DENISE Van Outen on turning 50, reconciling with Johnny Vaughan and why she’s happily single.
Turning 50 might seem like a time to start slowing down and taking it easy – but not if you’re Denise Van Outen.
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Denise Van Outen turns 50, reconciles with Johnny Vaughan and why she’s happily singleCredit: Mark Hayman
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Denise with her daughter Betsy
The blonde bombshell, who turned half a century in May, decided to grab life with both hands to celebrate her milestone birthday.
“Honestly, I didn’t think about turning 50. Then it creeps up on you and you say, ‘This is a real turning point.’
“So I started the year thinking this was going to be my ‘yes’ year, and my priority was just to have fun.”
What did she say yes to?
READ MORE ABOUT DENISE VAN OUTEN
“All!” she says, with her famous infectious giggle.
“I wanted to see different friends in different places [to celebrate her birthday]so if someone suggested doing something, I just went along with it. I was really lucky, because I probably had the best summer in years – since the 90s. I’ve done things I never imagined, like a DJ residency in Ibiza. I really celebrated and had a lot of fun.
“I can very easily go down the rabbit hole, down a bottle of wine and cry into my pillow listening to Céline Dion. I had to learn to get out [this state of mind]. I’m an all-or-nothing person, so I have to find something to get my teeth into, and that’s DJing. i love it!
“I probably wouldn’t be going to the club at 50 if it wasn’t for the fact that I work in the industry. And Gok Wan is 50 years old, and the two of us are like, ‘This is great. We have an excuse for being here.’ I can enjoy the surroundings and the music and not look like I’m too old to be in a club!
“I just had an extended 50th birthday – a whole year. But now I know I have to stop. I washed it off. Other friends turn 50 and tell me: ‘Now it’s about us!'”
Another thing that Denise decided to tell was the reunion.
Inside Denise Van Outen’s crazy 50th birthday party with famous friends
Despite being the object of desire for many men, romance did not come easily to her.
‘My friends said I should spend some time alone’
She has been single since splitting with back-up dancer-turned-investor Jimmy Barb, 53, in October 2023.
It was her first relationship after leaving her partner of seven years, Eddie Boxshall, 50, who cheated on her, sending DMs to dozens of women online as they planned their wedding.
“I said I would never do that,” she says, shaking her head.
“But I agreed to the date and I joined [exclusive celebrity app] Ray. I was very afraid of going out, but I went on a lot of different dates with different people. I saw so many famous people but you are not allowed to tell who is there. It’s really funny when they try to hook you up and some of the people that show up are my friends. It was really fun.”
And while she’s happy to swipe right, Denise has also started saying yes to being OK on her own.
“Relationships are an investment, and I wanted to invest in my friends and family instead. I thought: ‘For the first time in my life, I want a summer without all that’. I put a pause on everything. Even though winter is starting now, I will go on dates again.
“I learned so much about myself and now I can enjoy the simple things in life. I began to enjoy being alone in the house for a night. It happens a lot now, but I’ve learned to enjoy that space. I never liked him before.
“Many friends told me that I should spend some time alone. It’s not because I need someone to feel validated, but I like having someone to bounce back and have fun with. I’ve always liked my house to be busy with people coming and going, but I’ve come to appreciate the peace. I didn’t before.
“I think it’s because I’ve worked in this industry since I was seven years old and I’ve always been busy. I always have another job or another business trip planned. I never sat still, so I learned to do that and just be in the moment and enjoy it. And I think it’s made me a happier person.”
‘I worry that people see me as a failure because I’m not with anyone’
Although she enjoys going out, Denise is no longer desperate to find The One.
“Now I am not upset in any case. I’m really good friends with Tamzin Outhwaite and we were saying, ‘Isn’t it nice to actually just love life and not feel pressured to be in a relationship or be with someone?’ I learned to be alone and be content.
“This industry can feel under pressure, and then when things go wrong, it’s so public. You worry that people see you as a failure. I wonder if people are saying, ‘Why can’t she keep the relationship?’
“History keeps repeating itself, but I’m not chasing it now. I thought I was in something for the long term, only to be cut short by what I discovered. That’s the sad part. And then it’s back to the beginning. But I try to keep a really positive outlook on it and just keep an open heart.
“I think it comes with age and maturity to be happy in my own company. I was pushed into a situation where I have to, and I can actually do it. Now I no longer have any doubts about going to someone’s wedding alone, whereas before I would have said: ‘Oh, it’s all couples!’ and freaked out. But now I think: ‘I can do it and I can enjoy it’. It’s a small adjustment.
“I also realized that I have many friends in long relationships who are miserable anyway. They come to me moaning and saying how envious they are of my life because I’m out there doing things. That’s freedom.”
‘It’s actually sad that Johnny and I stopped talking’
Denise is also adamant that if things get serious with any of her dates, she won’t go public about it.
