‘I’m thankful to be turning 50!’ Andrea McLean reveals why she’s embracing the milestone birthday

Looking at her it's hard to believe that Andrea McLean turned 50 this week! But, the Loose Women panellist couldn’t have been happier about the big day on 5th October.

As she sits down with our sister title Woman’s Own to chat about her birthday, she tells us why she feels like superwoman - although her children, Finlay, 17, and daughter Amy, 12, don't agree...

Happy birthday, Andrea – you’re certainly proving you’re fabulous at 50! Does the milestone feel liberating?

That’s totally the case. There are many reasons why I feel so incredible about turning 50. One, I might not have been here. I think anyone who has been through any kind of diagnosis understands what that means [Andrea underwent a hysterectomy in 2016 after suffering with endometriosis and perimenopause]. You’re here and other people didn’t make it. That’s one thing to be thankful for.

Do you sometimes worry about your health?

It’s funny because my husband is a health freak and that can get on my nerves. Sometimes I have to say to him, ‘Just live. Have a glass of wine!’

Life is too short – that’s my mindset now.

You took part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins for Stand Up To Cancer earlier this year. You must feel like superwoman!

I do! The only two people who aren’t impressed with what I did are my kids. They both think, ‘Oh yeah, I’d do that.’ I’m just mum to them. I keep thinking, ‘What can I do to make you think I’m impressive? I’ve literally fallen backwards out of a helicopter.’

Do you find that you feel more scared as you get older, having been hurt by some painful and challenging life experiences?

Yes, I really do. By the time you get to my age, you’re quite bruised. I had been so protective of myself because life and people had hurt me. Now, it’s not that I’m not scared, but I’m doing it anyway. What’s the worst that could happen?

Why is Stand Up To Cancer so close to your heart?

I know three people going through cancer, including one of my very dear friends. There’s strength in standing shoulder to shoulder with your friends, so when she’s not feeling strong, I remind her that I’ve got her back.

Andrea McLean is supporting Stand Up To Cancer, a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, to fund life-saving research and beat cancer at its own game. Participate and donate at SU2C.org.uk.