Sue Ravey has spoken candidly about the strength and nuances of her enduring friendship with singer and television presenter Jane McDonald. The two have shared a close bond spanning decades, marked by mutual support, complementary personalities, and a deep understanding of each other’s lives.

Ravey, who joined McDonald as a backing singer after years of performing independently, described her decision to move into McDonald’s home during a transitional period in both their lives. At the time, Ravey was living alone in Doncaster, having recently ended a 15-year relationship. She noted that after the death of McDonald’s partner, she recognized the need to provide practical support as her friend faced a difficult time. “Life keeps moving, even when your world has stopped,” Ravey said, highlighting her role in offering stability for McDonald.

Their relationship is characterized by a balance of emotional expression and resilience. Ravey contrasts her own guarded nature—developed through personal challenges including raising a disabled son as a single mother—with McDonald’s openness and emotional expressiveness. “Jane deals in big feelings, and that helps to bring my emotions to the fore, while I encourage her to be strong,” Ravey explained. She also noted that McDonald’s friendly and people-pleasing nature can sometimes leave her vulnerable to being taken advantage of.

Despite their close living arrangements and shared routines, including watching the quiz show The Chase each evening, Ravey emphasized the absence of conflict between them. She recounted their lighthearted moments, such as teasing McDonald over getting song lyrics stuck in her head or their traditional approach to household roles, where Ravey tends to take charge of cleaning and cooking. The pair have established a rhythm that plays to their strengths and supports their companionship.

Ravey acknowledged the public interest in their relationship, particularly since appearing together on the television program Gogglebox. She expressed admiration for McDonald’s ability to manage the pressures of a high-profile entertainment career, contrasting it with her own preference for a less public lifestyle. The friendship provided Ravey with opportunities to travel extensively, performing abroad alongside McDonald in locations ranging from India to the United States. Reflecting on her career shift after the death of her sister and performing partner in 1997, Ravey said, “You’ve got to say yes to more while you can,” which led her to embrace the chance to work closely with McDonald.

At 75, Ravey revealed she is scaling back touring commitments as McDonald prepares for a large arena tour, citing the physical demands of life on the road. Nonetheless, she emphasized that their friendship remains a constant source of strength and companionship. “We’ve spent more time together than with any of our respective partners,” she said, underscoring the unique closeness they share as longtime friends.