“There are a few people I’ve met that I’ve liked, but I’ve kept it completely out of the public eye. I would have to really know someone and feel really safe [before going public] – otherwise it’s too much pressure.
“I’ve found over the years that sometimes if you take them to everything because you want them there, they get a taste of it and then they start thinking they want to [be famous] are.
“I wouldn’t walk into a partner’s office and start doing their work. I’ve learned that my work and my relationships are definitely two separate things.”
Regardless of what’s going on in her private life, Denise’s top priority remains her daughter Betsy, 14, who she shares with her ex-husband, West End star Lee Mead.
“Your children always need you,” she explains.
“But during those teenage years, they really need you. I feel this is the time to dedicate it to her. I have said no to some very attractive jobs because I don’t want to leave my daughter.
“I have a great relationship with Lee. He’s a great dad, but I’m really a single parent and I’m constantly juggling everything. I feel like I can’t just leave and go to work without someone taking my phone [for a reality show]because I need to be able to talk to my child. She is an only child, so if I leave, she will be alone. Of course, we have a family that helps, but I feel like this is precious time. I know that in a few years she won’t be interested in hanging out with me.
“I want to make memories. I know it’s a cliché, but I want to enjoy my family. I’m lucky to have parents [Ted and Kathleen] about. I also want to invest in friendships. You have to put in the time – you get what you put in. I reconnected with old friends. It brought me a real sense of happiness.”
One of the friendships Denise is most happy to rekindle is with her former Big Breakfast co-host, Johnny Vaughan.
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Denise admits that on some occasions she is brought back to reality about how old she really is Credit: Mark Hayman
The couple fell out 23 years ago, when it was revealed that Johnny had arranged a separate salary from her.
The row led to her leaving the show, but they have now put the past behind them and even appeared together on Celebrity Gogglebox this summer.
“It’s actually sad that it happened,” Denise admits.
“I will take responsibility as much as he does. I think when you’re younger, you just go on with your life. You don’t really appreciate your friendships until you’re in middle age, and then you start hearing about things that happen to people. For example, I had several friends who were diagnosed with cancer. And think: ‘This is our history.’
“You make new friends and that’s nice, but the people you have a real past with are really special. And I think now we both really appreciate each other, whereas before we were probably both a bit stubborn. Like, who will reach first, something like that.
“I was upset for a long time that we didn’t really talk. It made me sad, because I’m really sensitive. But now it is even better, because our friendship has matured and there is respect.
“We had a great time on Gogglebox – we did the silliest things and most of it didn’t even make it to the final cut. But we’re like, ‘When are we going to grow up?’ And I don’t think we ever will.”
Being young at heart is what Denise credits for staying as fresh-faced as she was when she joined The Big Breakfast in 1996.
“It’s weird,” she laughs. “I look at all my friends and I think they all look really good for their age. I went to school with the girls for All Saints and when we see each other, it seems as if we are all still in school. We have known each other since we were 11 years old and we still act like children. I honestly think you have to enjoy it and have a young approach to things. My mom is the same. I like to laugh and be silly.”
‘I can’t keep saying yes to things – I’m exhausted!’
Although, as Denise admits, on some occasions she has come back to reality about how old she actually is.
She giggles: “Sometimes I’ll be at a festival and I’ll have some young teenager come up to me and ask for a selfie. And then they say, ‘It’s because my grandfather loves you!'”
Apart from DJing, Denise has found another new niche, making TV shows for Channel 4 about saving money. Is she the new Martin Lewis?
“Oh no,” she laughs. “He is a great expert, while I am just a person who asks questions, like everyone at home. It was really unexpected, but [the TV shows] they have done very well and ultimately help people save money. I love learning all the hacks too.
“It’s nice to go out and meet people, because that’s where I started my career, I went to the streets to meet and interview people. Everything is finished.”
As we approach the end of Denise’s year of saying yes, will she continue to do so until 2025?
“I can’t,” she says adamantly.
“I’m so exhausted! This girl can’t say yes anymore. I have to make 2025 my year no!”
Denise will show the nation how to cut heating bills, December 5, 8pm, Channel 4.
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Denise with her friend Tamzin Outhwaite
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With Johnny Vaughan on The Big Breakfast in the 90s;
IN THE MAKE-UP CHAIR with Denise
What is your skin care secret?
I’m a big believer in letting your skin breathe. I try not to wear makeup all the time.
Do you have any essentials in your makeup bag?
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, Benefit Badgal mascara and Nyx Professional Makeup eyeliner for a winged look.
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Denise is a fan of the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
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Benefit Badgal Mascara is one of Denise’s makeup staples
What are you splurging on?
Byonik facials have changed my skin. For me it’s an investment.
Who is your celebrity beauty icon?
Sienna Miller – she gets more beautiful the older she gets.
Best budget buy?
I’ve always used Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion, which is cheap as chips.
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Denise always uses Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion
Describe your beauty evolution.
I was such an Essex girl, but now I’ve undone all that. Less is more.
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Source: HIS Education