Emotional ties: Andrea McLean on her hearts collection and making new friends later in life 

Andrea McLean

I didn’t realise I collected hearts until my daughter pointed it out to me. Somehow, I just pick them up. The big one hangs from my banister so it’s the first thing you see when you walk in my front door. It’s damaged because the kids smash into it – but hearts do get broken!

I discovered this Vitamin Drip mask from Harley Street Skin Care when I had shingles a few years ago and it left a rash on my face. I use it in the shower so it does its magic while I wash my hair.

These stones were a wedding present from a couple who [my husband] Nick and I met on holiday last year. We got on well and have been firm friends ever since. I love simple things and these are also a reminder that you can still make lovely new friends later in life.

My friend Nicky Johnston, a photographer and judge on Britain’s Next Top Model, made this candle. He did our wedding photos and was a witness. We didn’t have any guests – it was just us and our children – so it was special to have Nicky.

I got these heels when I was doing the weather on GMTV, about 20 years ago. For a long time, I was only visible from the waist up, so I wore flip-flops or trainers. Then they changed the format and I had to buy real shoes! I’ve worn them ever since.

I’m currently wearing Portrait of a Lady by Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle. TV presenter Anna Richardson wears it, and I said, ‘You smell amazing! What is it?’ There’s something romantic about a signature scent, but I’ll never have one; I’m such a chameleon.

This is the moment that my husband Nick [Feeney] proposed to me in Paris last summer. I wasn’t expecting it at all and had just had a strop. Then he hugged me and said, ‘Let’s take a selfie.’ And that was when he pulled out the ring!

My maternal granny [pictured on the right, next to Andrea’s other grandmother] made this for me after I played the scarecrow in a school production of The Wizard of Oz. I can picture her with a cigarette in her mouth, the ash getting longer as she knitted and watched Emmerdale.