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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Konnie Huq reveals mortifying moment she had a wardrobe malfunction at the Baftas after wearing a sheer dress
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SHE may be a super mum to two kids - but even Konnie Huq has had her fair share of parenting disasters. The legendary presenter, 50, who presented Blue Peter from 1997 to 2008, exclusively opened up to Fabulous' No Parental Guidance podcast about a child-related wardrobe malfunction. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The mum-of-two, 50, shared the mortifying incident on the brand new No Parental Guidance podcast Credit: NO PARENTAL GUIDANCE PODCAST 4 The TV presenter attended the star-studded BAFTA ceremony in 2016 - but it was a night to remember for all the wrong reasons Credit: 2016 David M. Benett 4 The radio host and author, who at the time was still breastfeeding, would pop to the loo to put tissue in her bra Credit: Getty Konnie explained the 2016 BAFTAs were a night to remember - for all the wrong reasons. Chatting to Louise Boyce and Hannah East on our brand new podcast, Konnie revealed how breastfeeding triggered not one - but two mortifying events. Listen and subscribe to our new No Parental Guidance podcast here... Konnie, who's mum to Covie and Huxley, now 13 and 11, says: ''There's two stories that stick out in my mind. Number one is boobs exploding with milk.'' The unfortunate but natural incident took place at the time when Konnie - who's married to Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker - was presenting King of the Nerds for Sky. The show was filmed in Chelmsford, which is more than an hour's drive away from London, where she lives. As at the time one of her kids was just five months, the mum couldn't stay there overnight - and decided to wake up at 5am instead. ''I would leave the house before the baby had woken up. ''I'd wake up at five, had to express milk, leave the house before I'd even seen the baby.'' Willing to get back home as soon as possible, Konnie would try to wrap the show whenever she could - but that wasn't always an option. ''I needed us to finish early. And if we didn't, I'd sit there with my boobs so in pain.'' Konnie - who also presented The Xtra Factor - then went on to share the mortifying blunder whilst at the grand BAFTA TV Awards ceremony. Ferne McCann cruelly mum-shamed for breastfeeding her two-year-old daughter & others also spot 'massive choking hazard' ''I was once at the BAFTAs in a sheer dress,'' said Konnie who at the time was ''still breastfeeding''. ''I remember having to go to the toilets and then stuff loads of, like, tissue in my bra - and actually squeeze my boobs. ''Thank God, the red carpet bit is first because I could see two stains on me - not a good look,'' she chuckled on the podcast. What are the recommendations around breastfeeding? The NHS recommends breastfeeding your baby exclusively (feeding them breast milk only) for the first six months, but it's completely up to you to decide when you want to bring it to an end - and there's really no right or wrong way to do it. The NHS says weaning often happens gradually as your baby begins to eat more solid foods. They note that solid food shouldn't replace breast milk, as there is evidence to suggest breast milk helps a baby's digestive system when processing solid food for the first time. "Once they are eating solids, your baby will still need to have breast milk or formula as their main drink up to at least their first birthday," recommends the NHS. "Cows' milk isn't suitable as a main drink for babies under one, although it can be added to foods, such as mashed potatoes." You can also combine breastfeeding with formula, too and the NHS says "phasing out" of breastfeeding is often the easiest way. For example, dropping one feed in the day or at night time. After around a week, you can begin to think about dropping another. "If your baby is younger than one year, you'll need to replace the dropped breastfeed with a formula feed from a bottle or (if they are over six months) a cup or beaker, instead," they say. You can breastfeed for as long as you want, and while the NHS recommends breastfeeding your baby exclusively for the first six months, you shouldn't feel like you cannot continue for longer. The World Health Organization says: "Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond." The bubbly trio also shared their thoughts on motherhood whilst being in employment. Mum-of-three Hannah said: ''Isn't it difficult? I used to present a lot of sporting events and I was breastfeeding. ''I used to take a mini fridge with me [...]. I used a USB cable, I'd plug it in under the deck - the sound engineer's decks - and I'd be announcing stuff whilst I had my breasts pumped. ''I was announcing the Olympics, all these footballers coming into the stadium, interviewing them, with the breast pump inside my bra.'' She went on: ''When you're working and you're at events, it's like you said, you can't just go 'Sorry guys, can we just wrap up? Cause my t**s are gonna explode here?' ''You can't do that, can you?'' Konnie replied: ''Absolutely. Still it feels so taboo. You just feel like you're gonna be really judged.'' Follow No Parental Guidance on YouTube here.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Konnie Huq reveals mortifying moment she had a wardrobe malfunction at the Baftas after wearing a sheer dress
