**Interviewer**: Vanessa, your journey in the media has certainly been a rollercoaster ride. Can you tell us about the moment you realized your show, *Vanessa*, was going to be a launchpad for your career?

**Vanessa**: Absolutely! This photograph was the start of everything for me. We were celebrating the commission of *Vanessa* on the roof of ITV, marking the beginning of an incredible adventure that I never quite anticipated.

**Interviewer**: Looking back at your style choices during that era, what do you remember about the outfits you wore?

**Vanessa**: Well, in the ’90s in England, the only place to find fashionable larger sizes was Evans. One of the American companies co-producing the show even sent me a suit for free! I paired it with bold jewelry—quite the statement, very Joan Collins-esque! At the time, I felt pretty and confident, especially being there with my daughters in our matching outfits. That was a trend back then!

**Interviewer**: You mentioned that significant changes followed the end of *The Vanessa Show*. How did that affect you personally?

**Vanessa**: Once the show wrapped in 1999, everything fell apart for me. My husband left shortly thereafter, which left me completely devastated. I lost so much weight that I ended up donating dozens of TV suits to Oxfam. Those times were challenging, and my weight fluctuated a lot afterward. Since then, I haven’t worn a suit again.

**Interviewer**: As a mother, how did your experiences shape your relationship with Allegra and Saskia regarding body image?

**Vanessa**: I wanted to be the opposite of my own upbringing. I aimed to celebrate every stage of their development with excitement, steering clear of any nostalgic sentiments about their childhood. Regardless of how they looked at any given age, I genuinely loved them.

**Interviewer**: After your show, you experienced a career revival, particularly with BBC Radio London. Can you tell us how you got back into broadcasting?

**Vanessa**: It was my Daily Express column that kept things afloat initially. Then, I got a call from the boss at BBC Radio London about doing holiday cover. Honestly, I would’ve done it for free—I was just so eager to be back on air!

**Interviewer**: You had an interesting relationship with Russell Brand during that time. How did that impact you?

**Vanessa**: I got along with Russell; he was incredibly funny and talented. But when he made comments about wanting to date my daughters during his talk show, I couldn’t find the humor in it. The audience thought it was funny, but I found it revolting.

**Interviewer**: Now that Allegra and Saskia are adults with families of their own, how do you maintain your bond?

**Vanessa**: They’re busy, but I’m always there for them. I recently took my four wonderful grandchildren to Seville, and while I didn’t relax for a second—watching them like a hawk was priority—we enjoyed ourselves and created lasting memories. Being a grandmother is a huge privilege, especially after losing my own mother at 57.

**Interviewer**: Allegra, what do you remember about your mom’s rise to fame?

**Allegra**: It was surreal! We had some wild experiences, like traveling to watch *Muppet Treasure Island* by helicopter with Bob Geldof’s family. Our mother always dressed us beautifully, often in matching outfits. Growing up, she was glamorous yet hands-on, making sure we always came first.

**Interviewer**: Can you describe your mother’s storytelling abilities?

**Allegra**: She’s an incredible raconteur, able to light up any room! While I don’t have that talent, I strive to love my children just as fiercely as she loves us.

**Interviewer**: How has your family navigated the more challenging experiences in life?

**Saskia**: Our mom’s break-up was tough and echoed our father’s infidelity. It’s been painful to see her suffer, but we have supported each other completely.

**Interviewer**: What’s your perspective on your mother’s humility amidst her accomplishments?

**Saskia**: She’s so humble—she doesn’t see herself as a big deal, yet she’s been paving her own path for 30 years! I’m incredibly proud of both her and Allegra; they truly are amazing women, and I feel lucky to be part of their journey.

**Interviewer**: Thank you, Vanessa, Allegra, and Saskia, for sharing your incredible story. Your bond and resilience are truly inspiring!