Loose woman Lynda Bellingham shockingly revealed her past as an abused wife at an afternoon tea event to launch the Liverpool tour of hit play Calendar Girls.
For 16 years, Linda, 60, was the most recognised TV mum in the country, dishing out roast dinners to her perfect family in OXO adverts.
But it was another story at home with her Italian ex-husband.
“I’d be cooking perfect Christmas dinner on the telly,” said Lynda. “But at home I would have the Turkey smashed over my head.”
Ladies from women’s group like the WI and Minerva listened intently to Lynda’s story in the Atrium Bar in the Liverpool Empire, where Calendar Girls will show from 21-26th November.
The bubbly and at times raunchy “Mrs Spain” - she refers to her Spanish husband, Michael, as “Mr Spain” - also revealed her struggle to come to terms with being adopted.
Meredith Lee Hughes was born on 31st May 1948 in Montreal, Canada, and given up for adoption by her devout Christian mother, Marjorie, because her daughter was illegitimate.
Pilot Donald Bellingham and his wife Ruth adopted Lynda later that same year and moved to England.
But, now a famous TV personality and actress, she wanted to track down her real mother in the late 80s and has kept a strong relationship with her ever since.
Ms Bellingham is also a honourary fellow of LIPA and said she loves coming to Liverpool, not just because of the fact the city is in love with The Beatles.
On meeting Sir Paul McCartney, Lynda said: “When I met him I cracked a dirty joke as I often do when I’m nervous. Then I said, ‘I know you but you don’t know me’ to Paul.
“And Paul looked at me and said, ‘Of course I do, you’re the OXO mum, you’re a national treasure!’”.
But that gravy boat has passed and Lynda has been waiting for the edgier role the true story of the Calendar Girls gives to counter act her perfect image.
The role of Chris Harper, played by Helen Mirren in the 2003 box office smash hit film, means the 60 year-old actress bares all on stage with co-stars Rula Lenska, from Coronation Street, and Liverpool’s own Jennifer Ellison.
The play raises money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma research and has so far raised over £10million.
The original Girls started posing naked for charity calendars when Angela Knowles’ husband, John, died of Leukaemia and sparked a global phenomenon that led to a hit film and theatre production.
“The reaction from the original girls has been fantastic. They have really warmed to the stage show and I keep meaning to ask them who their favourite actress is,” laughed Lynda.
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