Lulu, 76, concedes ‘I wasn’t a great parent’ as she shares rare insight into family life with ex John Frieda
Scottish singer Lulu has made a heartfelt admission about her parenting journey during a candid conversation with Hollywood actor Richard E Grant on her Turning Point podcast.
The 76-year-old star, known for her hit Shout, reflected on raising her son Jordan Frieda, admitting she “wasn’t a great parent” while discussing how her own upbringing influenced her approach to motherhood.
During the revealing interview, Lulu opened up about family relationships and the impact of her Glasgow childhood on her parenting style.
Speaking with Grant, Lulu reflected on her life with her son Jordan, whom she shares with legendary hairstylist John Frieda.
“I can’t say I was a great parent. I did my best and that’s what I have to say about my parents, they did their best,” she admitted during the podcast.
The conversation arose after Grant revealed his own experience of having “completely untactile” parents, sharing that he “shook hands” with his father and only “tentatively” gave his mother a hug.
Lulu related to this experience, noting similarities in her own upbringing, saying earlier in the podcast that her parents weren’t “good examples”.
Lulu met John Frieda when he was an assistant at the hair salon she visited, and the pair quickly developed a relationship.
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The couple married in 1977 and welcomed their son Jordan just two months later.
Their marriage lasted 15 years before they separated in 1992, with Lulu previously admitting she found the split difficult.
Before her relationship with Frieda, Lulu was married to Bee Gees star Maurice Gibb. The pair wed in 1969 but divorced four years later in 1973.
“My parents weren’t very tactile either. I love them and they love me but it wasn’t their way so I constantly cuddle my son and my grandchildren,” Lulu explained to Grant during their conversation.
The Scottish singer’s comments revealed how her Glasgow upbringing shaped her determination to be more physically affectionate with her own family.
Despite growing up in a household where physical displays of affection weren’t common, Lulu made a conscious effort to break this pattern with her son Jordan and now with her grandchildren.
When asked what her son would say about her as a parent, Lulu shared: “He has forgiven me for all of the things…
“He’s so magnanimous but he’s also very intelligent, and kindness and intelligence, I think come together so he’s kind.”
Jordan Frieda, now an adult, appears to have maintained a positive relationship with his mother despite her self-confessed parenting struggles.
The singer has previously opened up about her difficult relationship with her own parents during an appearance on the Rosebud podcast with Gyles Brandreth.
She became emotional when discussing her mother and father, saying: “I can’t believe I still have tears about this but it’s deep, it runs deep.”
Lulu later explained she felt it was “important” to discuss her childhood, fearing people would “look down” on her parents.
“Now, I know that none of it was their fault, their behaviours were the life they had landed in. There was a lot of fun, and my parents loved me,” she added.
The candor of the conversation earned the singer and Grant plaudits from Lulu’s followers on social media.
Reacting to the interview on Instagram, one fan commented: “Such a great episode Lulu. I think there’s a fine line, perhaps Richard is more open that other celebrities but openness can be channeled to a greater good like raising awareness on a topic. This can add context and proportionality for children living with famous parents to be more accepting.”
“Love this. We learn so much from the last generation,” a second weighed in before a third echoed: “Lulu I just love your podcasts!I you all the very best can’t wait for the next one!”
And another added: “My family was very dysfunctional, and despite my affectionate personality, I never had proper closeness.
“I am extremely open about myself, and though boundaries are important, so is speaking out. Love to Richard, Olivia and Lulu!” (sic)
