Kate Thornton Reveals Sex as Low Priority Amid 10-Year Transformation

Kate Thornton has opened up about midlife changes, linking physical shifts to wider life adjustments. The former X-Factor and Loose Women presenter says sex has become a low priority amid a decade-long personal transformation.

Health and wellbeing after the menopause

Thornton described a difficult hormonal dip following the menopause. She refocused on mental health and physical fitness to regain stability.

She credits Pilates for flexibility and strength. Cold water swimming became a regular habit three or four times weekly.

Friends such as Jenny Powell and Tamzin Outhwaite encouraged the chilly dips. Thornton now calls herself a Dryrobe devotee.

Career changes and new projects

She reduced her role on Loose Women after the birth of her son, Ben. Later she trained as a therapist when TV work slowed.

Thornton now hosts the weekly podcast White Wine Question Time. Guests have included Amanda Holden and Princess Eugenie.

She also has a background as a BBC Radio 2 presenter. That experience helped her transition into new media.

Parenting, loss and fresh starts

Her son Ben is 17. Thornton and Ben’s father, DJ Darren Emerson, split in 2011.

She says watching her son gain independence has been both proud and poignant. Drop-offs have replaced sidelines, leaving a sense of grief.

Thornton took the risk of stepping back from full-time TV. The week her son finished his GCSEs, she was offered her current show.

Reflections on balance

She speaks frankly about single parenting and public life. Thornton urges honest conversations about pressure and privilege.

Today she prioritises sanity, fitness, and practical self-care. Her focus is steady rather than flashy.