Penny Lancaster on Keeping the Spark Alive with Rod Stewart

Penny Lancaster, 55, has revealed the secrets to maintaining the spark in her 28-year relationship with husband Rod Stewart, 81. She shared that she remains "really attracted" to the rock star, attributing their enduring connection to mutual effort, communication, and a shared understanding of when to seek reconciliation.

Appearing on the television program Loose Women, Lancaster described her husband as "handsome" and admitted that they both "really yearn to be with one another" when apart. She noted that Stewart's consistent effort in his appearance, whether in a more casual or classic style, is a significant draw for her. "There's sometimes when his hair's extra spikey and his got a bit of leather on and I'm like 'That's Rod Stewart!'" she said. "And then there's other times when he looks classier, he changes his vibe but he is always making the effort and that really attracts me to him."

Lancaster emphasized the importance of making an effort in a relationship, stating, "I think it's important to make an effort at all times. You need to focus on yourself because if you don't feel good about yourself then your sparks not there and they don't recognise you as the women you fell in love with. Both people have got to make the effort and not take it for granted."

When discussing conflict resolution, Lancaster revealed that she and Stewart have a pact to avoid arguments when under the influence of alcohol. "We also agree that we shouldn't row if we've had a drink or two because things are said that you don't really mean," she explained. She added that if a heated comment is made, there is a period of quiet, often followed by an apology text from Stewart. "I'm not saying he's the one that only apologises but he has always said how importance it is to recognise when you need to say sorry and then a conversation can follow," Lancaster said.

Stewart's "veracious energy" at 81, which includes touring, recording new music, and regular gym visits, is a key attraction for Lancaster. "It's inspiring and for our kids as well to look up to and admire," she commented.

The couple met in 1999 at a party at London's Dorchester Hotel while Lancaster was studying photography. Stewart asked for her number, but his bass player, Carmine Appice, withheld it for nine months, believing Stewart was not in the right emotional state following a divorce. Stewart later recalled that his bandmate "was an absolute gentleman" for making that decision.

Lancaster and Stewart have two sons together: Alastair, born in 2005, and Aiden, born in 2011. Stewart also has six other children from previous relationships. He met Lancaster nine months after exchanging numbers, and they married in 2007.