Penny Lancaster opened up about the challenging beginnings of her relationship with rock legend Rod Stewart during her appearance on ITV's Loose Women on February 28, 2025. The model and television personality, who wedded Stewart back in 2007, took center stage alongside co-hosts Kaye Adams, Linda Robson, and Jane Moore to reflect on family dynamics and shared personal experiences.
During the heartfelt segment, Lancaster shared insights about their blended family, which includes their two sons, Alastair and Aiden, born in 2005 and 2011, respectively. Besides their children, Stewart has eight children from previous relationships, leading to complexity as Lancaster navigated her role within the family.
Kaye Adams initiated the discussion by asking, "Is there a peacemaker in your family?" To which Lancaster candidly admitted, "I would probably point the fingers at myself. When I first met Rod it wasn't the case of being involved with the man I love, it was a case of bringing in the whole family including everybody." Lancaster remembered approaching the situation with care, stating, "I tiptoed in and said it'll be alright in the end." This careful entry was necessary, as Rod's children had understandable skepticism about Lancaster’s long-term commitment.
Adams chimed in, acknowledging, "They [Rod's children] all probably thought you were not going to be around forever; they weren't going to know you'll stick around." Lancaster agreed, reinforcing, "Exactly, they thought 'this is the next girlfriend, what does she want?' so it was understandable. I took the stance of being empathetic and trying to look at life from different perspectives and put myself in their shoes."
Over time, Lancaster shared, her efforts bore fruit as the children began to recognize her sincerity. "Just slowly, slowly they got to recognise the truth and, now ten years later, they know who I am and we have formed a family bond but they do all come to me because of my honesty and they know they'll get the truth and it all works out in the end," she elaborated.
During the same episode, Lancaster also discussed how she supports Rod's older daughters as they venture through motherhood. Confronting the feelings of maternal guilt many mothers experience, she offered heartfelt advice, saying: "I've always said to Rod's girls, who have had babies now, don't feel bad if you feel guilty because it is a very normal feeling for many mothers. All the pressures of what you should and shouldn't do, do you give them enough attention, are you strict enough? The list just goes on and on."
Reflecting on her own doubts, Lancaster remarked, "For me I always doubt myself whether it's enough and I have to remind myself 'you are enough and you have done the right thing'. I sort of battle with it sometimes and I know there isn't a perfect out."
The conversation on Loose Women provided viewers with not just insight but also relatable struggles many families face when blending their dynamics. Lancaster’s willingness to share her story reignited discussions about the importance of empathy, patience, and open communication within blended families, underscoring the notion of finding common ground and building bonds.
Overall, Penny Lancaster's experiences serve as a reminder of the emotional labor involved in creating harmonious family relationships and the significant role honesty and compassion can play within those dynamics.