Kaye Adams is a prominent Scottish television presenter, journalist, and radio broadcaster best known as a long-standing anchor on ITV’s Loose Women and the former host of Mornings with Kaye Adams on BBC Radio Scotland. Born on December 28, 1962, in Falkirk, Scotland, she began her career in hard news and political journalism, famously securing a one-hour interview with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher early in her tenure. Over a career spanning four decades, Adams has balanced serious investigative reporting—such as being one of the first journalists on the scene of the Lockerbie disaster—with daytime entertainment. In recent years, she has expanded her brand through the popular podcast How to Be 60, which explores the realities of aging with humor and candor. As of early 2026, her career has faced significant headlines following her departure from BBC Radio Scotland, while she continues to be a central figure on the Loose Women panel.
Early Life and Education
Kaye Rintoul Adams was born and raised in Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, where her father ran a successful haulage business. She attended Abbotsgrange Middle School and Grangemouth High before moving to the prestigious St George’s School for Girls in Edinburgh. This academic foundation led her to the University of Edinburgh, where she graduated with an MA Honours degree in Economics and Politics. Though she briefly considered a career in law, her passion for current affairs eventually guided her toward a graduate trainee position in the media industry.
Breakthrough in Political Journalism
Adams began her professional media journey at Central Television in the mid-1980s, focusing on the rigorous world of political news. Her most significant early achievement was a rare, hour-long sit-down interview with Margaret Thatcher, which established her as a formidable interviewer. This experience paved the way for a move to Scottish Television (STV) in 1988, where she became a lead reporter for the nightly news programme Scotland Today. During this period, she covered major international news stories, including the tragic 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie.
Transition to Discussion Shows
The trajectory of Kaye’s career shifted in 1992 when she was asked to fill in as the host of the STV discussion show Scottish Women. The program became a massive success, running for six years and winning numerous awards for its bold approach to social and personal issues. This role showcased her ability to manage live panels and engage with diverse viewpoints, a skill that would later define her national career. Following the success of Scottish Women, she moved into network television, hosting shows like ITV Weekend Live and Central Weekend Live alongside Nicky Campbell.
The Loose Women Era
In 1999, Kaye Adams was selected as the original anchor for the ITV topical talk show Loose Women, a role that made her a household name across the UK. She remained the primary host until 2006, leading discussions on everything from politics to personal relationships with a signature blend of journalistic inquiry and wit. After a seven-year hiatus, during which she worked for Channel 5 and the BBC, Adams returned to the Loose Women panel in 2013. Her longevity on the show has seen her work alongside co-stars like Nadia Sawalha, Coleen Nolan, and Ruth Langsford for over two decades.
BBC Radio Scotland Career
For fifteen years, from 2010 to 2025, Kaye was the voice of mid-morning radio in Scotland, hosting the daily phone-in program The Kaye Adams Programme (later Mornings with Kaye Adams). The show became a vital platform for public debate in Scotland, covering the independence referendum, the COVID-19 pandemic, and local community issues. Her work on the station earned her the title of Scottish Broadcaster of the Year. However, her long tenure came to an end in October 2025 following an internal investigation into workplace conduct, a transition she has described as “brutal” in recent interviews.
Strictly Come Dancing Experience
In 2022, Adams stepped out of her comfort zone by joining the 20th series of the BBC’s flagship entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing. Paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington, she sought to challenge her self-confessed “lack of rhythm” and the anxieties she felt about her age. Although she was the first contestant to be eliminated from the competition, she received praise for her honesty regarding her nerves. The experience served as a catalyst for her podcasting career, as she documented her journey of facing new challenges in her sixties.
The How to Be 60 Podcast
Launched in late 2022, the How to Be 60 podcast features Kaye and her best friend Karen MacKenzie navigating the complexities of the seventh decade of life. The show has become a critical and commercial success, topping podcast charts and featuring high-profile guests like Suzi Quatro and Russell Watson. It focuses on dismantling the stigma around aging, discussing topics such as retirement, health, and maintaining long-term friendships. The podcast’s “Midweek Catchup” episodes have built a loyal community of listeners who appreciate the duo’s unfiltered and often self-deprecating humor.
