News | Entertainment
2 Jul 2025 14:27
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Penny Lancaster thinks being bullied at school helped give her more confidence as an adul

    The 49-year-old star was the target of physical and mental abuse for five years at secondary school because of her height, the way she dressed and the way she spoke, and though she wishes she hadn't been subjected to the ordeal, she believes it's helped her stand up for herself and ignore online trolls


    She said: "I was one of the lucky ones, I managed to come out the other side.

    "I would rather have not gone through half of what I went through but it did give me the tools to deal with situations as an adult and the confidence to stand up to people, because you think, 'I'm just not allowing that to happen.'

    "I tend to ignore bullies on social media and not give them fuel and I believe in smiling in the face of ignorance, being bigger and better than them, and rising above it."

    The 'Loose Women' star - who has sons Alistair, 14, and Aiden, nine, with husband Sir Rod Stewart - admitted the cruel taunts had a lasting effect on her.

    She told Britain's HELLO! magazine: "The bullying was both verbal and physical and I don't know what's worse. People always say sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never harm me but I kind of disagree with that.

    "They torment you and it goes round and round in your head like a bad song. It sticks with you and can really affect you long term."

    And as a result of her own ordeal, Penny will always encourage her kids to be kind to others.

    She said: "I tell my sons that whatever is going on, whether it is at school or on the football pitch, to keep their side of the street clean.

    "Be kind, respectful and a good person to show others how you want to be treated. Sometimes it's tougher to do that, but in the long run, you really come out on top I think.

    "It really doesn't take much to be positive and kind."

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     02 Jul: Kate Winslet has become an ambassador for The King's Foundation
     02 Jul: Bob Geldof has praised his late ex-wife Paula Yates for being instrumental in Live Aid
     02 Jul: Sir Brian May doesn't believe that his Queen bandmate Freddie Mercury has a secret daughter
     02 Jul: Scarlett Johansson has revealed that her twin brother Hunter was her most enthusiastic supporter at the premiere of Jurassic World Rebirth
     02 Jul: James Norton is "crazily grateful" for the "pain" of his split from Imogen Poots
     02 Jul: Rihanna's father died of cancer and other serious illnesses
     02 Jul: Sir David Beckham has had an operation to repair a broken wrist he suffered in 2003
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    The spectre of a second-string opponent is just something the All Blacks have to deal with More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Woolworths is recalling potentially plastic-infused mince, sold in its North Island stores More...



     Today's News

    Soccer:
    The Wellington Phoenix have confirmed the departure of three men's players 14:07

    Entertainment:
    Kate Winslet has become an ambassador for The King's Foundation 14:06

    Accident and Emergency:
    A 34-year-old woman's died, after a two-vehicle crash last Thursday on State Highway Two in Tauranga 13:47

    Entertainment:
    Bob Geldof has praised his late ex-wife Paula Yates for being instrumental in Live Aid 13:36

    Business:
    Woolworths is recalling potentially plastic-infused mince, sold in its North Island stores 13:27

    Rugby League:
    The odds are shortening on Des Hasler being the first NRL head coach to be punted this season 13:07

    Entertainment:
    Sir Brian May doesn't believe that his Queen bandmate Freddie Mercury has a secret daughter 13:06

    Entertainment:
    Scarlett Johansson has revealed that her twin brother Hunter was her most enthusiastic supporter at the premiere of Jurassic World Rebirth 12:36

    Law and Order:
    Police are preparing to investigate a Gore toddler's death - for a third time 12:27

    Entertainment:
    James Norton is "crazily grateful" for the "pain" of his split from Imogen Poots 12:06


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd