Kelly Brook, 44, addresses having kids with husband Jeremy, 39, with revealing 6-word statement
She always brings the glamour to whatever she does and wherever she goes – after all, Kelly Brook has been modelling since the age of 18. However, the Heart FM presenter has shown a whole other side to herself on the latest series of Celebrity Race Across The World. From sleeping on buses to going make-up free, it’s a natural side of Kelly we’ve enjoyed watching as she trekked across South America with Italian model husband Jeremy Parisi for the BBC show.
This is the first time Kelly, 44, who previously dated Hollywood hardman Jason Statham, American actor Billy Zane and rugby player Danny Cipriani, has shared such an intimate look into her relationship with Jeremy. And as she tells OK!, she says there was a particular reason she chose this show to do just that.
“I think people can relate to your journey and it’s not all about who wins,” she says. “I think it has struck a chord with viewers. They also want to see how we get along as a couple – and in a way they are seeing Jeremy for the first time.” In this candid chat, Kelly also reveals the influence her mum has had on her life decisions and spills on future plans for a family with Jeremy. Take it away, Kelly…
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Hi, Kelly! We’ve loved you and Jeremy on Race Across The World. You came across as a couple who are very devoted to each other. What first attracted you to him?
He had such kind eyes and a beautiful smile, I was immediately attracted to him. We were friends before we even met because we found each other online. We never rushed into a relationship; it was very gradual. We didn’t talk about getting married or having children – we just wanted to get to know each other. He also made me laugh, which is important.
You appear to be very happy in your relationship. Do you plan to have children in the future?
We have our little fur baby dog, Teddy, but I’m not sure about having children yet. At the moment we are focused on work and where we want to live in the world. It’s very hard to think about children when you don’t know where you might be living. We need to be more settled before we think about children.
Since the age of 18 you have worked very hard to create a career for yourself. Where does that drive come from?
Growing up in a working-class family, I wasn’t really aware of any struggles. My parents both worked and there was always food on the table – we never went without. I think my drive comes from just wanting to explore the world and be independent financially. It comes from my mum teaching me not to rush into having kids because she was 17 when she had me, so she made me feel that life was there for the taking. The ambition to be famous definitely comes from my mum’s influence.
Over the past 30 years you have appeared in films and on TV both here and in the States…
Yes, I started modelling very early and then the 1990s was a really fun time for me. I did The Big Breakfast for Channel 4 – I was mixing with all the Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels boys, which is how I met Jason [Statham]. It was an amazing time to be a teenager.
Last year, you admitted that in your thirties you struggled with body confidence. Are you happier in your own skin today?
I am happy in myself right now. I look in the mirror and I smile. I think sometimes what you are feeling on the inside isn’t always reflected on the outside. It’s very hard having been a bikini model all through my twenties and then you hit 30 and they still want me to do calendars. I’m just not there for the male gaze any more. I’m married and I’m happy.
Strictly is back on our screens and you competed in the 2007 series with former pro Brendan Cole. Would you consider taking part in it again?
No, never. I never want to go backwards, only forwards. And that is why I decided to do Celebrity Race Across The World. I thought it would suit both me and Jeremy. I’m not desperate to be on TV, I just thought this would work for both of us. But I loved my time on Strictly.
Catch up with Celebrity Race Across The World on BBC iPlayer