Over the weekend, Loose Women panellist Penny Lancaster appeared on ITV’s Saturday Morning with James Martin, where she candidly discussed a pivotal and challenging chapter from her early life. Joined by singer and actor Alfie Boe, Penny shared insights into her journey as a former model turned photographer, touching on the obstacles she faced growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia.
Penny, who now proudly shares her experiences through her memoir, revealed that during her school years, dyslexia was largely misunderstood. Unlike others with learning difficulties, she was never singled out and simply struggled alongside her peers, a situation she describes as “terrifying.” She only received her diagnosis at the age of 46, a discovery that brought clarity but also highlighted the years of silent struggle.
James Martin, who also has dyslexia, related to her story, recalling how educational systems once divided students into simplistic categories of ‘bright’ or ‘thick.’ Penny noted that while she wasn’t placed in special classes, this lack of support left her feeling isolated and confused about why she found learning harder than her classmates.
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Penny’s transformation from struggling student to successful author and television personality is inspiring. She has spoken openly about the challenges of reading out loud — once a major source of anxiety — and how completing her audiobook was a significant personal triumph.
Discussing her memoir, Someone Like Me, which is now available in paperback, Penny shared a touching anecdote about her husband, legendary musician Rod Stewart. “He read it while on tour,” she said. “He was reading the last paragraph by the pool when a big storm rolled in, and he refused to move until he finished it. Now his copy is covered in wet patches.”
The couple met in 1998 after Penny transitioned behind the camera as a photographer and tied the knot in 2007. Penny credits Rod’s unwavering support throughout her dyslexia diagnosis and beyond, recalling how he has always encouraged her to face challenges head-on.
Saturday Morning with James Martin airs on Saturdays at 9:25 am on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.