‘I’M Happier& More Content Than ever’
Former Eastenders star Lindsey Coulson on why she moved on from the soap, her new TV role and why life in her fifties is so good
Best-known as Eastenders’ long-suffering Carol Jackson, Lindsey Coulson is taking on a new challenge – playing no-nonsense cop DCI Michelle newman in ITV’S new thriller series The Level. we caught up with the star, 56, who lives with husband Harry and daughters Molly, 24, and Grace, 17, to talk about staying fit and why reality TV isn’t Strictly for her…
Why did you decide to leave Eastenders after 23 years?
I know I seem to have played Carol over a long period of time, but I didn’t set out just to play one character. I also felt it starts to be a bit silly if you go on too long. Her son died and she had cancer and I think the cancer story was her swansong; I don’t know what else you would give her. But it was a great job. I had a wonderful time, met wonderful people and had wonderful storylines.
Was it draining playing someone who went through so much drama?
Yes, it was, certainly when Carol had cancer for 10 months. I was doing 12-hour days and that was incredibly tiring, because I had to believe I had it. It’s a strange old thing.
Will you ever go back?
I’ve left before, so I really shouldn’t say never, but it’s unlikely. I think, being older, I don’t want to work at that pace – it really does take a lot out of you – the freedom of my mind is beautiful at the moment. I feel a lot calmer and much slower. I think it was the time to go.
How did they entice you back to Albert Square after you left the first time (Lindsey quit in 2008 but returned one year later)?
when Grace was little I was working away in manchester a lot and I didn’t want to be a mum on the phone. I found that very difficult. when I’m not working, I really am a hands-on mum. I wanted to be based more in London and they came to me with some really nice storylines.
Are you still in touch with your old colleagues?
I socialise with Di Parish [Denise Fox] a lot – she’s one of my closest friends – and natalie Cassidy [sonia Fowler] and Lisa Hammond [Donna Yates].
Are you happier in your fifties than when you were younger?
my head has never been better. I really want to work, but as well as that I’m learning a couple of languages and I’ve done a creative writing course. I feel happier and more
‘I’m a very privileged woman. I’ve got two lovely girls and a loving relationship’
content than I’ve ever felt. It’s the wisdom that comes with age. I realise that time goes very quickly and I appreciate what I’ve got; I’m a very privileged woman. I’ve got two lovely girls and a loving relationship and I’ve worked.
If you had a day completely to yourself, how would you spend it?
I’d potter around my garden in my dressing gown. I’d deadhead everything and then I’d have a cup of tea in my favourite place, which is overlooking a little Buddha that Harry has put in. I’d read a novel before going to the gym for a swim and something to eat. Then I’d come home and have a little snooze in my loft room reading my novel
again. That would be my perfect day!
How do you look after yourself ?
I like cycling, I swim twice a week and i go to Pilates classes twice a week. I think Pilates is one of the most important things we can do as we get older as it’s good for posture. I haven’t eaten red meat for three years and I’ve recently given up chicken.
Tell us about your new character, DCI Michelle Newman?
she’s a middle management police officer in charge of a murder investigation. she’s efficient and organised and confident and knows her job. she doesn’t suffer fools. You don’t know much about her personal life, which is quite nice. murder is her business and she’s absolutely focussed.
Do you look very different in this new role?
I was blonde in Eastenders and I’d been blonde for a long time, but for this they said they wanted my hair dark. It works really well for the character, although now I’ve finished filming I’ve gone slightly lighter because I did feel a little bit like I was waking up looking really angry – pale and dark! It was bit of a shock every time I looked in the mirror!
Would you ever do a reality TV show?
Strictly might be the only one I’d pause for, but I’d get so nervous as you’re entering into a different space aren’t you? I’m quite private and shy. I also wouldn’t be very good with someone on a panel telling me I’m not great – I might get a little feisty!
Do your daughters want to follow in your footsteps?
molly is training to be a drama teacher and Grace wants to be an actress. she’s had a real vision since she was about four. she’s doing theatre studies at a Level and wants to go to drama school. I’d encourage them all the way.
What do you like to watch on TV?
apart from Happy Valley I don’t watch telly. I don’t think to turn it on because I just can’t stop reading. I don’t watch Eastenders, but only because I’ve been busy and haven’t had the time. I’ve got no idea what’s going on!
The Level,
Fridays, ITV