The social media star turned TV favourite says it hasn't always been easy
Grace Keeling, the social media star better known by her viral moniker GK Barry, has shaken up the influencer landscape with a following of nearly five million people online. Despite portraying a persona of immense confidence across her platforms, Grace has shared some heartfelt truths about her journey to confidence.
"I used to be really nervous, to do anything or talk to anyone – but everything that I'm doing is pushing me out of my comfort zone and building my confidence," she disclosed with raw honesty. The 25-year-old skyrocketed to fame through TikTok before landing spots on Loose Women, hosting a widely popular podcast with celebrity guests, and she is set to dazzle as a presenter at the Pride of Britain Awards red carpet, as OK! magazine details.
Trading her barista apron from her days at Costa Coffee for the glitz of the media world, Grace talks of strengthening her self-governing spirit and fostering a sense of belonging. Reflecting on her previous battles with anxiety, she says: "When I first started this journey, I wouldn't even get on public transport on my own. I wouldn't really speak to people, I was just too nervous to do any of that. Now I'm hopping on the Tube on my own, I'm interviewing everyone under the sun... it's really made me a lot more independent and confident. It's all quite surreal."
Despite her accomplishments, she confesses that she still occasionally grapples with self-doubt: "I get imposter syndrome all the time, especially when I'm interviewing people I've grown up watching on telly. I'm just like, 'How on earth have I got here?' It really is mental."
To alleviate this, Grace humorously suggests: "A glass of prosecco, that eases the nerves! But also, I just remind myself that I have every right to be here as well. It is truly a case of fake it until you make it for me."
Earlier this year, Grace made headlines by becoming the youngest-ever panellist on Loose Women reports the Mirror. Despite the transition from daily vlogs, she's proven to be a natural fit for the ITV chat show and absolutely adores it.
"Oh my God, I love Loose Women! My mum is so happy that I'm doing it – she tells everyone. It's such an amazing show to be a part of, because everyone's so nice on it."
She initially had concerns about how she would be perceived by the show's audience, given her age and relative unfamiliarity. "When I started Loose Women , I was very aware that most people who watch the show would have no clue who I am, so I did worry they wouldn't get my sense of humour. But so far, touch wood, I've been received really well. I think people have been really welcoming of someone younger on the panel, offering different views and opinions."
Her time on the show has garnered her a fresh set of fans. "I'm getting the older generation approaching me in Tesco and saying, 'I saw you on Loose Women.' I love it," she laughs.
Away from the small screen, Grace's popular podcast, Saving Grace, has welcomed a range of celebrity guests from Alison Hammond to Mark Wright. The venture even took her on a nationwide tour with live podcast shows, including a sold-out performance at the London Palladium last year, which Grace says was when she realised she'd hit the big time.
"The podcast is so amazing, I love it," she enthuses. When asked about her favourite guests, she replies, "Rob Beckett, Alison Hammond and Tana Mongeau – they're my top three."
While Grace's life may already seem like a whirlwind, on 21 October she'll be interviewing star-studded attendees at the Pride of Britain Awards for the second year running, something she's eagerly looking forward to.
"Three years ago, if someone had told me, 'You're going to be doing stuff on the Pride of Britain red carpet,' I'd have been like, 'Oh, I don't know if I can do that.' Now I love it," she reveals. "I'm not nervous, just excited. They're building me a bar, so I'm going to feel very at home! I'm just going to have as much fun as possible, it's an amazing place to be. Last year I was pulling people over left, right and centre. I had absolutely no decorum! " Ambitious presenter Grace has grand plans for the future, confessing her dream is to be a mix of Stacey Dooley and Maya Jama.
Grace, bursting with ideas for her future on the small screen, looks up to Olivia Attwood as a role model, with hopes of emulating her success in documentaries. Revealing her ambitions, Grace says: "I'd love to present a documentary, a bit like Olivia Attwood does. I think that would be amazing. I would do everything and anything when it comes to TV. Anyone who wants to snap me up, I'll do it."
