Loose Women star Penny Lancaster forced out of police role as she reveals reason why

As far as career paths go - Penny Lancaster's transition from model to television presenter to Special Police Constable is an unusual one. But the wife of rocker Rod Stewart, who officially joined the City of London police force in 2021, has exclusively revealed to OK! that she's put on "desk duty" rather than her usual role on the front line.

The 53-year-old mum of two and occasional Loose Women panellist completed her training to become a special police constable two years ago, shortly after taking part in the Channel 4 show Famous and Fighting Crime, which saw the likes of Penny, Made in Chelsea's Jamie Laing, and Katie Piper volunteer with emergency services in London.

Despite someone threatening to stab her with a "dirty f****g needle", Penny completed the show and went on to become fully trained, saying she was going to do around 200 hours of work with the City of London Police every year.

Speaking to OK! at an event this week, Penny revealed she was currently off active duty because of an injury. "I'm still with the City of London police but at the moment I’m not on the frontline, because I’ve got a bit of a knee injury," she revealed.

"Even though it appears to be fine, the doctors have recommended that I don't run yet - which is needed when you’re on the frontline. So I’m on desk duty for a while. I’ve been slowed down!"

Penny's husband Rod, who she married in 2007 and renewed her vows with last year, has said previously that he's been fully supportive of his wife's career switch.

Prior to her finishing her training, he said on The Graham Norton show: “She trained for eight months, and she loves it. I backed her all the way. She says she loves giving something back, but more importantly she wants to protect the city she loves.”

As well as her 'regular police work', Penny was also part of the police team working during the King's coronation in May last year. Speaking on Good Morning Britain at the time, she revealed: "It was the most fabulous day and of course, tremendously proud and honoured to have been given that opportunity, along with the City of London Police, that I’m a special constable for."

Penny spoke to OK! at the opening night for Fawlty Towers Play at the Apollo Theatre.