TV star and former model Penny Lancaster has shared candid details about her double life — one that takes her from red carpets to the streets of London in uniform.
The 54-year-old Loose Women star has been working as a volunteer police officer for the City of London Police since 2021. Her surprising career shift came after she took part in Channel 4’s Famous and Fighting Crime, where she shadowed emergency services alongside fellow celebrities.
Appearing on the We’re Not Getting Any Younger podcast, Penny opened up about the “nerve-racking” moment she had to arrest two people for drink and drug-driving. She said the most challenging part was remembering the legal wording of the caution and getting every step right. “If you don’t do those steps correctly,” she explained, “the arrest could be invalid.”
One of her most intense experiences occurred while on patrol with another officer. They stopped a car driving at double the speed limit in a 20mph zone, with illegally tinted windows. “You never know what you’re walking into,” she said, explaining how suspicion can build from small clues like smell or erratic behavior.
A roadside drugs test later came back positive, and Penny had to carry out the arrest and escort the suspect back to the station. While she didn’t specify which substance was found, she confirmed the test used detects cannabis and cocaine.
When asked about husband Rod Stewart’s reaction to her patrolling the streets, Penny said the rock legend is fully supportive. “I’ve been doing this for four years now — he’s used to it,” she smiled. “He’s met many of my colleagues and respects the training I’ve gone through.”
