I appeared on 10 Years Younger… they gave me the makeover of my life – but it wasn’t just new hair and smile
WHEN Gail, back then 54, looked in the mirror and hated the reflection, she realised it was time for a change.
The busy mum-of-two, from Northumberland, signed up to take part in 10 Years Younger for the ultimate transformation at the hands of the host, Cherry Healey, and her talented team.
It wasn't an easy start - before the epic glow-up, Cherry had asked members of public to look at Gail and guess her age.
And it's safe to say, the British public didn't mince their words, describing the mum as looking ''dowdy'', having wrinkly, saggy skin and opting for fashion that wasn't flattering.
64, 76, 77 - these were just some of the ages people thought Gail was, bringing the average to 64, a whole decade more than her actual age.
Hearing the verdict, Gail couldn't have been more excited to start the makeover, starting off with a facial, which gave her tired-looking skin a youthful glow.
But the more pressing matter, the show revealed, was Gail's teeth - a severe gum infection had completely ravaged her smile, leaving devastating consequences.
''I remember talking to dentists and he said that they have to come out.
''I just cried...and I just cried and cried and cried,'' Gail remember, adding that the life-changing event had also altered the shape of her face.
Hearing Gail's story, the dentist, Dr Uchenna Okoye, realised she wasn't only about to change her looks - the new smile was also going to give Gail's self-esteem a drastic makeover.
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With the last remaining teeth whipped out, the expert created a completely new set of denture that changed the shape of her face and allowed her to eat anything she fancied - something she hadn't been able to do for years.
During the makeover, Gail's usually practical wardrobe also underwent a massive change and saw more chic and colour introduced in her regular attire.
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A stunning haircut later and dolling a glam dress, Gail was amazed by what she was seeing in the reflection.
''I love me so much.
''I wasn't a stranger anymore. I was reunited with me,'' the mum was emotional.
But how has she been since the show which saw her go from 64 to 49 in the eyes of the public?
Reflecting a year after appearing on our TV screens, Gail, looking as incredible as ever, said: ''I absolutely for more than I bargained for throughout this process.
''It was nothing as I expected it to be - it was so much more.
''I thought it was gonna be about the external... It turned out to be not about that really,'' she said, explaining that the biggest change was internal.
As a person, I now feel empowered because I've come back into what I would regard as being my strongest person.''
Gail
''Before the makeover, I looked into mirror and I didn't recognise the person that was looking back at me.
''I saw a face that didn't reflect me, my life. It was looking at a stranger.
''Right now, I am happy. I'm in a much better place.''
It's not just Gai'ls relationship with herself that's changed - the relationship she shares with her two daughters has since blossomed too.
''We have definitely become, like, closer with our mum.
''We can do more together and we can spend more time together.''
Sharing her time on the show, Gail added: '' Having your kids proud of something you've done is the best feeling in the world.
''Nothing beats it.
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''As a person, I now feel empowered because I've come back into what I would regard as being my strongest person.
''I ended up not only looking ten years younger but I ended up feeling decades younger.''