Personal Life and Family
Kaye Adams lives in the West End of Glasgow with her long-term partner, tennis coach Ian Campbell, whom she met in the mid-1990s. The couple has two daughters, Charley (born 2002) and Bonnie (born 2007), and they famously chose not to marry, viewing the birth of their children as their primary commitment. Kaye has often spoken about the challenges of balancing a high-profile media career in London with a family life based in Scotland. She is also known for her close “work-wife” relationship with fellow presenter Nadia Sawalha, with whom she co-authored the cookbook Nadia & Kaye: Disaster Chef.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Beyond her media work, Adams is a committed philanthropist and serves as a co-patron of Kindred, a Scottish charity that supports families of children with complex needs. She was also appointed a UNICEF UK Ambassador for Scotland, using her platform to advocate for children’s rights and global health initiatives. Her advocacy often overlaps with her journalism, as she frequently highlights social inequalities and health issues, particularly those affecting women in mid-life, such as HRT availability and menopause awareness.
Recent 2025-2026 Developments
The most recent chapter of Kaye’s career has been marked by her departure from BBC Radio Scotland in early 2026. Following an internal probe that upheld three claims of misconduct, including an incident involving a pen and “berating” an intern, the BBC confirmed she would not return to her morning slot. Despite this professional setback, Kaye has remained a fixture on Loose Women and has used her podcast to process the “brutal” few months of the investigation. She continues to develop new media projects, focusing on her “third act” and the evolution of her personal brand.
Practical Information and Planning
For those interested in following Kaye Adams’ current work or attending her live appearances, the following details are essential:
Loose Women Airings: Typically weekdays at 12:30 PM on ITV1; Kaye usually anchors 1–2 times per week.
Podcast Schedule: How to Be 60 releases new episodes every Friday, with “Midweek Catchup” segments appearing on Wednesdays.
Social Media: She is highly active on Instagram (@kayeadamsofficial), where she shares behind-the-scenes content from Loose Women and updates on her home life.
Public Speaking: Kaye is a frequent host for corporate events and awards ceremonies; bookings are typically handled via the SpeakOut or Great British Speakers agencies.
What to Expect: Readers can expect a presenter who prioritizes “straight-talking” and journalistic integrity over polished perfection.
FAQs
Who is Kaye Adams?
Kaye Adams is a Scottish journalist and television presenter best known as an original and current anchor of ITV’s Loose Women. She has had a long career in both news and entertainment, including a 15-year stint at BBC Radio Scotland.
How old is Kaye Adams?
Kaye Adams was born on December 28, 1962, making her 63 years old as of early 2026. She famously admitted to lying to her children about her age for many years before embracing her “60s” brand.
Is Kaye Adams still on Loose Women?
Yes, Kaye Adams remains a regular anchor and panelist on Loose Women. While she faced recent issues with the BBC, her position at ITV has remained stable and unaffected.
Why did Kaye Adams leave BBC Radio Scotland?
Kaye Adams left BBC Radio Scotland in early 2026 after an internal investigation upheld three misconduct claims from colleagues. The claims involved “assertive” behavior that was deemed to have crossed the line into workplace bullying.
Who is Kaye Adams’ partner?
Her long-term partner is Ian Campbell, a professional tennis coach. They have been together since 1995 but have never officially married.
Does Kaye Adams have children?
Yes, Kaye has two daughters, Charley and Bonnie. She has recently spoken about the emotional transition of becoming an “empty nester” as they move into adulthood and university.
Was Kaye Adams on Strictly Come Dancing?
Kaye participated in the 2022 series (Series 20) of Strictly Come Dancing. She was paired with Kai Widdrington and was the first celebrity to be voted off.
What is Kaye Adams’ podcast called?
Her podcast is titled How to Be 60 with Kaye Adams. It features her friend Karen MacKenzie and focuses on the challenges and joys of aging.
Where does Kaye Adams live?
She resides in the West End of Glasgow, Scotland. She frequently commutes to London for her television work on Loose Women.
What was Kaye Adams’ first big interview?
Her first major journalistic “break” was a one-hour interview with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher while working as a trainee for Central Television.
Did Kaye Adams write a book?
Yes, she co-authored Nadia & Kaye: Disaster Chef with her friend and colleague Nadia Sawalha, which focused on their shared struggles and successes in the kitchen.
What charities does Kaye Adams support?
She is a patron of the Scottish charity Kindred and has served as a UNICEF UK Ambassador. She often supports causes related to disability, mental health, and children’s welfare.
Read More on Manchesterindependent