SHE may be a super mum to two kids - but even Konnie Huq has had her fair share of parenting disasters. The legendary presenter, 50, who presented Advertisement 4 The mum-of-two, 50, shared the mortifying incident on the brand new No Parental Guidance podcast Credit: NO PARENTAL GUIDANCE PODCAST 4 The TV presenter attended the star-studded BAFTA ceremony in 2016 - but it was a night to remember for all the wrong reasons Credit: 2016 David M. Benett 4 The radio host and author, who at the time was still breastfeeding, would pop to the loo to put tissue in her bra Credit: Getty Chatting to Konnie, who's mum to Covie and Huxley, now 13 and 11, says: ''There's two stories that stick out in my mind. Number one is boobs exploding with milk.'' The unfortunate but natural incident took place at the time when Konnie - who's married to creator Advertisement read more on celebrities The show was filmed in Chelmsford, which is more than an hour's drive away from London, where she lives. As at the time one of her kids was just five months, the mum couldn't stay there overnight - and decided to wake up at 5am instead. ''I would leave the house before the baby had woken up. ''I'd wake up at five, had to Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Exclusive Willing to get back home as soon as possible, Konnie would try to wrap the show whenever she could - but that wasn't always an option. ''I needed us to finish early. And if we didn't, I'd sit there with my boobs so in pain.'' Konnie - who also presented The Xtra Factor - then went on to share the mortifying blunder whilst at the grand BAFTA TV Awards ceremony. Ferne McCann cruelly mum-shamed for breastfeeding her two-year-old daughter & others also spot 'massive choking hazard' ''I was once at the BAFTAs in a Advertisement ''I remember having to go to the toilets and then stuff loads of, like, tissue in my bra - and actually squeeze my boobs. ''Thank God, the red carpet bit is first because I could see two stains on me - not a good look,'' she chuckled on the podcast. What are the recommendations around breastfeeding? The The NHS says weaning often happens gradually as your baby begins to eat more solid foods. They note that solid food shouldn't replace breast milk, as there is evidence to suggest breast milk helps a baby's digestive system when processing solid food for the first time. "Once they are eating solids, your baby will still need to have breast milk or formula as their main drink up to at least their first birthday," recommends the NHS. "Cows' milk isn't suitable as a main drink for babies under one, although it can be added to foods, such as mashed potatoes." You can also combine breastfeeding with formula, too and the NHS says "phasing out" of breastfeeding is often For example, dropping one feed in the day or at night time. After around a week, you can begin to think about dropping another. "If your baby is younger than one year, you'll need to replace the dropped breastfeed with a formula feed from a bottle or (if they are over six months) a cup or beaker, instead," they say. You can The bubbly trio also shared their thoughts on motherhood whilst being in employment. Mum-of-three Hannah said: ''Isn't it difficult? I used to present a lot of sporting events and I was breastfeeding. Advertisement ''I used to take a mini fridge with me [...]. I used a USB cable, I'd plug it in under the deck - the sound engineer's decks - and I'd be announcing stuff whilst I had my breasts pumped. ''I was announcing the Olympics, all these She went on: ''When you're working and you're at events, it's like you said, you can't just go 'Sorry guys, can we just wrap up? Cause my t**s are gonna explode here?' ''You can't do that, can you?'' Advertisement Konnie replied: ''Absolutely. Still it feels so taboo. You just feel like you're gonna be really judged.'' Follow No Parental Guidance on YouTube 4 Konnie Huq interviewing Liam Payne and Zayn Malik on. Xtra Factor in 2010 Credit: Rex Advertisement
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Angela Scanlon tells our exclusive new podcast she peed herself on Strictly Come Dancing during ‘spicy' performance
She reveals why she never shared the incident with her dancing partner, Carlos Gu 'I WAS SO EMBARRASSED' Angela Scanlon tells our exclusive new podcast she peed herself on Strictly Come Dancing during 'spicy' performance FOR many celebs, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing is top of their wish list. After years of turning the BBC show down, Angela Scanlon, 41, finally accepted the offer in 2023. 5 Mum-of-two Angela Scanlon, 41, revealed what really happened behind our TV screens Credit: NPG PODCAST 5 While no accidents were shown on live TV, Angela confessed that she did pee herself during her Strictly stint 5 Angela's two kids - Ruby, seven, and Marnie, three Before that, the Irish TV presenter was ''too afraid to be seen as not clever or funny or smart enough'', she told Fabulous in 2024. However, the mum-of-two gave it some thought and realised there were ''loads of things'' she could gain from the experience. For the 41-year-old, it was also about taking part in something purely for herself, after having her second child, Marnie, now three, in 2022. She also has Ruby, seven, with husband Roy Horgan, 43, who works in tech. But in hindsight, it, perhaps, wasn't the best of ideas, as her pelvic floor was ''not ready''. Now, a few years later, Angela has openly spoken about her experience of appearing on the cult favourite show as a mother who had an 18-month-old baby at the time. The mother-of-two shared what really took place behind our TV screens on our new parenting vodcast No Parental Guidance, hosted by parenting influencer Louise Boyce and comedian Hannah East. ''It was a lot. I didn't really anticipate it in my head,'' she told the hosts on the episode. ''The old pelvic floor was under pressure.'' Angela went on: ''People don't talk a lot about pelvic floor health. Angela Scanlon on Strictly success and saying no to fake tan (1) ''In France, I remember in my NCT group the first time around, there was a French woman and she was like, 'I'm going to the physio'. ''I was like, 'For what?' What happened?' ''She said, 'For my - up there'. ''It's obligatory post-birth in France that you have six weeks physiotherapy, internal physiotherapy.'' Strictly 2025 rumoured line-up Angellica Bell: A familiar face on British television, Angellica is a seasoned TV presenter known for her work on shows like CBBC and The One Show. She's no stranger to reality TV, having recently appeared on Celebrity Big Brother. Paul C. Brunson: The charismatic relationship expert and matchmaker from Married At First Sight UK, Paul is known for his insightful advice and warm personality. Swapping the sofa for the samba, he's tipped to bring a touch of class and intelligence to the competition. Dani Dyer: Rising to fame as the winner of Love Island in 2018, Dani has remained in the public eye with various TV appearances. The daughter of actor Danny Dyer, she's reportedly agreed to take part. Vicky Pattison: A reality TV stalwart who first found fame on Geordie Shore, Vicky has successfully transitioned into a presenter and author. Having supported her friend Pete Wicks on the show last year, it seems she's ready to put on her own dancing shoes. Ashley Cain: Former footballer and reality TV star from Ex on the Beach, Ashley has more recently become known for his incredible charity work and campaigning. Stacey Solomon: Known for her down-to-earth charm and successful BBC shows like Sort Your Life Out, fans are eager to see if she can translate her infectious energy to the ballroom. Georgia Toffolo: Best known as "Toff" from Made in Chelsea and for winning I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2017, Georgia is a seasoned reality TV star. Thomas Skinner: The lively entrepreneur who became a fan favourite on The Apprentice in 2019, Thomas is known for his larger-than-life personality and catchphrase "Bosh!". Despite admitting to no dancing experience, he's reportedly "up for giving it his best shot." Tom Parker Bowles: The renowned food writer and critic, and son of Queen Camilla, is a surprising but intriguing name on the rumour list. A regular on MasterChef, it remains to be seen if his culinary precision translates to ballroom finesse. Sir Mo Farah: The legendary Olympic long-distance runner is considered a national treasure. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink: The former Premier League football striker, famous for his time at Leeds and Chelsea, is another sporting name being linked. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey: Known as "Nitro" from the BBC's Gladiators reboot and a former Team GB sprinter, Harry has already shown off some moves on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. Balvinder Sopal: The talented actress known for her role as Suki Panesar in EastEnders, Balvinder would follow a long line of successful soap stars on Strictly. Jake Brown: The winner of The Traitors series three, Jake's name has emerged as a potential contestant. Stefan Dennis: The actor, 66, has played six-times married Ramsay Street lothario Paul Robinson since the first episode in 1985 and now the soap is coming to an end, his schedule is clear. While no accidents were shown on live TV, Angela confessed that she did pee herself during her Strictly stint. ''I think I would've peed myself anyway, to be honest. But yeah, I did. I remember doing rehearsals for the Charleston and it was quite a spicy number. ''There was a lot of hopping as there is but ours was particularly bouncy,'' said Angela who partnered with Carlos Gu and finished sixth. ''I did the rehearsal and I remember Carlos being like, 'What happened there?' ''And I was too embarrassed - cause we were three weeks in at that point and I didn't know him well enough to be like, 'I just wet myself'. ''I was also so afraid because I was like, 'Oh my God, what if this happens on the show?' ''Because it's a lot to, like, manage that while also managing your steps and also managing all that stuff. ''But I will say, you know, it's pretty solid now,'' she chuckled. 