Mary Kennedy has long oozed confidence on screen – but the broadcaster has revealed she’s much more comfortable in her own skin since she hit her 70s.

The RTÉ star explained that she is no longer burdened by what people think of her. Mary added that her seven grandchildren have helped her realise that ‘these are the precious years.’

‘These are the times that have to be celebrated,’ she told Brendan O’Connor on Radio One. ‘An old French author said long ago, “There is no hope of joy, except in human relations,” and that I believe fully.’

The 71-year-old gushed over life at her age, saying: ‘The bills are paid. The freedom I have. I feel a confidence now that I didn’t feel at younger ages.’

‘I’m confident in where I am, and that I really don’t care what people think of me,’ Mary paused. ‘It’s not that I don’t care. It’s that I am happy with what I think and what I say and what I do.’

‘I live my life in a way that is nice, fun, honest, and for me,’ Mary told Brendan. ‘I’ve written a book about ageing that’s coming out in October.’

Mary revealed her grandchildren have taught her another important lesson; that she needs to keep in shape.

She explained that the one downside to ageing is the struggle to stay fit. ‘I really became aware of it with the arrival of grandchildren. When they start getting a bit bigger, and you’re trying to lift them.’

‘It is so important for, especially for women, to keep the upper body strong. That’s the main thing. It’s optional up to your 50s. It’s essential afterwards,’ she advises.