In all fairness, it’s easy to see why Kirsty Gallacher feels happy in her skin; she has a beautiful face, healthy toned figure and successful career – but she’s also had a pretty turbulent couple of years, which could shake even the most self-assured among us. In 2013, she was told to say goodbye to her dad [ex-pro golfer Bernard Gallacher] who went into a coma after a life-threatening heart attack. Then in 2014 she split from her husband of four years and partner of 14, rugby player Paul Sampson, making her a single mum to sons Oscar, nine, and Jude, six.
‘I’ve definitely become stronger over the last few years,’ she muses. ‘I’ve come to the realisation you have to make the most of everything; I don’t think there’s any point in doing anything in life if you’re not enjoying yourself. When you see the dark side, what can happen in a fraction of second, you learn that.’ It’s a theme she keeps coming back to as we chat: letting go of worries. ‘When I look back, in my 20s I was clueless and naïve. I didn’t have big responsibilities and could have relaxed more – I was a bit tense and uptight. Yes, you’ve got to try to make good decisions, but I wish I hadn’t worried so much.’
So how does she feel now she’s 40? ‘Better than ever; healthier, better about my body and younger. I’m a single mum, but I can do what I want, I’m free to make my own choices. I think your 40s is a very good time for women. It’s different these days. You can start your life again at 40.’