5 The Irish TV presenter also revealed why her children are not allowed to have smartphones Credit: npg podcast Not allowing her children smartphones During the episode, Angela also revealed why there's a smartphone ban at her home. 'Ruby stamping her feet and telling me that her best mate has one does not mean I'm going to get her a phone if I believe that she is better off as a human without one,' Angela said. 'I'm OK with being the bad bi**h. "I'm actually fine with her hating me if it makes sense in the long run for her not to have one. I'm still the parent.' Angela addded that she knows her own phone use impacts her. 'It's affected my concentration. "I will be reading a book and think: 'Oh, I've read three pages and have no idea what it said.' "There's a lack of regulation online and we are going to hand that to a child? "My plan is to hold off for as long as possible.' 'I think our generation is justifying it because we love it. "I don't want to let it go. It's the conditioning. "You're going: 'Oh my god, how am I going to tell her she's not allowed it when I'm sitting there refreshing. "It requires us all to make changes.'
The Irish Sun
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘I'm fine with my kids hating me', says Angela Scanlon as she talks parenting fails, Ozempic and smartphone bans
ON TV and radio, Angela Scanlon may come across as quite carefree. But when it comes to parenting, she is definitely no-nonsense. 7 Angela Scanlon may come across as quite carefree but she is a no-nonsense parent Credit: Mark Hayman 7 Angela doesn't allow kids Ruby, seven, and Marnie, three, to have a smartphone The 41-year-old mum to 'Ruby stamping her feet and telling me that her best mate has one does not mean I'm going to get her a phone if I believe that she is better off as a human without one,' Angela says. 'I'm OK with being the bad bitch. "I'm actually fine with her hating me if it makes sense in the long run for her not to have one. I'm still the parent.' read more on angela scanlon 'It's affected my concentration. "I will be reading a book and think: 'Oh, I've read three pages and have no idea what it said.' "There's a lack of Most read in Celebrity "My plan is to hold off for as long as possible.' Her strong line on phones has forced her to change her own behaviour, too. Angela Scanlon lifts the lid on new Virgin Radio show & why she REFUSED to wear fake tan on Strictly 'I think our generation is justifying it because we love it. "I don't want to let it go. It's the conditioning. "You're going: 'Oh my god, how am I going to tell her she's not allowed it when I'm sitting there refreshing. "It requires us all to make changes.' Angela's firm but humorous approach to parenting made her the perfect first guest on our new parenting vodcast No Parental Guidance, which launches tomorrow. Hosted by parenting influencer Angela and her three sisters grew up in County Meath, Ireland, and she never considered that there were things she would not be able to do as a girl. She's attempting to instil that attitude in her two young daughters. But raising independent, confident women can have its own issues. 'I read about how we are 'snowplough parenting' – basically going just in front of our kids and moving obstacles out of their way and clearing their path, because you don't want them to have any upset in life. 'MY GIRLS ARE FEISTY' "But you rob them of the opportunity to fall over and get up again and have the pride of overcoming something hard. "My girls are feisty and strong-willed, but then there can be challenges with that at the school gates when you are running late and they are full of emotion,' she laughs. 'That's the Irish in them, too. Honestly, the temper. . . But they are going to need it. "The world can be a difficult place for a woman, even now. "I like the idea of them being able to show their teeth every so often, and not in the traditional tits and teeth kind of way. "I mean show their fangs and sharpen their elbows.' The TV presenter explains how the boys in her daughter Ruby's football team almost forced her to quit playing. 'She's quite competitive and she's good at it. "There was an option to play on a mixed team, but after the trial she came home and said: 'No, I'm not going to do it.' "She said the boys were mean and wouldn't pass the ball to her or any of the other girls. 'So I said: 'OK, so do you like football? You can decide if you want to go back. 7 Angela prides herself on raising independent, confident women, like her and her sisters Credit: Mark Hayman 7 Angela, who studied business at Technological University Dublin, also runs her own jewellery company Credit: Mark Hayman "But if I loved something and a boy wouldn't let me do it, I don't think I would let him stop me. "You are good at football. This is going to happen in life. "People are going to not pass the ball to you. You're going to have to fight. "This is a really important lesson. I'll leave you to make the choice.' 