Lucy Kennedy: 'I hate rudeness — there’s just no need for it'

The author and broadcaster on her new TV series, and why one of her new housemates calls her The Dolphin.

Fri, 20 Oct, 2023 - 02:00

Amanda Cassidy

Lucy Kennedy is always on the go.

As well as her morning radio show, she’s the author of the much-loved children’s book series, The Friendship Fairies, mum to three young children, and when I catch her for a chat, she’s busy promoting her new series of Living With Lucy.

“I will never lose this giddy feeling about the thoughts of it returning to our tellies,” the 47-year-old laughs. “Hopefully everyone will enjoy it. It’s very exciting.”

This season will see Lucy lodge with a new line-up of well-known personalities including sports broadcaster Des Cahill, Coronation Street star Simon Gregson, comedian Andrew Maxwell, former footballer turned pundit Richard Sadlier and Katie Price, whom Kennedy describes as “challenging”.

“Katie Price was a whirlwind, as you’ll see in the show," she says.

"I’ve lived with nearly 50 celebs now, but there’s something about this show that people still love, and I just love doing it.”

How do you keep fit?

I love to walk every afternoon and evening with my dog, Riley. She’s a labrador so she definitely keeps me active. I also try to go to yoga at least once a week.

Do you have a morning routine?

I present Colm & Lucy in the Morning on Ireland’s Classic Hits radio, so my routine has to be very simple and quick. I’m usually up, showered, dressed and out the front door within five minutes.

What is one thing you do every day?

I drink coffee every day. I love it so much. My drink of choice is a latte.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I am salad-mad. I also drink litres of water. In fact, I drink so much of it that Simon Gregson (the actor who plays Steve McDonald in Coronation Street) called me The Dolphin.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

Where do I even begin? Wine, chocolate, crisps, spice bags, Diet Coke, candy floss. I could go on…

What keeps you awake at night?

The fear of not hearing my alarm clock keeps me awake at night. It’s probably a result of working on breakfast radio.

How do you relax?

I go walking to relax. It clears my head completely and I enjoy the peace.

Who are your sporting heroes?

I’d pick Paul McGrath and Paul Gascoigne - they are previous housemates.

What is your favourite smell?

I love Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel. I’ve worn it for the past seven years.

When was the last time you cried?

I cried saying goodbye to my sister Gemma as she headed back to the States recently. She has lived there for ten years but it doesn’t get any easier saying goodbye.

What is the best health advice you've ever been given?

To always just keep moving. I follow this advice as much as I can.

What traits do you least like in others?

I hate rudeness. I cannot stand rude people. There’s just no need for it.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

My laugh. I sometimes sound like a donkey in labour.

What cheers you up if you’re having a bad day?

My three beautiful children; Jack, Holly and Jess. Oh, and our labrador Riley.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I’d invite Michelle Obama, Graham Norton, Jamie Dornan and, of course, my husband Rich.

Has climate change im pacted how you live your life?

Yes, it has. Like most people, I am more aware of what’s going on in the world around us climate-wise and try to do my best to make changes when I can.

What quote inspires you most and why?

‘I am who I am and that’s all I’ll ever be’. I love that particular quote because I will never change for anyone.

Where is your favourite place in the world?

Anywhere in the Maldives. We were there for our honeymoon, and it absolutely took my breath away.

What’s one thing nobody knows about you?

I love collecting bumble bee things for my house. I just love bumble bees.

What’s your favourite TV show?

Living with Lucy.