EXCLUSIVE Grace Keeling, also known as GK Barry, is the youngest panellist on ITV's Loose Women, and has spoken out about the struggles she faces being on the show
GK – real name Grace Keeling – proved such a hit that TV channels, streamers and brands clambered to work with her. Since jetting back from down under, she’s firmly established herself on Loose Women, teased a series with her I’m A Celeb pal Reverend Richard Coles and is about to embark on her own podcast tour.
It’s been quite a wild ride. Five years ago, she was working at Costa Coffee and trying to figure out where to go with her career.
Now a household name, she admits her fame has not only given her a community, but also boosted her independence.
Born in the same year Loose Women was launched, being the youngest panellist hasn’t stopped Grace from forming close bonds with her more experienced co-stars. And although it’s a far cry from daily vlogs, she’s clearly a natural on the ITV chat show – and adores the experience.
“I’m as old as the show,” she laughs, speaking exclusively to OK! “I was really scared going into it and I think that probably showed in my first couple of episodes. I wasn’t very opinionated or I wouldn’t get involved in the conversation.
“After spending three weeks in the jungle with Jane Moore, she said, ‘Say your piece.’ So I did. I feel more confident there. It’s the best show I’ve worked on as everyone is so nice.”
During the Coronavirus pandemic, Grace gained traction on TikTok and has since been making waves beyond her hilarious lifestyle and comedy clips. With over 3.6 million followers on TikTok, the social media sensation has also amassed over 270 million likes on the platform.
In November last year, Grace opened up about joining the daytime show, GK – who spent part of her childhood in the British Virgin Islands before moving back to the UK at the age of eight – said, “It’s iconic that I’m the youngest one there. I feel like I’ve actually done something. I can give my two cents, and everyone has to listen to it.
“I feel like [our generation] is overlooked,” GK – who is joined by fellow Loose Woman, Jane, in camp – continued. "Because we’re ‘young’, you know? And when we have our meetings, that always sparks a new conversation. I like to bring a different perspective to the show.”
The star added, “I feel like it’s quite nice to maybe get a different, like another demographic, listening to me. Obviously, I’ve got Gen Z down but I think it would be nice to have, like, a bit of a different audience as well to be included in so, yeah, I think it’s quite exciting.”
It’s also clear that GK Barry’s influence extends far beyond social media. In April 2022, during lockdown, she launched her own podcast, Saving Grace, which went on to stratospheric success. Since then, she has interviewed a whole host of star-studded guests on the pod, including Gemma Collins, Chris Hughes, Katie Price and Louie Spence.
The podcast’s success led to a UK tour, with sold-out shows from February to March 2024 and hosted a Christmas party like no other, at the iconic OVO Arena Wembley as part of her Saving Grace XXXMas Special in December.
