In an era where older women like Joan Collins and Jane Fonda proclaim that sex keeps them youthful and radiant, it’s indeed refreshing to encounter a glamour girl who openly acknowledges that some parts of her machinery are aging.
Nina Carter, at 59 — formerly one half of the 1970s pop duo Blonde On Blonde alongside model Jilly Johnson, and the ex-wife of rock star Rick Wakeman — boasts skin as smooth as silk.
While she may have had a touch of Botox near her mouth, she hasn’t undergone any facelifts despite her new husband, Douglas Harrison, being a plastic surgeon.
A quick look behind her ears reveals no scars, just two hearing aids.
‘The other day, I heard this roaring sound and dashed outside thinking a plane was landing in the garden,’ she shares.
‘And do you know what it turned out to be? My kettle boiling. I realized my hearing aids were turned up too high.’
Then there’s the issue of her declining eyesight. ‘I’ve scattered 20 pairs of reading glasses throughout the house, yet I still manage to lose them — most often, I discover they’re hanging around my neck,’ she explains.
Originally a glamour model, Nina graced the pages of Vogue and traveled the globe with Blonde On Blonde.
‘It was a wild time,’ she recalls. ‘Full of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. I was fortunate to come out alive. Ultimately, I craved reality.’
In 1984, she married Wakeman, with whom she shares two children, Jemma, now 28, and Oscar, 25. They divorced acrimoniously seven years prior.
Three years back, Nina crossed paths with divorcee Douglas, leading to their marriage in June of this year.
‘Our sex life is incredible. He’s very sensitive, sympathetic, and has a kind heart,’ Nina expresses.
Reflecting on Rick, Nina comments, ‘He lacks a normal side. He’s like a Basil Fawlty character. My role was to keep the kids grounded.’
Meanwhile, Douglas possesses a surgeon’s attention to detail. He takes an active interest in Nina — and her friends.
‘He’s quite the romantic,’ she describes. ‘He observes everything, from the beauty of a sunset to the changing foliage. And when friends visit, he pays them mind as well.
‘He’ll remark, “You could use some eye work,” or “You might benefit from a little liposuction.”’
Nina believes age shouldn’t be a concern. ‘Why are we so fearful of our bodies? I still wear a bikini — although it requires three gym sessions each week to keep in shape.’
Does that mean she’s apprehensive about turning 60 in October?
‘Absolutely not! I’m looking forward to it! Dougie is taking me to Las Vegas.
‘Upon seeing the Royal Wedding entourage and all those vintage cars, I thought: “If I take care of myself, I’ll still be sprightly when I’m 80.”’
by Debbie Dot
