Picture this: a woman in her late 50s, trapped in a 27-year marriage that's left her feeling utterly miserable, only to emerge stronger, happier, and ready for a fresh start at 60. That's the remarkable journey of acclaimed author Esther Freud, who opens up in this week's episode of HELLO!'s Second Act podcast about her divorce from actor David Morrissey, rediscovering love, and how her sister's unwavering support helped her navigate the turbulent waters of menopause. It's a story that reminds us all that it's never too late to rewrite your own narrative – but stick around, because there's a twist that might just challenge everything you think about relationships and aging.
Embracing a New Chapter at 60
After ending her long-term relationship with David Morrissey in 2020, Esther didn't just sit back and reflect; she dove headfirst into a whirlwind of adventure to mark her 60th birthday. Think about it – backpacking across the globe, picking up boxing as a new hobby, and even finding romance again. 'It was absolutely exhilarating to turn 60,' she shares, beaming with pride. As the daughter of renowned British painter Lucian Freud, Esther's life has always been steeped in creativity, and this milestone felt like a celebration of that spirit. She and her new boyfriend – and yes, she loves calling him that, even at her age (check out this piece on why it's never too old for a boyfriend: https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/709087/too-old-to-have-boyfriend-at-50/) – embarked on a four-month journey through Australia, Singapore, and Laos. They returned just in time for her birthday bash, which she describes as 'truly magical.' It wasn't just a party; it was a testament to starting over with joy and energy.
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From Feeling Like a Failure to Finding Strength
Of course, reaching this vibrant place didn't happen overnight. Esther candidly admits that after the marriage ended, she grappled with intense feelings of failure. On the surface, everything looked perfect – successful careers, a stunning home, and wonderful children. But beneath it all, her body was sending clear signals of distress. 'My entire being was crying out in discontent,' she explains. It was a wake-up call that forced her to embrace transformation, even if it meant walking away from her marriage. For beginners wondering about this, it's like your body and mind teaming up to say, 'Hey, this isn't working anymore,' pushing you toward necessary change.
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Interestingly, this period overlapped with Esther realizing she was in the throes of menopause – that natural phase in a woman's life when hormone levels shift, often bringing symptoms like mood swings, hot flashes, and sleep issues. Her sister, the talented fashion designer Bella Freud, played a pivotal role here. When doctors initially brushed off Esther's emotional turmoil as nothing serious, Bella wasn't having it. 'She basically yelled at me to get a second opinion,' Esther recalls with affection. Their bond is rock-solid, and Bella's persistence paid off. 'She's always in my corner, pushing me when I might just accept things,' Esther adds, noting her own tendency to be more laid-back.
To help you navigate menopause yourself – because knowledge is power – HELLO! has partnered with experts from Move The Gap (https://www.movethegap.com/), a group focused on women's health and fitness. Over the next four weeks, they'll dive into four essential areas of lifestyle medicine: heart health, mobility, muscle and bone strength, and cognitive health. Featuring stars like personal trainer and ITV's Lorraine regular Shakira Akabusi, Owning Your Menopause author Kate Rowe-Ham, former Gladiator and GB Olympian Jenny Stout, and health guru Monika Akabusi, this series offers practical tips. Sign up for the free exclusive content by clicking the button below – it's like having a personal guide through the menopause maze.
For Esther, the turning point came when she was prescribed progesterone. 'After just three nights, I was finally sleeping soundly, and the tears stopped flowing,' she tells HELLO!'s podcast host Ateh Jewel. Sure, it didn't erase all her challenges, but it gave her the tools to manage them effectively. And this is the part most people miss – how something as simple as the right treatment can flip the script on your well-being.
But here's where it gets controversial: Looking back, Esther believes menopause might have been a catalyst in her divorce. 'I'd say it played a role,' she confesses. 'It spurred me to make moves that were overdue for both of us.' In other words, those hormonal shifts didn't just cause discomfort; they propelled her toward a healthier path. Yet, is it fair to blame menopause for relationship breakdowns? Some might argue it's a convenient scapegoat, while others see it as a valid factor in midlife upheavals. What do you think – can menopause really be the hidden force behind major life decisions like ending a marriage? Share your opinions in the comments; I'd love to hear if you've experienced something similar or if this sparks a debate!
Dive into the full conversation by listening to the Second Act podcast now on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/3WbLY0C), Spotify (https://bit.ly/46JDEKs), Amazon Podcasts (https://amzn.to/4mPD4Ba), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/3IIWmtM).
LISTEN: To Esther Freud on HELLO!'s Second Act podcast
