DENISE VAN OUTEN’S BEEN LOVED-UP WITH JOSEPH STAR LEE MEAD, 26, FOR SEVEN MONTHS BUT SAYS THEY’RE TAKING THINGS SLOWLY. THE 34-YEAR-OLD STAR GIVES US THE HEADLINES ON HER LIFE RIGHT NOW

Interview by Frances Lyndon

I don’t think of myself as a neurotic wreck – although some of my exes would! I think I’m a balanced person but there are days when I can be a moody cow.

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I’m not always bubbly, laugh-a-minute Den, and I’m sure that disappoints some people.

Everyone’s trying to rush Lee and me into marriage and babies but we’ve only been together for seven months.

I used to wear my heart on my sleeve but I’ve realised that’s not always the best idea.

I’m happy right now, that’s all I can say.

I’d love to have children when the time’s right.

If it happens, I’ll find it difficult to leave them with someone else – I can see myself taking a long career break to bring them up.

It takes a strong, secure man to cope with an independent, successful woman.

Lee’s a solid guy and can deal with me. We’re well matched that way.

In the past I’ve played down what I’ve achieved to make men feel comfortable.

I know so many women who undersell themselves to protect sensitive male egos.

Mr Perfect doesn’t exist. What attracts me is humour and chemistry.

I don’t consider myself flashy. I don’t drive a big car or live in a massive mansion.

I never want to feel uncomfortable around my friends or make them feel uncomfortable with me.

Being financially secure is important.

My dad advised me to put my first pay cheque into property.

Now I have four places – in Hampstead, Hove, Essex and Los Angeles.

I never want to think I’m so important I can’t take advice.

When you open a stage show there’s a big risk of being savaged by critics.

But I love the adrenalin of opening nights and always read my reviews. It’s vital to be able to laugh at yourself.

I’ve never had a plan in life.

I’ve seen other people plot it all out then be massively disappointed when things don’t work out.

My personal life influences my career.

I was offered a presenting job in America at the same time as the Capital radio show but I turned it down because of Lee.

It hasn’t worked out as I planned though – I’m up at 4am and he finishes work at 11pm!

Sunday afternoon is when I‘m happiest, tucking into my roast dinner then pottering round my Hampstead home.

I keep most of my shoes there, so it must be where I belong!

The ladette thing gets embarrassing after a certain age.

I don’t want to dress up like Barbie with my hair in bunches any more.

There were things I felt I could get away with in my 20s – like rolling out of a club at 4am – that I can’t do now.

I probably offended a few people but I don’t regret a thing.

Dying my hair pink and pinching an ashtray from Buckingham Palace (at a reception for young achievers in 1998) are the kind of stupid things you do when you’re young.

I’ve had my time as a pin-up.

I’m pleased if I’ve got more credibility these days and that people see me as a grown-up.

The Fabulous 5

1. If you could win an Olympic Gold for any event, what would it be?
Walking fast. I was the fastest in junior school and even now I’m 10 minutes ahead of my friends when we’re out shopping.

2. If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?
I’d go into Buckingham Palace for a proper snoop around so I can see what goes on there day to day, and what the staff get up to.

3. If you weren’t famous, what would you be doing instead?
I’d probably still work in the media but I’d be on the other side of it, maybe as a manager or in public relations.

4. If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself at 13?
That not all men are worth crying over. I think the first time I did that I was 15, so I’d be preparing myself well in advance.

5. Where do you rate yourself as a celebrity – A, B or C-list?
The L-list, for “learner”.

Denise hosts Who Dares Sings, Saturdays on ITV1.

Photography: Alistair Morris, Alan Davidson Make-Up: Amanda Grossman at Frank Agency, using Lancome Styling: Tracey Lea Sayer Denise wears: Bikini, £69, Samantha Sage (020 7385 6243); shoes, £49.99, Schuh (0845 307 2484); Umbrella, £7, What Katie Did (whatkatiedid.com)

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