Jo Whiley, 59, strips off for racy shoot as she reveals she achieved her six pack after turning to the gym to ‘save’ herself from debilitating menopause

As a presenter of a long-running programme on BBC Radio One, she is used to doing all the heavy lifting with her voice.

But Jo Whiley developed an impressive six-pack and toned arm muscles after taking up strength training in the gym to ‘save’ herself from the gruelling menopause.

The 59-year-old said: ‘I really lost myself when the menopause hit. I was crying all the time. I mean, I cry a lot anyway, but I was crying all the time. I just felt really weak.

“And going to the gym and making myself stronger has really played a huge, huge role in helping me become the person I am today. It really saved me.”

The 59-year-old said: ‘I really lost myself when the menopause hit. I was crying all the time. I mean, I cry a lot anyway, but I was crying all the time. I just felt really weak.

Whiley, who has four children – India, Jude, Cassius and Coco – with her music director husband Steve Morton, showed off her toned torso on the cover of Women Health in a red sports bra and underwear.

The BBC Radio Two presenter also revealed that life in the 90s wasn’t so much about sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, and she suffered from anxiety when DJing in front of a large audience.

She said: ‘I remember doing a gig once and I was so scared, I thought I can’t go on like this. This is ridiculous. It’s ruining my life because I’m such a ball of anxiety.

“But then I realised how happy these performances make people and that was a real game changer.”

Posing in her underwear, Whiley took the opportunity to speak out against the culture of ‘lads magazines’: lifestyle magazines from the 1990s and early 2000s that were aimed at men and typically featured a woman in her underwear.

The BBC presenter said: ‘Women and their bodies were objectified and judged so much.

“And going to the gym and making myself stronger has really played a huge, huge role in helping me become the person I am today. It really saved me.”

“It was a ridiculous time to be a woman, but I kept my head down and weathered the storm.”

I think [the current generation of girls] still has a lot to process.

Whiley, who has four children – India, Jude, Cassius and Coco – with her husband, music executive Steve Morton, showed off her toned torso on the cover of Women’s Health

‘There are so many crises, so much pressure and so much worry in the world.

[But] there is an army of [young] women who are fearless, absolutely fearless, and who take no prisoners, and who will be who they want to be. And it’s much healthier.’

Last summer, Jo breathed a sigh of relief when she lost her voice and completed another year as a Glastonbury presenter.

The presenter lost her voice after just two hours at the five-day festival, but kept going despite concerns from BBC viewers.

Jo wrote on Instagram to recap her experience, praising the festival doctor for helping her continue in her role as Glastonbury hostess, which she has held since 1997.

The BBC Radio Two presenter also revealed that life in the 90s wasn’t so much about sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll as she suffered from anxiety disorders.

Ms Whiley posed in her underwear, taking the opportunity to speak out against the culture of ‘lad mags’ – lifestyle magazines of the 1990s and early 2000s

The full interview with Jo Whiley is available to read now on the Women’s Health website or in the September 17 issue of the magazine

The radio DJ wrote: ‘Oh My!! Glastonbury 2024 has been a bit of a rollercoaster. So lucky to be there and bring the festival to you all as part of the @bbcglasto team.

‘Something I will never take for granted and I hope you enjoyed it. So much joy and talent on those stages. The next week I will be split between watching all the performances at @bbciplayer and @wimbledon.

‘Losing my voice 2 hours after arriving at Glastonbury was NOT what I expected & made it a *little* tough & I am so grateful to everyone for the advice, remedies & honey & lemon. Special mention to Jim the festival doctor who came to my rescue on the radio show yesterday!

‘I saw two of my kids quickly for a quick squeeze which was heavenly and I saw photographic evidence of the entire WM crew and friends covering most corners of the festival. Not looking forward to the post Glasto blues and laundry… anyone else??!!!

‘Special thanks to my Glasto radio and TV family for your hard work, love, support, production, coordination, driving, make-up and dressing up.

The full interview with Jo Whiley is available to read now on the Women’s Health website or in the September 17 issue of the magazine