Gail Porter has been famous, she’s been homeless, and she’s been sectioned with two guys who both claimed to be Jesus. Life has certainly been eventful for Gail Porter.
For the best part of a decade, Gail was one of the most ubiquitous faces on British television, presenting legendary shows like Top of the Pops and The Big Breakfast.
Born and raised in Edinburgh, after graduating from college, Gail moved into TV production, working as a runner (which often included being an unpaid babysitter to the boss’s children) and all manner of low/no-paid jobs as she learnt the craft of television.
On the encouragement of a friend, Gail auditioned for a children’s television show in Scotland, and much to her surprise and consternation, got the job.
She swiftly made a name for herself in children’s television, presenting long-running shows Fully Booked, How 2, and Live & Kicking, among others.
A popular model alongside her television career, in 1999, a nude photo of Gail was projected onto the Houses of Parliament as a guerrilla publicity stunt by a “lads mag” to promote their 100 sexiest women poll.
The first time Gail knew about it was when it was reported and became the topic of discussion on Newsnight, intensifying media interest in her private life.
In 2004, Gail began presenting the paranormal TV series Dead Famous. It was during filming for the show that she began to suffer from alopecia totalis, causing her hair to fall out.
The stress of this and the break-up of her marriage brought underlying mental health issues to the surface, ultimately leading her to be detained under the Mental Health Act.
Since then, Gail has been a vocal mental health advocate and championed many causes. In 2019, BBC Scotland made the documentary with her, Being Gail Porter, which went on to win a BAFTA.
A regular attendee since she was a child, Hung Drawn & Portered was her debut show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023.
She is also an ambassador for organisations including the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Samaritans, and Togetherco.
Gail is also an Advocate for the Homewards, a transformative five-year, locally led programme backed by Prince William and The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.
Homewards aims to demonstrate that together, it’s possible to end homelessness – making it rare, brief, and unrepeated.
All Advocates are individuals either with lived experience of homelessness or who have worked passionately in this space to make change, to help generate public support, and reframe the issue.
Gail caught up with K9 Magazine to talk about her dogs, work, and life.
Tell us all about all the dogs/cats you've loved in your life.
I’ve been lucky enough to love many animals in my life, mine and the ones of my friends. There is my current cat, Ziggy (Stardust), of course, a rescue cat which has been with me for many years, filling my life with joy, laughter, and many cuddles.
Previously, I had a black cat named Pickles, who was with me during tough times. And there was my dog, Missy, who has kept me company for fourteen years. Missy was adorable and very protective.
You're obviously a huge cat lover. How long has your cat been a major part of your life, and how would you explain the importance of pets to someone who hasn't ever experienced the joy of an animal/human relationship in their life?
I am an animal lover! Animals are able to give you unconditional love; there is no other relationship like that.
What are your favorite things to do with your cat?
Ziggy is affectionate, cuddle‑focused, and always hungry. She likes cuddling more than anything - probably even more than her breakfast - so we spend lots of time just cuddling.
You have a really interesting career... What advice would you give to the many people who want to follow your path in career terms? What are the absolute best (and worst) things about your work?
My advice would be: look for adventure and fun, but be prepared to stand up for yourself!
Why did you decide to become a StreetVet ambassador, and what does the charity do?
I became a StreetVet ambassador because I know first-hand that homelessness can happen to anyone: I’ve been there. When my mother was sick, I went through a very stressful time and began to suffer from alopecia, losing all my hair.
Because of that, I didn’t work much. I had no money and ended up on the street.
During that time, I had my cat Pickles with me, and couldn’t take care of her, so a friend offered to look after the cat for the time I needed.
Any animal lover knows that the idea of choosing between a loved pet and a roof over your head is impossible. Pets are companions, comfort, and family for those who are experiencing homelessness.
That’s why StreetVet action is so important: they provide free veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness, helping to protect that vital bond and keeping people and their animals together.
Describe the last time you laughed out loud because of something you saw your cat did.
I often laugh because of something that my cat has done! Ziggy does really odd things, but if I have to mention only one, she is so funny when she climbs up somewhere high and then gets stuck, and I have to go and rescue her.
What do you like to do in your downtime?
Oh, I don’t remember the last time I had downtime! I don’t like to stay put, so when I have time, I go for a run or a walk. I need to move. I suffered from mental health issues, and moving has many physical and mental benefits.
Let us in on a secret that very few people know about you.
When I was around 6 years old, I studied Martial Arts. I was good! I competed and reached the black belt. Years later, I did MMA and kickboxing. This is something not many people know about me.
What is your current favorite…?
TV show?
I don’t watch many TV shows, honestly. But I liked ‘Yellowstone’, which I watched on streaming while I was travelling for work. And, recently, I really enjoyed watching ‘Salt Path’, with Gillian Anderson. She’s great.
Album?
I love all music; I can’t really mention one album.
Film?
I love movies! I was a movie reviewer, so the cinema has always been a great part of my life. I have so many favourite films, like ‘Star Wars’!
The first episode in 1977 was the first movie I watched at the cinema. But also ‘Blue Velvet’, and a few movies with Robin Williams.
Animal charity(s)?
I support many charities raising funds for animals and for people experiencing mental health issues. But what StreetVet is doing to ensure that the bond between those experiencing homelessness and their pets is safe it’s something really precious.
If you had to choose just one, what product or service would you say has most changed your life, do you think, and why?
I would say… I couldn’t live without a streaming device - either a smartphone or a laptop - where I can watch movies.
Tell us about some of the most memorable moments from your work.
Oh, without any doubt, the time I interviewed David Bowie. I still have goosebumps thinking about that. Oh, and when I interviewed Robert De Niro, too.
Finish the following sentence, "Cats are..."...
Adorable.
And finally, this is always a tough question and often requires some serious thought… If dogs had the ability to speak, and you could ask a dog just one question and one question only, what would you ask them, and what do you think that they'd say?
I would say, “Do you want to come with me to the cinema?”
They would say, “No! I wanna go for a walk!”
Thanks, Gail!
Gail Porter’s Social Media:
Instagram: @iamgailporter
Facebook: @Gail Porter
About StreetVet
JADE STATT, VET AND CO-FOUNDER OF CHARITY, StreetVet, qualified as a vet from Glasgow Vet School in 2002 and co-founded StreetVet with Sam Joseph in 2016.
A chance meeting with a man experiencing homelessness and his dog inspired her to take vet care out to the people and pets that need it most.
StreetVet has supported more than 3,200 pets, delivered more than 12,000 consultations on the streets, and operates in more than 20 locations across the UK, including London, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Birmingham, Cornwall, Peterborough, Gloucester, Glasgow, Reading, Bournemouth, Norwich, and Hertfordshire.
The charity is continuing to grow its Accredited Hostel & Day Centre Scheme, which enables hostels and day centres to accept residents and service users with their pets by offering free, accessible veterinary care, as well as training and support for hostel and day centre managers and staff to adopt and implement positive pet policies.
Currently, many people experiencing homelessness face the impossible choice between a roof over their heads and giving up their beloved pet.
