Keren Woodward of Bananarama reflects on the beauty of reaching a point in life where one is unaffected by things that previously caused distress.

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Keren Woodward, age 62, was born in Bristol. She worked in an administrative position at BBC before co-founding the group Bananarama with Sara Dallin and Siobhan Fahey in the early 1980s. The group has achieved 25 songs on the UK Top 40 chart, including popular hits like “Cruel Summer,” “Venus,” “Love in the First Degree,” and “Robert De Niro’s Waiting.” Since the 1990s, Woodward and Dallin have continued as a duo. This month, they released a new album, “Glorious: The Ultimate Collection,” and are scheduled to perform at the London Palladium in April. Woodward has a son and resides in Cornwall.

When were you most content?

As the years pass, there is a certain charm in reaching an age where things that once bothered you no longer hold much significance.

What quality do you dislike the most about yourself?

I tend to put things off until the last minute.

What quality do you despise the most in other people?
Impatience.

Describe yourself in three words

I enjoy a good moan – one that is kind and humorous.

What superhuman ability would you choose to possess?

Travel to another country without taking a plane.

What causes you to feel unhappy?

Observing pain, whether it is present globally or within someone I am familiar with. And the task of completing paperwork.

What is your least favorite aspect of your appearance?

I wish for longer legs and a larger buttocks.

Which actor/actress would portray your character in a movie about your life?
Elizabeth Taylor.

What is your most indulgent pleasure?

I do not experience feelings of guilt about indulging in my favorite treats. As part of my daily diet, I consume biscuits, chocolates, and cakes every day. Additionally, I purchase biscuits in large quantities.

What is the least attractive behavior or habit that you have?

Biting at the skin near my fingernails.

What did you aspire to be when you were younger?
A teacher.

Which would you prefer: being famous or remaining anonymous?

I am not skilled in handling fame. I prefer to remain anonymous.

What are your obligations to your parents?
Sara and I have maintained a punctual work ethic for the past 40 years, never arriving late to any engagement.

Who do you want to apologize to the most and for what reason?

I have expressed my regrets to my son, Thomas, for not being present for a significant portion of his early years. However, as a working mother and provider, it was necessary for me. I believe I have made amends for it.

Who or what holds the title of the most significant love in your life?
I have an immense love for my son.

How does love feel?
Can’t remember.

Have you ever expressed “I love you” insincerely?
No.

What is the biggest letdown you have experienced?

Despite the end of a relationship I’ve been committed to, I find that I am still happy.

How frequently do you engage in sexual activity?

Currently, it’s not happening frequently.

Can you describe a time when you were in a close encounter with death?

I have experienced flights where the engine caught fire and we have had instances of nose-diving.

What do you perceive to be your most significant accomplishment?
Continuing with a job that was expected to only last six months and still remaining here after forty years.

Have you ever had a close encounter with the law?

At a Los Angeles beach, the police requested that we cover ourselves with tops.

What prevents you from sleeping at night?

Tinnitus and sleep apnea.

What would you like your legacy to be?
As the dark-haired bird from Bananarama.

Source: theguardian.com