Clodagh McKenna addresses rumours of a 'top-secret' project with Holly Willoughby and the one reality show she'd love to join
Clodagh shares some favourite recipes, and the projects she's got cooking up outside the kitchen
Since joining This Morning five years ago, chef Clodagh McKenna has won over viewers with her warm and sunny nature.
Now Clodagh, 51, is inviting them into her home for her new show, Clodagh: Cooking At Home, where she serves up delicious recipes, while giving us a glimpse into life alongside husband of five years, Harry Herbert.
The couple live at Broadspear House, a 300-year-old cottage and farm located on the grounds of Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey was filmed. Here, in an exclusive interview with Woman, Clodagh - who has also released a cookbook, Clodagh at Home - opens up about life on the farm, her close bond with Holly Willoughby and whether she'd do Strictly.
Clodagh at Home by Clodagh McKenna | £20.59 (was £26) at Amazon
Part cookbook, part seasonal companion and part guide to creating a more thoughtful home, Clodagh at Home brings together recipes, stories and practical inspiration rooted in the daily life of Broadspear.
Clodagh has become something of an instant favourite from her appearances on TV, and her close friendships have helped.
Talking about Holly Willoughby, Clodagh shared, "We both love a laugh, we're real girl's girls, and we both love having fun. She's a very loyal friend, and I hope I am, too. We just had this wonderful connection from the beginning.
And fans will get to see them together again soon.
"Every single time. Holly and I would love to do something together, I'm sure. Her YouTube show is fabulous, and I'm going to be on it in a few weeks."
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Holly's not the only familiar face who have become frequent guests and friends of Clodagh.
Of the This Morning gang, Clodagh revealed, "I've pretty much had nearly everybody down throughout the years for my St Patrick's Day party or for weekends.
I'm always getting them down because you do naturally become very good friends. I think Ben and Cat are doing such an incredible job. Their relationship is just fabulous, and I adore them."
Appearing on TV has proved natural for her. When asked about inviting cameras into her home, she shared, " I was just excited. We moved into that property over eight years ago, and it was nothing like it is now.
"There were no gardens, no vegetables growing, no animals – nothing. And because myself and my husband, Harry, poured every bit of our energy into it, it was really lovely to be able to film there and share it.
And as for her husband, Harry, he "loves" the camera, it turns out. "He's such a natural. If I had my way, I would have had him in every single cook with me. Maybe that's the next series!"
We've seen her in her element at home and cooking on This Morning, but is there another show Clodagh would do?
"If I was ever to do one, it would probably be Strictly Come Dancing, because I love music and dancing. I'd love to learn. Spending time with those professional dancers would be incredible."
Crediting her lifestyle with her healthy glow, Clodagh explained, "I eat very well, I juice every day, and when I'm planning my dinner, I'm thinking: ‘OK I had pasta once already this week, I can't have it again. I need to have some fish and green vegetables.'
"Cooking makes you physically feel better, because you're putting less salt and processed food into your body, and then that triggers you mentally, so you feel better. And when you've got those two things together, you look better."
With her recipes at the core of her health and beauty, we just had to know what were some of her personal favourites from the book - consider it inspiration for the coming colder months.
"We live in the middle of the countryside so there's no Deliveroo, Uber Eats or takeaways, so I've got to cook whether I like it or not!
"I cook every night, and love doing easy, family one pots, like my vegetable garden soup with butter beans and chickpeas. Another highlight recipe would definitely be the pistachio tiramisu.
"And my chicken fricassee. When I came up with that recipe, it was the most viewed and most talked about on my social platforms, so I had to have that in."
Clodagh: Cooking At Home continues on Saturdays at midday on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
This feature first appeared in Woman magazine. Subscribe now and get your first 6 issues for £1.
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