Penny Lancaster early life
Born on March 15, 1971, in Chelmsford, Essex, Penny was a naturally athletic youngster. At an early age she developed a love for dance, and had dreams of turning professional one day, but a passion for aerobics took over and she became a fitness instructor, like her brother Oliver.
When a scout suggested the 6ft 1in stunner could have a more lucrative career in modelling, she changed tack.
Penny Lancaster's career
During the 1990s while working as a model, Penny developed an interest in what happened behind the camera and began taking photography classes. Her career led to her chance encounter with rock star Rod Stewart when he agreed to let her take photos of him on tour.
Her career went from strength to strength and she landed photography assignments for HELLO! magazine and became the face of Ultimo lingerie.
In 2004, however, she was replaced by Rod's estranged wife Rachel. The decision, dubbed Bra Wars by the British press, was seen as a publicity stunt.
Penny went on to bring out a best-selling fitness DVD, Ultimate Body Workout, and later appeared on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing in 2007, making it to week six in the competition with dance partner Matt Di Angelo.
After Strictly, Penny began to pop up on the small screen more frequently, appearing on Loose Women, Celebrity Catchphrase and Celebrity Masterchef.
In 2020, after appearing on Channel 4's Famous and Fighting Crime, the photographer joined the City of London Police as a volunteer special constable. The following year, she completed her training to become a special police constable, becoming fully qualified. Penny has been on-duty for major events, including the Queen’s funeral and the coronation of King Charles III.
Penny Lancaster's relationship with Rod Stewart
In March 2005, seven years after their first meeting, Rod asked Penny to be his wife in a romantic proposal featuring a princess-cut diamond engagement ring atop the Eiffel Tower. Not long afterwards Penny discovered she was expecting the couple's first child, leading to wedding plans being put on hold until after the birth. Alastair Wallace Stewart was born on November 27, 2005.
On June 16, 2007, the couple tied the knot at La Cervara near Portofino, Italy. On 17 February 2011, it was announced that Penny and Rod had welcomed their second child together, Aiden Patrick Stewart.
