Mary Portas has lead an intriguing life and by pure chance, somehow managed to stumble into the showbiz world.
When she was just 16, Mary’s mother sadly passed away after suffering Encephalitis – inflammation on the brain.
The Watford-born lass who is now 61, was coming to terms with her grief of losing one parent at the time, when her father had a tragic heartache just two years later.
Mary had aspired to become an actress but had to turn down a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in order to take care of her younger brother Lawrence.
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Taking any job that she could get, Mary began part time work at John Lewis before landing a full-time job at Harrods and later Topshop.
The talented display manager sampled her first taste of fame when she snapped up the role of creative director for Harvey Nicholls.
Soon after this, she appeared on Absolutely Fabulous and then went on to even snap up her own fashion TV programme Mary, Queen of Shops.
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The fashionista originally tied the knot with Graham Portas in 1989 – with the couple sharing two children together – Verity and Mylo.
After 13-years of marriage, Graham and Mary filed for divorce in 2003 and the fashion director began dating Melanie Ricky within that same year.
In an interview with the Mirror, Mary previously opened up about discovering her sexuality and how she began to fall for her future wife.
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She said: “It wasn’t a case of, ‘Ooh, I’ve been thinking about Linda Evangelista.’ So in one way, it was just about Melanie. But there was a sexual attraction. I do love women.
“What surprised me after was that so many women are fluid in this way. I’d meet them and they’d say, ‘I was married, now I’m with a woman.'”
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Soon after Melanie and Mary had exchanged vows, the pair entered the IVF process in hope of having their own child together.
Their treatment was a complete success and the vibrant couple welcomed their first son Horatio into the world.
Mary’s brother Lawrence also played a key role, having donated his own sperm so that they could have a “genetic link”.
According to the retail business woman, Lawrence was “honoured” that his sister asked him to be part of the process – and was even there when Melanie gave birth.
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In 2019, Mary announced that she was parting ways from her wife after 17-years of marriage.
The fashion writer and Melanie released a joint statement that read: “After 17 years together we have decided to separate. There is no one else involved,” they said.
“We have spent the last year consciously managing our separation in as good-heartedly, open, and mature a way as possible to ensure a smooth, amicable evolution for us.
“We remain a family, and are committed co-parents to three wonderful humans (plus Walter the dog!) who are our priority. We remain good friends, and will share much together going forward.”
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After going through a second divorce which was soon followed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Mary wanted to switch up her look and opted for a radical new change.
Bidding farewell to her iconic red bob-cut hairstyle, the TV personality wowed as she unveiled glam sleek brown tresses with honey highlights.
Speaking to the Independent, she beamed: “I loved it when I had my bob but that was me then and this is me now.
“I’m a calmer, more grounded, more centred person who’s very clear with what they want from the world.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