'She came back saying: 'I thought about it and you're right. I want to do it. "I don't think boys should take football away from me.'' Looking at Angela's Instagram, you might imagine she has the juggle that is being a working mum nailed. She laughs at the very idea. 'It's a s**t show,' she admits. 'Ruby said the other day: 'I can't do football because I told you my football boots are too small and you threw them out.' "I'm thinking: 'It's 8.50am. I can't get you new football boots right this second.' I have found the most brilliant bunch of women who are there throughout. I really depend on them Angela Scanlon 'I have lowered the expectations of myself and embraced the chaos.' While school WhatsApp groups often get a bad rap, Angela says she would be lost without hers. She says: 'I'm always asking: 'Is there a parent-teacher meeting I'm supposed to be at? When is the cake sale?' "But I have found the most brilliant bunch of women who are there throughout. I really depend on them. "I've made some unbelievable lifelong friends.' And as a person in the public eye, does she feel the pressure to look impeccable at the school gates? 'Ah, come on,' she says laughing. 'Look at me [pointing at her bare face]. "It's too exhausting. I have enough to do. "I really like the separation. When I go on the school run, I'm a mum. "There has been the odd time I've done a pick-up after a photo shoot and I'm all made up and everyone is like: 'Oooh'. "But that is not my normal.' However, away from her mum pals, there's another friendship that has blossomed – with Vicky Pattison. They met on a panel show and launched a podcast together called Get A Grip. 'I LIVE VICARIOUSLY THROUGH HER' 'I've known her for seven years. "There was an easy chemistry between us that you don't get all the time with work. "I messaged her and said: 'I'm doing a podcast and I think we should do it as a duo.' "She said: 'That's right up my wheelhouse,' which I had to Google to check she was saying yes. 'I can't do her accent and she wouldn't dare do mine. "I really have to tune into her when she's full Geordie. "She said 'bairn' for the first time and I was like: 'What does that mean?' "But I think it's great we have two heavily accented women who are reflective of the listeners. "The podcast is like a woman's group chat and we go all over the place with our topics. "I thought it was an Irish thing to go between the light and shade, but she's got that ability, too.' Angela, who has been married to Roy, a 45-year-old entrepreneur, for 11 years, has been offering tips to new wife Vicky, who tied the knot with 'There's marital and baby chat and all sorts, because we're at very different stages, I suppose. "I live vicariously through her and she taps me for tips. 7 Angela has been married to entrepreneur Roy Horgan for 11 years 7 Angela met Vicky Pattison on a panel show and they launched a podcast together called Get A Grip "I don't know that she should be taking them, but I'm happy to offer!' The pair also have talked about their struggles, too – Vicky has shared her journey with She previously told Fabulous: 'I want my girls to be healthy and I try to impress that on them. "It's tricky, because I don't remember when I was growing up and in the grip of it, having very many points of reference of people who had been there and come through it. 'I speak about it because what you want in those moments is a sense of hope, like: 'You can get to the other side and have a great life.' She says now: 'PMDD was something that I was quite ignorant about, and that's when you realise there is real power and impact in sharing those stories and not shamefully hiding them. "And it might not be PMDD or an eating disorder, but there will be things people can relate to and a sense of 'you are not alone'.' As someone who has grown up with an eating disorder, does she worry about the rise of Ozempic, where there are women who are smaller than average lying to get it? 'It is terrifying, because there was that very singular ideal of beauty that we all grew up with. "Now, you have people in the public eye of all shapes and sizes and colours and creeds. "It's healthy for people to be able to see themselves reflected on screen. Transparency provides relief for people and honesty allows for people to give themselves a goddamn break Angela Scanlon "Anything that's trying to corral us towards being the same as everybody else is not good. 'But, ultimately, the issue is actually less about the choices people are making, it's more about the judgment. "We all feel that we're allowed to tear people apart for whatever their choices are. 'We chatted about the Kardashians' surgery on the podcast and if they should be transparent. "Some people come out and tell you they've done it. "And one part of the camp will go: 'Isn't that great? They're being honest.' "And the other part will go: 'They shouldn't be doing it in the first place,' or 'They shouldn't be forcing it down our throats.'' She adds that she feels honesty is also key when it comes to how people portray parenting. 