Kimberly Wyatt
Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt was part of one of the biggest girl bands of the Noughties. Now a mum of three and living in London, she’s taking on a new stage role in scandalous thriller
Blonde bombshell Kimberly Wyatt, 39, is best known for being part of The Pussycat Dolls.
They sizzled on to the pop scene almost 20 years ago with their debut album, PCD, and had a string of hits, including Don’tCha and Stickwitu, both of which reached number one in the UK charts. Ten years on and now a mum to daughters Willow, seven, and Maple, four, and son Ford, two – with model hubby Max Rogers – the star tells us all about her new stage role, and why she’s more excited for her 40s than any decade that’s gone before...
Hey Kimberley! How excited are you that theatre is back?!
I am so excited, I just can’t wait to get back on stage and this play is incredible, so to be involved is pretty spectacular.
What drew you to Dead Lies?
Hilary Bonner is the best writer – the way she puts this story together is so gripping and pageturning, I was just hooked on every word, so I just jumped at the chance to become Kate Compton, who’s a press officer. I love that it’s all wrapped up in politics, always such a huge part of our lives – but especially in the last few years. There’s a real hope to the play but engulfed in scandal and twists, turns and thrilling events.
Tell us about your character…
Kate Compton is trying to help Peter George become the next elected Prime Minister. She’s sort of the queen of spin and I love her because I think the way that she wants the world to become is really in line with who I am and my own personal hopes – so I feel a real connection with her – but at the same time she’s got her own secrets and she’s doing her best to try and help deal with past events that are coming back to bite someone.
Is it strange going solo, without The Pussycat Dolls, or are you used to doing it on your own now?
Well, I guess I’ve spent the last 10 years doing things on my own now – whether it’s been series three of Almost Never or independent feature films, or judging on various TV shows, so I feel quite comfortable on my own two feet. But I was gearing up to go on a world tour with The Pussycat Dolls and since the lockdowns have hit, we’ve just been pushing and pushing it back. This is why it’s so nice to be back on stage, taking a leap of faith in myself as an actress because it’s been what my real focus has been in the last couple of years. It’s been scary, intimidating, amazing and exciting and feels like the next step for me.
The UK is home now, so what do you love about Britain?
I love living here. I love the people… the weather is awful, but it makes you really appreciate the sunshine! I also love the work I’m able to do, like this play is epic and the cast that I get to work with is incredible. They’ve been working for a really long time here in Britain and I love being engulfed in the arts here, it feels like a real pleasure. I feel responsibility with the connection I have to the story, so having that, you want to bring your A-game to your work . Living here has led to a lot of opportunities of jobs I adore, and continue to adore.
What do you particularly miss about America?
Friends and family. Having lived in LA for a couple of years, I certainly have my little spots, like the Grand Canyon, that I just love.
Have you been able to see friends and family?
Over the Summer, I took my family to Devon and got to see a few of the places this play is based in. Of course, we’ve not been able to really go that far – especially with three kids in tow in these times – but it’s been so nice to get to know the UK and seeing the Lake District and camping in Wales! I do love it, but meeting my husband Max is obviously what led to the full move!
You hit the big 4-0 next February, how do you feel about it? Restrictions permitting (please God it’s all over!), what would be your ideal birthday bash?
Let’s hope the restrictions are over, yes! But no matter what, it’s a big birthday, isn’t it? I’m probably more excited for my 40s than any other decade! I feel quite comfortable in my skin. I’ve got everything I ever dreamed of, with love and family and children and being a mum. There’s a lot to celebrate.
You are, of course, married to model Max Rogers – describe your relationship. Why do you ‘work’ so well? Was it put the test during the lockdowns?
We’ve been married almost eight years now, you go through your ups and downs but it’s all about just staying consistent with each other, communicating and working for it. I don’t think there’s any other way around it! Love is obviously a huge part of it, but as parents of three kids, doing what I call ‘the juggle struggle’, we are also partners in life, as well as lovers.
You’ve had three kids, but you look amazing, what a figure – what’s your secret?!
There isn’t a secret, really! Just every day trying to embrace and celebrate the body that has created three children, while always trying to stay active and eat good foods. I certainly go through my ups and downs about my own personal body image, moments like getting back on stage seven weeks after my third C-section, and facing those vulnerabilities you feel as a new mum. Instead of shying away, you have to step in and embrace what our female bodies are capable of.
● The world premiere of Hilary Bonner’s psychological thriller
Dead Lies, ahead of a national UK tour in the Autumn, is at the Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple, on 14 September… tickets available at deadlies.co.uk