Biography
Who is Penny Lancaster?
Early life and background
Born Penelope Claire Lancaster in Redbridge, Essex, England, she grew up in the Barkingside suburb of Ilford. Her parents are Graham and Sally, and she has a younger brother named Oliver. In 1986, the family relocated to Chigwell. As a child, she pursued dance training, focusing on tap, ballet, and modern styles starting at the age of six. She eventually stopped dancing at age 16 because of her tall frame.
She later transitioned into fitness, becoming a certified trainer six years after leaving dance. A model scout noticed her during this period, leading her toward a professional career in modeling. She attended Beal High School before her career began. Later in life, at the age of 46, she received a diagnosis of dyslexia.
Modeling and television career
In 2002, Penny Lancaster signed a contract to serve as the face of the lingerie brand Ultimo. This role lasted for two years before the company replaced her. She subsequently signed with the agency Elite New York. Throughout her career, she has balanced various television projects alongside modeling work.
She participated in the 2007 series of Strictly Come Dancing, where she competed with partner Ian Waite. Later, she appeared on programs including Celebrity Catchphrase and Famous and Fighting Crime. In 2021, she competed on the BBC series Celebrity MasterChef. She also appeared on Michael McIntyre's The Wheel in 2024. Penny is widely recognized for her long-standing role as a panellist on the ITV lunchtime chat show Loose Women, which she joined in 2014 and returned to in 2025.
Police service and charity work
After appearing on the Channel 4 program Famous and Fighting Crime, she began volunteering with the City of London Police. She finished her training to become a special police constable in April 2021. Since qualifying, she has performed official policing duties at major events, including the coronation of King Charles III and the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
Beyond her police work, she serves as an ambassador for the charity Penny for London, which assists young people in poverty. She is also a vice-president of the Royal National Institute of Blind People and acts as a patron for the UK Care Of Police Survivors charity.
Relationships and family life
In 1999, she met singer Rod Stewart after being hired to photograph him while he was on tour. The two began a relationship and were together for seven years before marrying. They wed on June 16, 2007, at La Cervara in Portofino, Italy. The couple has two children together, with the first born in 2005 and the second in 2011. Penny currently resides in Sheering, Essex.
Birthday and age
Penny Lancaster was born on March 15, 1971, which makes Penny 55 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. Penny shares the date with 63 other famous people.
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