'Like with celebrity parents when they pretend they don't have help. "And you are thinking: 'Oh my god, how does she do that? And why does her hair look OK? "And why are the kids doing activities on a full crafting table and they've got their five-a-day and a f**king packed lunch and their runners are clean, when I can barely get them into the car and out the door.' "Transparency provides relief for people and honesty allows for people to give themselves a goddamn break.' 7 Angela and pro partner Carlos Gu on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023 Credit: BBC Angela has recently landed a new weekend slot on Virgin Radio, allowing her to be a more present mum. 'I'm on Saturdays 10am-1pm. It's certainly more conducive to life as a working mother. I can do the swimming drop and go to work. "It's more sociable, too. I'll be able to have a Friday-night wine with the mums to take the edge off a hard week!' As well as her busy showbiz career – which included 'I feel very lucky to be able to do it, but it's hard . "I studied business, so I've always had that desire to create something. "I'm enjoying building FRKL and I'm hoping it's maybe something Ruby will take over. 'I like for her to realise that I do things that aren't just shiny things on telly, that actually there's a lot of quite dull day-to-day stuff and that hard work is really the only way. "I also think it's important for them to know I'm making a choice to go to work versus staying at home, because I'm going to something I love. "Otherwise, they're like: 'Oh my god, she's leaving to do something she hates. What does that say about us?' "So I really try to be transparent with them. "Honesty, that's my secret of parenting - and buying them new football boots, even if it's two days after the fact." Get A Grip hosted by Angela Scanlon and Vicky Pattison, is available on all podcast platforms. IN THE MAKE-UP CHAIR WITH ANGELA What are your skincare heroes? I love Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream. It's lush. What are your make-up essentials? I have multiple concealers, as I don't really wear foundation. Nars is gorgeous. I've got a Trish McEvoy one for under-eyes and a Becca one that's been discontinued. Any beauty hacks? I bought a mouth guard as I realised I clenched my jaw, and it's relaxed my whole face. What do you splurge on? I got a Dermalux LED Phototherapy device. I'll lie with it on and have a little meditation. Any budget buys? Weleda Skin Food is incredible. Who is your celebrity beauty icon? Cate Blanchett– I like a woman to look like herself. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Scottish Sun
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘I'm fine with my kids hating me', says Angela Scanlon as she talks parenting fails, Ozempic and smartphone bans
Angela also opens up on why she'd feel lost without her mum friends and 'living vicariously' through Vicky Pattison RED ALERT 'I'm fine with my kids hating me', says Angela Scanlon as she talks parenting fails, Ozempic and smartphone bans Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ON TV and radio, Angela Scanlon may come across as quite carefree. But when it comes to parenting, she is definitely no-nonsense. 7 Angela Scanlon may come across as quite carefree but she is a no-nonsense parent Credit: Mark Hayman 7 Angela doesn't allow kids Ruby, seven, and Marnie, three, to have a smartphone The 41-year-old mum to Ruby, seven, and Marnie, three, with husband Roy Horgan, is one of a growing number of parents taking a hard line on not allowing her children smartphones. 'Ruby stamping her feet and telling me that her best mate has one does not mean I'm going to get her a phone if I believe that she is better off as a human without one,' Angela says. 'I'm OK with being the bad bitch. "I'm actually fine with her hating me if it makes sense in the long run for her not to have one. I'm still the parent.' Angela adds that she knows her own phone use impacts her. 'It's affected my concentration. "I will be reading a book and think: 'Oh, I've read three pages and have no idea what it said.' "There's a lack of regulation online and we are going to hand that to a child? "My plan is to hold off for as long as possible.' Her strong line on phones has forced her to change her own behaviour, too. Angela Scanlon lifts the lid on new Virgin Radio show & why she REFUSED to wear fake tan on Strictly 'I think our generation is justifying it because we love it. "I don't want to let it go. It's the conditioning. "You're going: 'Oh my god, how am I going to tell her she's not allowed it when I'm sitting there refreshing. "It requires us all to make changes.' Angela's firm but humorous approach to parenting made her the perfect first guest on our new parenting vodcast No Parental Guidance, which launches tomorrow. Hosted by parenting influencer Louise Boyce and comedian Hannah East, it will see guests from Made In Chelsea's Ollie Locke to presenter Konnie Huq spill on their challenges with raising kids. Angela and her three sisters grew up in County Meath, Ireland, and she never considered that there were things she would not be able to do as a girl. She's attempting to instil that attitude in her two young daughters. But raising independent, confident women can have its own issues. 