Bestselling author Barbara, looking incredible at 83 and bursting with an energy that she puts down to “post-menopausal zest”, has just completed her 31st novel. “I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t work – I’d get bored,” says the Yorkshire-born “world’s greatest multitasker”. “It keeps my brain going and I enjoy it”
You have to be quick to keep up with Barbara Taylor Bradford. The bestselling octogenarian author is giving the HELLO! team a guided tour of her spacious Manhattan apartment, darting in and out of the various rooms with a running commentary. She’s been up since 5.30am but shows no signs of slowing down, despite having a day-long photoshoot and a night out with friends ahead of her.
“I’m probably the world’s greatest multitasker. I can do about six things at the same time,” she says, disappearing down the hallway with a sweep of her colourful kaftan as we follow at her heels. “I make dinner, edit a book, answer the telephone, go and sit for ten minutes with Bob [her husband]. I’m very disciplined, very quick and always tell people to hurry up.”