates, but I feel so lucky. She’s incredible.
This story is from the August 02, 2021 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 02, 2021 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A CITY OF TWO HALVES
There's a holiday for every budget to be found in Dubai, as OK!'s Faith Richardson discovered
'Christmas is a double whammy'
Chef James Martin on the pressures of dividing his time between his restaurants and his family over the festivities
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for people-pleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
'There's a bit of faking it until you make it'
Actor Paul Mescal on entering the Gladiator II arena, building a blockbuster body for his role as fighter Lucius Verus, and heading up an A-list cast of Hollywood's finest stars
THE A-LIST HAIL HOLLYWOOD'S BIG HITTERS
A line-up of the film world's best-known faces attended this year's Governors Awards to celebrate lifetime achievements
'I think we arrived right on time'
The stars of the long-awaited film Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, tell us why its themes are so relevant right now and why the musical is so dear to their hearts
'No one knows who I am'
Having first found fame on social media, GK Barry has become the breakout star of this year's I'm A Celebrity
'I still pinch myself about how we met'
Now legally married, MAFS Uk’s Adam and Tayah Aveling are looking forward to Christmas with their daughter and welcoming baby number two in 2025
THE ROYAL WEEK
It was a sad week for Queen Camilla, but a good week for the royal family’s charities with visits to hospitals and homeless centres
WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
After a challenging year for the royal family, the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to give their children an unforgettable time filled with fun and festivities