GK Barry talks being the youngest woman to join the Loose Women panel, why her lack of filter can give her ‘sleepless nights’ and wedding planning with partner Ella
GK Barry – real name Grace Keeling, made history in 2024 as the youngest panellist to join Loose Women in its 25-year history – and since then, has cemented herself as a fun, straight-talking and hilarious member of that special girl gang.
The bubbly 26-year-old, who has been dating her footballer ‘wife’ Ella Rutherford for two years, reveals she was so terrified her first few episodes that she barely spoke. Safe to say, that’s changed now – though she admits that the show has taught her how to ‘read the room’ better.
Here, as the social media star-turned-TV favourite joins her Loose Women pals for a gorgeous Notebook shoot, the former I’m A Celeb star opens up about how the wedding plans are going, why her mum is a legend – and how having ‘no filter’ has been the secret to her success.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Hi, GK. How much does being on Loose Women mean to you?
These women are iconic. I was so nervous, I was mute my first couple of episodes, but they’ve made me feel so comfortable. Just getting their take on life is incredible, and having a female-led show where you can talk about anything and not be judged for it is powerful.
Do you ever regret things you say? It’s got me where I am today. But Loose Women ’s teaching me how to read the room. Having differing opinions, saying something outlandish brings fun to the show. I do sometimes stay awake at night and think, “Why did I say that? What the hell’s wrong with me?”
What are your standout moments so far? Any time I have Denise on the panel. She’s my queen. Usually I’m the outrageous one, but whatever I say she tops it.
Who are the strong women in your life? My mum Loretta keeps me humble if I get too big for my boots. She’ll say, “Who do you think you are? You were that child whose head was too big for her body.” I get my humour from her. But she’s also the one in Tesco, trying to get discounts, saying, “My daughter was in I’m A Celeb.”
Didn’t she appear on Loose Women? She did. I was sweating. If you think I’m loose-lipped, she’s worse. But she thrives in front of a camera. I actually clocked how funny she was at my grandad’s funeral.
She had people crying with laughter with the brilliant stories about him she was sharing. She was very brave. Our bonding time is drinking prosecco while watching TV. Maybe we should do Gogglebox. My girlfriend Ella [Rutherford] is iconic, too. It’s incredible how she can hold a room.
Are you any closer to tying the knot? Three dogs, still going strong, she does want a ring — and she may get one. But I want her to be surprised when it comes. She wants to get married in the UK but I’m not doing a winter wedding. There’s no meat on these bones! When we get engaged, I want it to be somewhere hot.
You and Oti were jungle mates… It’s so funny seeing her out of the jungle. In the jungle, we were both hair everywhere, we stank, she’d wake me up singing. I miss that alarm clock. I’m a glass half-empty girl — I wake up miserable — so it was nice to have her energy and positivity. She was also amazing at giving advice.
Are you and Reverend Coles still besties? Oh yes. He’s so full of wisdom and insight. I’m scared of everything and he has great perspective. l’d be sitting there crying, in emotional turmoil, and The Rev’s sharing Bible quotes and making me feel better. He’d say, “I was young in the 80s, so anything you’ve done, I’ve probably topped it.”
What have you learned so far about life? I used to be so scared of people’s opinions, people thinking I was weird. But being myself has been the secret of my success. Also, it doesn’t matter if you have a flat arse, because someone will love you for your long back in the future.
Loose Women airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
