What are you like first thing in the morning?
I can't start the day without tea. I've been the same for my entire life, since my dad used to bring me a cup before school. Once I wake up, I'm alert. I can't lounge around and sleep. I've had a routine for over 20 years where I meet friends and go running at 8.30am, then have coffee.
What is your worst habit?
I walk really fast. Sometimes when I'm out shopping with the kids, I'm on triple speed and they say, 'Mum, just slow down!' I find it difficult to stop, sit on the sofa and do nothing. One thing Mel [Annabel's husband Mel Coleman died from cancer in 2023] used to say was, 'Can you just sit down?' I'd be up every five minutes doing something. Now he's not here, and I feel sad that I never did that.
Who or what makes you happiest?
Family. We've just been on a family holiday to South Africa, and I always come away from time with them thinking that’s what makes me the happiest. I’m also my happiest when I’m out to dinner with friends, at a dinner party or going for a walk. I don’t need complicated things to make me happy.
What scares you the most?
Horror films of any kind. Blood, guts, chopping heads off, anything violent – I can’t have images like that in my head. It freaks me out, like I’m in a bad dream.
What are the best and worst things about getting older?
The best thing is I feel more at ease. When I’m around my kids or their friends, I’m always surprised how they will ask me things. I think, 'Brilliant, I’m actually able to pass on information, rather than asking for it.' When I was younger, I was driving forward and looking ahead, and now I reflect back more. The cycle of life becomes clearer as you get older. The downside? Grey hair. It’s coming through thick and fast! I have wrinkles on my face when I smile, but I don’t mind. I'll never have fillers or a facelift. I don’t want to look in the mirror and think, 'I’m trying to look 20 when I’m nearly 60.'
What is your biggest regret in life?
I've always been in love with tennis and have been involved with it since I was nine, but I wish I could have understood more where it fitted into the big picture of life when I was on the tennis tour. It’s something I've only understood after having a life outside it.
What do you want most out of life?
To enjoy more simple things, live in the moment, and not worry too much about what’s ahead or behind.
Did you have a plan B?
I n...
I can't start the day without tea. I've been the same for my entire life, since my dad used to bring me a cup before school. Once I wake up, I'm alert. I can't lounge around and sleep. I've had a routine for over 20 years where I meet friends and go running at 8.30am, then have coffee.
What is your worst habit?
I walk really fast. Sometimes when I'm out shopping with the kids, I'm on triple speed and they say, 'Mum, just slow down!' I find it difficult to stop, sit on the sofa and do nothing. One thing Mel [Annabel's husband Mel Coleman died from cancer in 2023] used to say was, 'Can you just sit down?' I'd be up every five minutes doing something. Now he's not here, and I feel sad that I never did that.
Who or what makes you happiest?
Family. We've just been on a family holiday to South Africa, and I always come away from time with them thinking that’s what makes me the happiest. I’m also my happiest when I’m out to dinner with friends, at a dinner party or going for a walk. I don’t need complicated things to make me happy.
What scares you the most?
Horror films of any kind. Blood, guts, chopping heads off, anything violent – I can’t have images like that in my head. It freaks me out, like I’m in a bad dream.
What are the best and worst things about getting older?
The best thing is I feel more at ease. When I’m around my kids or their friends, I’m always surprised how they will ask me things. I think, 'Brilliant, I’m actually able to pass on information, rather than asking for it.' When I was younger, I was driving forward and looking ahead, and now I reflect back more. The cycle of life becomes clearer as you get older. The downside? Grey hair. It’s coming through thick and fast! I have wrinkles on my face when I smile, but I don’t mind. I'll never have fillers or a facelift. I don’t want to look in the mirror and think, 'I’m trying to look 20 when I’m nearly 60.'
What is your biggest regret in life?
I've always been in love with tennis and have been involved with it since I was nine, but I wish I could have understood more where it fitted into the big picture of life when I was on the tennis tour. It’s something I've only understood after having a life outside it.
What do you want most out of life?
To enjoy more simple things, live in the moment, and not worry too much about what’s ahead or behind.
Did you have a plan B?
I n...
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Woman & Home Uk (Digital) - 1 Issue, April 2025