Charlene White is no stranger to talking about herself on lunchtime chat show Loose Women, opening up about even the most hard-hitting topics. But now the presenter, newsreader and columnist has shared the full story of her life so far in a revealing new memoir.
In her heartfelt book, No Place Like Home, 44-year-old Charlene explores what home means to her, and others, through stories of her life and the challenges she has tackled along the way.
When we sit down for a chat with Jamaican Londoner Charlene, whose parents grew up in the Caribbean, she tells us that home to her is both those places. She says, “I was raised in a Jamaican household in London. So, although I’ve never lived in Jamaica, I’ve been going back and forth to it my entire life, so that also feels like home to me. There’s space in my heart for both.”
Here, the mum-of-two, who was the first black woman to present News At Ten on ITV, chats about growing up while facing racism, the parenting style that has caused controversy with her Loose Women co-stars, and her worst celebrity encounter ever…
Hi, Charlene. Which stories did you want to share that you haven’t before?
I wanted to explore the reality of what it was like for my parents and my grandparents when they first moved here, trying to build a home in southeast London. Growing up in a very strict Jamaican household, there were loads of things I wasn’t allowed to do. But as an adult, I understand why. We had racists living up the road in Eltham, and possible gangs in the area. They were trying to keep us away from those dangers. Writing the book, I realised there were many moments where if one little thing had gone wrong, my entire path in life would have changed.
Esta historia es de la edición November 18, 2024 de OK! UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición November 18, 2024 de OK! UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing
I'll cherish my friendship with Vito for the rest of my life'
Last year's Strictly winner Ellie Leach tells OK! about life on tour in Cluedo 2 and reuniting with her dance partner
'If one little thing had gone wrong, my entire path in life would have changed'
TV presenter Charlene White on her strict Jamaican upbringing in southeast London, her own tough parenting style and why she'd love the Princess of Wales to be a guest on Loose Women
I have seen cockroaches the size of terriers'
Joanna Lumley shares travel tales that aren't for the faint-hearted, Ab Fab gossip and other stories from her legendary screen career
'Once you become a parent, the times when you leave the house are extra special'
Comedian Joel Dommett on returning to the I'm A Celebrity jungle and how fatherhood has changed him
'We're so pleased our rainbow baby is here'
Mrs Brown's Boys actor Gary Hollywood and his wife Cherylanne invite us into their home to meet special new arrival Carter
'Ballroom dancing is your real school of life'
Former Strictly star Kristina Rihanoff on why she thought she'd never dance again after becoming a mum and how her daughter Mila is now following in her footsteps
A CELEBRATION FOR THE KING
As King Charles marks his 76th birthday, we hear how our beloved monarch may take time to reflect on a difficult year and look ahead to a busy, brighter 2025
WILLIAM'S 'BRUTAL' YEAR
The Prince Of Wales praises his wife and father as he opens up on the tough challenges of 2024 while visiting Cape Town to present the Earthshot Prize Awards
'Love is there for absolutely everybody'
Emmerdale star James Moore - who has cerebral palsy and once thought he would never marry - and his wife Sophie Edwards chat to OK! about their big day