Despite having been a regular fixture on our TVs for more than 60 years, Gloria Hunniford is as youthful as ever and still teaching the UK how to save their pounds on Rip Off Britain, or discussing all topics under the sun on Loose Women.
Gloria (82), is backing a scheme to help get older people shopping smart online after it was found that over- 65s who have reservations about using the internet could be losing almost £1,000 a year by not being computer savvy.
Speaking on her advice to those who are nervous to go online, Gloria said, "Be patient. You don’t have to learn everything all at once. If I learn just one new thing a week then I’m happy. I wasn’t afraid to be online, but I was resistant to it because I was so used to my ways. I would never return emails, choosing to call people instead and I would ask my son to order me things online rather than do it myself.
"Being online can help you save time and money so it's definitely worth persevering with it."
Money-saving tips from Gloria
Gloria has been presenting Rip Off Britain for more than 14 years and has learnt a lot on how to save money on her house, and on things like contents insurance by simply 'shopping around'. While having a good smart reader can help with meter readings, Gloria told us, "It's likely you're paying more than you need to for bills, because companies base what you owe on estimates, so make sure you do regular meter readings.
"Our gas and electricity meters are high up in our house and I'm nervous about my husband (Stephen Way) going up a ladder so we applied to have someone come to our house and take them for us. All companies should offer that service for free - you just need to ask."
Gloria devastated by the passing of The Queen
In 2017, Gloria received her OBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace, which left a lasting memory for her. "I still can't get over it," said Gloria. "I should point out that it wasn't just me who earned that award, there were so many people working behind the scenes at the (Caron Keating) foundation."
Gloria continued, "I've been to Buckingham Palace a few times and hosted The Royal Variety Show nine times – the Queen was there for at least four of those – but that was the first time that my sons got to meet her, which was so exciting.
"I was devastated when she died because I’ve followed her life since I was a little girl. My sister [Lena Cinnamond, who passed away in 2010] and I would dress up as princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. I remember watching her greet Liz Truss, the new Prime Minister, and while she looked a little frail, I never would have thought that she would die two days later."
Silver wedding anniversary plans
Gloria and her Stephen are planning their silver wedding anniversary, with plans to have the celebrations at either their local church, St Peter's or nearby venue, Hever Castle. "I rather suspect we'll do something there," said Gloria. "They were the venues for the big family parties such as mine and Stephen's tenth wedding anniversary and my 50th birthday party."
While sharing her lovely plans for this momentous occasion, Gloria added that the secret to a successful marriage is 'friendship'. "Love isn't about immediate attraction or the sex life," adds Gloria. "It's about finding someone who will support you and someone you'll still want to be around 25 years later."
Gloria's husband
Gloria and Stephen live in Kent and she revealed that when their eldest grandson Charlie bought his first flat with his girlfriend that she would, 'normally buy sweaters for Christmas presents' but after the move she bought 'non-stick pots and pans'. "It was so funny," Gloria added. "I spoil them all totally. It’s my job.”
How would she feel becoming a great-grandmother? She smiles, “Well, I’m not yet but Stephen is a great-grandfather already four times over. We’re back to buying baby things again.”
How work keeps Gloria strong
I find my energy increases when I go to work, it really does,” says Gloria. “My work ethic is still strong. When life has felt like shifting sands, work has been a solid platform for me. My New Year’s resolution every year is to try to get a better balance between work and time off, but I never seem to crack it. I made that resolution again this year!”
As we know, one of her passions is Rip-Off Britain, in which she and the presenting team, Julia Somerville and Angela Rippon, investigate and expose consumer scams.
She reflects: “The three of us have built up credibility over the years. The viewers trust us to give them information about scams, energy bills and their rights, from housing to holidays. I am very proud of the fact that it started 14 years ago, and that we are still going strong.”
Speaking on one of the series about holidays Gloria says they came across many customers who couldn’t get their money back or have been ripped off somehow. “The other big issue with holidays is getting the right insurance for the right trip. Sometimes people will just get the cheapest and they think they are covered for accidents and emergencies, but they’re not.
“For me, one of the best things about presenting the show is finding out information for the viewers and helping them.”
When it comes to scams Gloria’s top tip is to trust your gut instinct. “The point is to always remember the old adage ‘If something looks too good to be true, it usually is’. All of us can get carried away by a bargain but if you have a suspicion about it stand back, check it with your family and friends before you get sucked into something. I also live and learn through the Rip-Off programmes about tips that I hear too; I have in my time saved money on car and house insurance, because I listen to what the experts say.”
However, she was unwittingly a victim herself when her identity was stolen in 2016. She was defrauded of a large sum of money by a female impostor, after a woman arrived at a bank branch with two people whom she claimed were her daughter and grandson.
“I was furious because it wasn’t even a push button payment. Someone gave part of my savings account away to three people. They gave it over on the strength of a fake driving licence. This woman had all my details on the licence but it was her photograph.”
Thankfully Gloria was reimbursed for the stolen money. While Gloria’s career has always been important, it’s her family that comes first and Gloria lights up talking about her sons Michael and Paul. “I’m Irish so you never want your children further away than around the corner. I speak to them all every day.”
Gloria Hunniford's daughter and family
Gloria lost her beloved daughter Caron Keating at age 41 to cancer in 2004. Both Caron’s sons, Charlie and Gabriel, are her pride and joy, as are her other grandsons Jake, and Beau, her son Paul’s children. She also has much-loved step-grandchildren with her husband.
Away from work and family Gloria would love to learn to play the piano, “I’d love to do that and you can take it up at any age. It’s on my Bucket List. I’ve never played the piano, our little two up two down in Portadown in Northern Ireland would not have housed one when I was young, but Stephen plays it a bit.”
She also revealed last year that she is going to get a tattoo, following in the footsteps of Dame Judi Dench who had her first tattoo at the age of 81.
After many years helping consumers and being the recipient of grateful thanks, who would Gloria like to thank personally herself?
She pauses: “Dan Gilbert who helped to start my BBC broadcasting career in Belfast. He saw something in me and gave me opportunities I never would have dreamt of. And more recently my dog walker, Lisa. She walks my King Charles spaniel Polly three times a week and if Polly ever has to stay with her, she gets to sleep on Lisa’s duvet! I’d like to say a huge thanks to her. I don’t know what I would do without her.”
Gloria Hunniford has teamed up with Vodafone UK Foundation and national charity Independent Age to launch Hi Digital, a programme designed to help the over 65s develop their digital skills, save money and feel more connected.