'I read about how we are 'snowplough parenting' – basically going just in front of our kids and moving obstacles out of their way and clearing their path, because you don't want them to have any upset in life. 'MY GIRLS ARE FEISTY' "But you rob them of the opportunity to fall over and get up again and have the pride of overcoming something hard. "My girls are feisty and strong-willed, but then there can be challenges with that at the school gates when you are running late and they are full of emotion,' she laughs. 'That's the Irish in them, too. Honestly, the temper. . . But they are going to need it. "The world can be a difficult place for a woman, even now. "I like the idea of them being able to show their teeth every so often, and not in the traditional tits and teeth kind of way. "I mean show their fangs and sharpen their elbows.' The TV presenter explains how the boys in her daughter Ruby's football team almost forced her to quit playing. 'She's quite competitive and she's good at it. "There was an option to play on a mixed team, but after the trial she came home and said: 'No, I'm not going to do it.' "She said the boys were mean and wouldn't pass the ball to her or any of the other girls. 'So I said: 'OK, so do you like football? You can decide if you want to go back. 7 Angela prides herself on raising independent, confident women, like her and her sisters Credit: Mark Hayman 7 Angela, who studied business at Technological University Dublin, also runs her own jewellery company Credit: Mark Hayman "But if I loved something and a boy wouldn't let me do it, I don't think I would let him stop me. "You are good at football. This is going to happen in life. "People are going to not pass the ball to you. You're going to have to fight. "This is a really important lesson. I'll leave you to make the choice.' 'She came back saying: 'I thought about it and you're right. I want to do it. "I don't think boys should take football away from me.'' Looking at Angela's Instagram, you might imagine she has the juggle that is being a working mum nailed. She laughs at the very idea. 'It's a s**t show,' she admits. 'Ruby said the other day: 'I can't do football because I told you my football boots are too small and you threw them out.' "I'm thinking: 'It's 8.50am. I can't get you new football boots right this second.' I have found the most brilliant bunch of women who are there throughout. I really depend on them Angela Scanlon 'I have lowered the expectations of myself and embraced the chaos.' While school WhatsApp groups often get a bad rap, Angela says she would be lost without hers. She says: 'I'm always asking: 'Is there a parent-teacher meeting I'm supposed to be at? When is the cake sale?' "But I have found the most brilliant bunch of women who are there throughout. I really depend on them. "I've made some unbelievable lifelong friends.' And as a person in the public eye, does she feel the pressure to look impeccable at the school gates? 'Ah, come on,' she says laughing. 'Look at me [pointing at her bare face]. "It's too exhausting. I have enough to do. "I really like the separation. When I go on the school run, I'm a mum. "There has been the odd time I've done a pick-up after a photo shoot and I'm all made up and everyone is like: 'Oooh'. "But that is not my normal.' However, away from her mum pals, there's another friendship that has blossomed – with Vicky Pattison. They met on a panel show and launched a podcast together called Get A Grip. 'I LIVE VICARIOUSLY THROUGH HER' 'I've known her for seven years. "There was an easy chemistry between us that you don't get all the time with work. "I messaged her and said: 'I'm doing a podcast and I think we should do it as a duo.' "She said: 'That's right up my wheelhouse,' which I had to Google to check she was saying yes. 'I can't do her accent and she wouldn't dare do mine. "I really have to tune into her when she's full Geordie. "She said 'bairn' for the first time and I was like: 'What does that mean?' "But I think it's great we have two heavily accented women who are reflective of the listeners. "The podcast is like a woman's group chat and we go all over the place with our topics. "I thought it was an Irish thing to go between the light and shade, but she's got that ability, too.' Angela, who has been married to Roy, a 45-year-old entrepreneur, for 11 years, has been offering tips to new wife Vicky, who tied the knot with Ercan Ramadan last August. 