Maureen Nolan

DO YOU REMEMBER THE VERY MOMENT YOU DECIDED TO GO AHEAD WITH TREATMENT?

I definitely started to notice the stress of the last 10 years on my face. I'd never really felt the need before now. I got to a point where I was having a hard time connecting with the face I saw in the mirror. I'd stop and I'd think 'who is this old person?'

Then when Linda came back after her treatment looking so fantastic… I was so pleased for her. Seeing how delighted she was was definitely a 'wheels into motion' moment for me. I felt very encouraged by Linda. Plus, we're sisters - we do everything together! [laughs]

WHAT WERE YOUR PROBLEM AREAS?

Like most women - the things that go first are usually the eyes, jowls and neck. I definitely started to notice those parts first.

My jowls and my neckline were probably my biggest concerns, though. They were the parts that I was very aware people would see when I was up on stage.

HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS?

Completely! I love my new face. I feel like I've been restored and resurrected. It's felt like a bit of rediscovery period for myself.

WHAT WAS IT ABOUT THE HARLEY STREET SKIN CLINIC THAT TOOK YOUR FANCY?

I knew they were tried and tested, and as I mentioned, my sister had been there - as well as lot of people that I know.

I'd always heard they were very reliable... professional… I suppose it was a case of feeling in safe hands, really.

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE PROCEDURE DAY?

It was all a bit of a blur actually, which to me is actually a sign that it all went very well. I would rather not remember too much of the behind the scenes bits! I remember that I was checked in, and Dr Khan came to the bedside to say hello and make sure I was feeling okay beforehand - that was a really lovely touch. He is very gracious.

I knew exactly what to expect having discussed it at length with Dr Khan, Lesley and Linda. [laughs] I don't remember any pain or anything like that, though.

HAVE THERE BEEN ANY PERKS THAT YOU WEREN'T EXPECTING?

Well, I get a better reception from most people when they see me now, and it's always nice to hear 'Wow, you look well', but I think the biggest perk has been on my performances.

I love doing theatre, I always have, but the thing with performing to a live audience is that they see you you up close under flood lights!

When you start to become a bit self conscious, for whatever reason, it gets in the way of your performance. I don't have to worry myself with that anymore.

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL PEOPLE THAT WERE ON THE FENCE ABOUT TAKING A SIMILAR ROUTE?

For people that are sitting on the fence, they've got to really think about what they want, and not be influenced by those around them. Go with what's in your heart.

I think it's a very personal choice. My choice was to take a surgical route - that was because I wanted to make a big difference.

I'd had such a horrible few years, with losing my sister Bernie, and the end of my marriage - I really felt that I wanted to refresh myself. I'd suggest having a consultation to see if it truly is workable for you. It's not for everyone, but it was for me!

WOULD YOU CONSIDER POPPING BACK TO THE CLINIC IN FUTURE?

Oh, definitely.

As I said, I'd never really felt the need to have anything done up until now, so as for the future? Who knows. I absolutely would consider it though.

There's no stigma attached to treatment anymore. You maintain your car, so why not your face? [laughs]