Mariella Frostrup: ‘When you get to my age, you think, The male gaze? I wouldn’t mind a bit of that’

The presenter on leaving home at 15, forging a successful career in the UK, and campaigning for women’s health

Mariella Frostrup left home in Ireland at 15. Photo: Kate Martin

Andrea Smith

From her trademark sexy, gravelly voice to hanging out with pals like George Clooney and Mick Jagger, ­Mariella Frostrup has always appeared effortless. Her rise to the top of presenting in the UK is more impressive considering she left home in Ireland at 15, moved to London at 16, and ­supported herself.

While it’s fair to assume that being a beauty opened doors, Mariella, now 61, feels that her appearance was a hindrance at times.