Julie Hesmondhalgh has opened up about her struggles with motherhood, revealing the challenges of balancing her career and family. The actress, 56, best known for her role as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, appeared in this year's series of Celebrity Traitors before being banished despite being a 'Faithful'.
The star shares two daughters, Martha, 25, and Lyss, 21, with her husband, writer Ian Kershaw. 'Balancing my own life and work with motherhood was tricky at times. I have a lot of regrets about losing my temper with my kids,' she admitted.
'I took things too personally; I felt like they were almost trying to make my life difficult, which obviously they weren't. They were just children,' she added during a recent interview reflecting on her parenting journey.
The actress noted that the pressures of the entertainment industry often exacerbated these feelings of guilt. She emphasized that looking back, she realizes the importance of patience, which she struggled to maintain during the early years of raising her daughters.
Meanwhile, Julie was the third celebrity to be banished from the show after fellow contestants became convinced she was a 'Traitor'. Her departure came as a shock to many viewers who had been following her strategic gameplay throughout the season.
Despite the early exit, Julie expressed that the experience was eye-opening. She noted that the high-pressure environment of the show allowed her to reflect on how she handles conflict and stress in her personal life.
The star remains a beloved figure in British television, with fans continuing to support her transition into reality television formats. Her honesty regarding the complexities of motherhood has resonated deeply with her audience.
She concluded by stating that she is now in a much better place regarding her relationship with her adult daughters. The family continues to support each other through various professional endeavors.
As she moves forward, Julie plans to focus on new acting projects while maintaining a healthy balance between her public persona and private family life. Her candid admission serves as a reminder that even public figures face the universal challenges of parenting, balancing professional success with the emotional demands of raising a family.