Penny Lancaster, now Lady Stewart, is an English model, television personality, and volunteer police officer. Born on March 15, 1971, in Chelmsford, Essex, England, she rose to prominence in the world of fashion and entertainment before marrying legendary rock singer Rod Stewart.
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Early Life and Education
Lancaster grew up in Chelmsford with her parents, Graham and Sally, and her brother, Oliver. She began studying dance at the age of six, focusing on tap, ballet, and modern styles. However, she switched to aerobics at 16 due to her height and eventually became a certified fitness trainer. Her entry into the modelling world came after being discovered by a scout while working as a trainer.
Modelling Career
Lancaster’s career took off in 2002 when she signed a deal to represent the lingerie brand Ultimo. Although she successfully boosted the brand’s profile, her contract was not renewed after two years. The decision to replace her with Rod Stewart’s ex-wife, Rachel Hunter, caused significant media attention, often referred to as “Bra Wars.”
In addition to her modelling work, Lancaster explored photography, taking courses to understand the industry from a different perspective.
Television Appearances
Lancaster became a familiar face on British television after participating in the fifth season of Strictly Come Dancing in 2007. Although she was eliminated in week six, her presence on the show marked the beginning of her television career. She later joined the ITV chat show Loose Women in 2014 as an occasional panellist and became a regular contributor over the years.
Her other television appearances include competing on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021, appearing in Celebrity Catchphrase in 2019, and participating in Famous and Fighting Crime, a Channel 4 series where celebrities experienced real-life policing.
Police Work
Inspired by her experience on Famous and Fighting Crime, Lancaster joined the City of London Police as a volunteer special constable in 2020. She completed her training in 2021 and has since taken on significant duties, including policing during the Queen’s funeral and the coronation of King Charles III.
Personal Life
Lancaster met Rod Stewart in 1999 while photographing him on tour. Their relationship developed into a seven-year courtship before they married on June 16, 2007, in Portofino, Italy. The couple has two children, born in 2005 and 2011. Stewart has six other children from previous relationships.
Charity and Advocacy
Lancaster is actively involved in charitable work. She is an ambassador for Penny for London, a charity supporting young people in poverty, and serves as a vice-president of the Royal National Institute of Blind People. Additionally, she is a patron of the UK Care of Police Survivors charity, which supports families of fallen police officers.
Health and Advocacy for Dyslexia
At the age of 46, Lancaster was diagnosed with dyslexia, a revelation that deepened her understanding of the condition and inspired her to raise awareness. Her journey of self-discovery has been a testament to her resilience and determination.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.