'There's marital and baby chat and all sorts, because we're at very different stages, I suppose. "I live vicariously through her and she taps me for tips. 7 Angela has been married to entrepreneur Roy Horgan for 11 years 7 Angela met Vicky Pattison on a panel show and they launched a podcast together called Get A Grip "I don't know that she should be taking them, but I'm happy to offer!' The pair also have talked about their struggles, too – Vicky has shared her journey with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and Angela has opened up about her 15-year battle with anorexia and bulimia. She previously told Fabulous: 'I want my girls to be healthy and I try to impress that on them. "It's tricky, because I don't remember when I was growing up and in the grip of it, having very many points of reference of people who had been there and come through it. 'I speak about it because what you want in those moments is a sense of hope, like: 'You can get to the other side and have a great life.' She says now: 'PMDD was something that I was quite ignorant about, and that's when you realise there is real power and impact in sharing those stories and not shamefully hiding them. "And it might not be PMDD or an eating disorder, but there will be things people can relate to and a sense of 'you are not alone'.' As someone who has grown up with an eating disorder, does she worry about the rise of Ozempic, where there are women who are smaller than average lying to get it? 'It is terrifying, because there was that very singular ideal of beauty that we all grew up with. "Now, you have people in the public eye of all shapes and sizes and colours and creeds. "It's healthy for people to be able to see themselves reflected on screen. Transparency provides relief for people and honesty allows for people to give themselves a goddamn break Angela Scanlon "Anything that's trying to corral us towards being the same as everybody else is not good. 'But, ultimately, the issue is actually less about the choices people are making, it's more about the judgment. "We all feel that we're allowed to tear people apart for whatever their choices are. 'We chatted about the Kardashians' surgery on the podcast and if they should be transparent. "Some people come out and tell you they've done it. "And one part of the camp will go: 'Isn't that great? They're being honest.' "And the other part will go: 'They shouldn't be doing it in the first place,' or 'They shouldn't be forcing it down our throats.'' She adds that she feels honesty is also key when it comes to how people portray parenting. 'Like with celebrity parents when they pretend they don't have help. "And you are thinking: 'Oh my god, how does she do that? And why does her hair look OK? "And why are the kids doing activities on a full crafting table and they've got their five-a-day and a f**king packed lunch and their runners are clean, when I can barely get them into the car and out the door.' "Transparency provides relief for people and honesty allows for people to give themselves a goddamn break.' 7 Angela and pro partner Carlos Gu on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023 Credit: BBC Angela has recently landed a new weekend slot on Virgin Radio, allowing her to be a more present mum. 'I'm on Saturdays 10am-1pm. It's certainly more conducive to life as a working mother. I can do the swimming drop and go to work. "It's more sociable, too. I'll be able to have a Friday-night wine with the mums to take the edge off a hard week!' As well as her busy showbiz career – which included starring on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023 – Angela, who studied business at Technological University Dublin, also runs her own jewellery company, FRKL, creating earrings, bracelets, charms and stackable necklaces in her own style. 'I feel very lucky to be able to do it, but it's hard . "I studied business, so I've always had that desire to create something. "I'm enjoying building FRKL and I'm hoping it's maybe something Ruby will take over. 'I like for her to realise that I do things that aren't just shiny things on telly, that actually there's a lot of quite dull day-to-day stuff and that hard work is really the only way. "I also think it's important for them to know I'm making a choice to go to work versus staying at home, because I'm going to something I love. "Otherwise, they're like: 'Oh my god, she's leaving to do something she hates. What does that say about us?' "So I really try to be transparent with them. "Honesty, that's my secret of parenting - and buying them new football boots, even if it's two days after the fact." Get A Grip hosted by Angela Scanlon and Vicky Pattison, is available on all podcast platforms. IN THE MAKE-UP CHAIR WITH ANGELA What are your skincare heroes? I love Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream. It's lush. What are your make-up essentials? I have multiple concealers, as I don't really wear foundation. Nars is gorgeous. I've got a Trish McEvoy one for under-eyes and a Becca one that's been discontinued. Any beauty hacks? I bought a mouth guard as I realised I clenched my jaw, and it's relaxed my whole face. What do you splurge on? I got a Dermalux LED Phototherapy device. I'll lie with it on and have a little meditation. Any budget buys? Weleda Skin Food is incredible. Who is your celebrity beauty icon? Cate Blanchett– I like a woman to look like herself. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
