THEY’RE the nifty 50s – the women with the wow factor who have reached their half century and are definitely not out.
There was a time when turning 50 meant you were past it, but the fabulous females who are celebrating the milestone birthday in 2024 seem like they are only just getting started.
And there must have been something in the water when they were born back in nineteen seventy phwoar, because Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, Louise Redknapp and Penelope Cruz, to name just a few, look as if they’ve been drinking from the fountain of youth.
With glowing skin, impressive six-packs, sizzling sex lives and successful careers, this year’s new 50-year-olds prove it’s no time to be slowing down.
This week TV’s Denise van Outen dazzled as she stepped out just days before her 50th to record the video for her new single, Discoliscious.
Spice Girl Mel C, DJ Sara Cox and actresses Eva Mendes, Amy Adams, Elizabeth Banks and Hannah Waddingham all turn 50 this year too.
Psychologist Emma Kenny says: “Fifty is a time for women to finally reclaim their life.
“They’ve spent their 20s on their career, and if they have a family, their late 20s, 30s and 40s would likely have been dedicated to raising the kids and working to pay the bills.
“Then perimenopause and menopause sneaks up on you around 40. But into your 50s — finally — you are the star of your own show again.”
Dubbed the Spice Girl who couldn’t really sing, Victoria Beckham — who admits her microphone used to be turned off — is 50 and flourishing.
Having long since ditched her solo pop career, she is now a fashion and beauty mogul. Last month she launched her first high street collection for her fashion label, Victoria by Victoria Beckham, with a collaboration with Mango.
Meanwhile, her Victoria Beckham Beauty business reports a tripling of customers and has won 28 industry awards, with one £30 Satin Kajal Liner reportedly sold every 30 seconds.
Now the rumour mill suggests she may reprise her Posh Spice role in a reunion with the Spice Girls.
Not only that, mum-of-four Victoria is also in the shape of her life, with up to six gym sessions a week.
On turning 50 last month she said on Instagram: “I feel so incredibly blessed to have reached this milestone . . . blessed, but also accomplished and deeply content.”
Kate Moss, who turned 50 in January, has gone from all-night clubbing and rumours of substance abuse to yoga, ice baths and health retreats. And now she is looking better than ever as she sits in pride of place on every catwalk’s front row.
She also has her own skincare range, Cosmoss, and a beauty range believed to be launching this year.
She has also banked millions in profits through her modelling agency Kate Moss Agency, which looks after her daughter Lila, 21, and Rita Ora.
LATE BLOOMER
Actress, singer and presenter Hannah Waddingham, who turns 50 on July 28, is the epitome of a late bloomer, with her TV acting career only starting at the age of 45.
The single mum only became an A-lister in 2020, when she landed a leading role in TV comedy drama Ted Lasso, winning an Emmy for her portrayal of Rebecca Welton in 2021.
Last year she hosted Eurovision and had her own one-woman Christmas show for Netflix. Not afraid to speak her mind, last month she scolded a photographer for asking her to show him some leg.
Louise Redknapp shot to fame in Nineties band Eternal, then took a rest from the limelight to raise her two kids with footballer hubby Jamie.
After they split in 2017 she said: “I have spent most of my life pleasing everyone else, worrying about being judged and thinking I should always do the right thing by staying home, looking after my kids and husband.
“I became a sort of Stepford Wife, wanting to be perfect at it.”
RELAUNCHED CAREER
But in the past few years she has relaunched her pop career, become a fashion influencer and has found new love with former military officer Drew Michael.
Oscar-winner Olivia Colman turned 50 in January, and with her dyed blonde hair and Prada gowns, many are calling this her fashion era, while Olivia proudly confesses to tweakments such as Botox.
Once a lager-swilling ladette, Radio 2’s Sara Cox will be 50 in December and is in her best shape ever, from cycling, riding and the gym — which is how she now has a six-pack.
It’s not just our stars who look fab at 50 — Penelope Cruz joined the club on April 28 after huge accolades for her latest role in hit filmFerrari.
Similarly, Amy Adams and Elizabeth Banks are flourishing in their careers, while Eva Mendes has stepped back from acting to raise her family with Ryan Gosling, and has become a children’s author.
