Penny Lancaster, the well-known Loose Women panellist, former model, and photographer, opened up about a deeply personal and challenging chapter of her life during her recent appearance on Saturday Morning with James Martin. Airing on March 21, 2026, the ITV1 programme saw Lancaster share the screen with TV chef James Martin and singer-actor Alfie Boe, but it was Lancaster’s candid revelations about her struggles with dyslexia that resonated most strongly with viewers.
As James Martin prepared a special dish for his guests, the conversation turned to Lancaster’s formative years and the obstacles she had to overcome to reach her current position in the public eye. According to The Express, Martin—who himself has dyslexia—asked if Lancaster’s experience at school was similar to his own, where children were simply labelled as either “bright” or “thick”. Martin recalled being placed in a special skills class, but Lancaster explained that her experience was different, though no less isolating. “I was simply grouped with the rest of my classmates and left to struggle,” she told Martin, describing that period as a “terrifying” part of her upbringing, particularly as she could not understand why learning came so much harder to her than to her peers.
For Lancaster, the struggle with undiagnosed dyslexia spanned decades. She was not formally diagnosed until she was 46 years old—a fact she revealed with both candour and a touch of disbelief at how long it took to put a name to her difficulties. Born on March 15, 1971, and raised in Essex, Lancaster is now 55 years old. She was first discovered by a modelling talent scout at the age of 22, launching a successful career in front of the camera before later transitioning to work behind the lens as a photographer. It was in this latter role that she met her now-husband, legendary musician Rod Stewart, in 1998. The couple married in 2007 and have since welcomed two children.
Despite the late diagnosis, Lancaster has not allowed her learning difficulty to define her. In fact, she has spoken openly about how Stewart’s unwavering support helped her come to terms with her dyslexia and even thrive in spite of it. Recalling a particularly nerve-wracking moment, Lancaster shared: “Rod has never made me feel in any way like I can't do things. I was asked to read a pledge at a charity event. I was in a panic but he said, 'Go on, Pen, you can do it.'” According to The Express, Stewart’s encouragement has been a constant source of strength for Lancaster, especially during moments of self-doubt.
Now, Lancaster has channelled her experiences into the written word, publishing her own memoir, Someone Like Me. As of March 21, 2026, the memoir is available in paperback, marking a significant milestone for Lancaster, who has described reading aloud as one of her “absolute terrors” growing up. In a radio interview, she confessed: “Reading out loud was one of my absolute terrors and so English was most problematic for me.” The irony, she acknowledged, was not lost on her: “So the idea that I've now written a book and did my audio and actually had to read that out loud to produce that book was quite an accomplishment for me I have to say.”
Her pride in this achievement is palpable. After years of feeling different and struggling in silence, Lancaster’s journey from struggling student to accomplished author stands as a testament to her resilience. The process of recording the audiobook version of her memoir proved particularly daunting, but ultimately rewarding. “I had to read that out loud to produce that book,” she said, “and that was quite an accomplishment for me, I have to say.”
Her husband, Rod Stewart, has been equally invested in her literary journey. Lancaster recounted a memorable anecdote from Stewart’s time on tour: “He read it while he was on tour. And he was reading the last paragraph by the pool when this big storm came in and he refused to move until he finished it so now his copy has all these wet patches.” The story draws a smile, highlighting not just Stewart’s devotion but the emotional impact of Lancaster’s story on those closest to her.
Throughout the interview on Saturday Morning with James Martin, Lancaster and Martin bonded over their shared experiences with dyslexia, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the challenges—and triumphs—that can come with learning difficulties. Martin, who has often spoken about his own struggles, provided a supportive space for Lancaster to reflect on how far she has come, both personally and professionally.
For Lancaster, the journey has been far from straightforward. Growing up during a time when dyslexia was poorly understood and often overlooked in educational settings, she was left to navigate the complexities of learning without recognition or tailored support. “It was a terrifying part of my upbringing,” she admitted, “particularly given that I couldn’t understand why learning came differently to me than to my peers.” Her words echo the experiences of many who have faced similar challenges, especially in eras when awareness and resources were lacking.
Yet, Lancaster’s story is not simply one of struggle—it is one of perseverance and, ultimately, triumph. Her success in modelling, photography, and television is impressive by any measure, but it is her willingness to speak openly about her dyslexia and the impact it has had on her life that truly sets her apart. By sharing her story, Lancaster offers hope and encouragement to others who may be facing their own battles with learning difficulties, proving that it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve one’s goals.
Saturday Morning with James Martin continues to air every Saturday at 9:25 AM on ITV1 and is also available for streaming on ITVX, providing a platform for guests like Lancaster to share their stories and connect with audiences in meaningful ways. As Lancaster’s memoir reaches new readers, her journey from a struggling student in Essex to a celebrated author and television personality serves as a powerful reminder that challenges, no matter how daunting, can be transformed into sources of strength.
With her memoir Someone Like Me now in paperback, Penny Lancaster stands as an inspiring example of resilience, self-acceptance, and the enduring power of support from loved ones. Her story, as shared on national television and in her own words, continues to resonate with audiences—reminding us all that it’s never too late to embrace our differences and turn them into triumphs.