Glenda Gilson on pregnancy number two
Expectant mum Glenda Gilson is thrilled about a new sibling for son Bobby, but tells Niamh Walsh how Covid-19 has changed pregnancy
SHE may not have taken home the Dancing With The
Stars glitterball but Glenda Gilson has something far more precious on the way as she is expecting her second child with husband Rob Macnaughton.
The showbiz stalwart told Magazine she’s over the moon and that she became pregnant while she was taking part in the RTÉ series.
‘I’m about 17 and a bit weeks, so just over the four months. I was in DWTS when I became pregnant. I finished in February and I was pregnant at the end of January.’
Her new arrival will be a sibling to the couple’s son Bobby, who turns two in October. And while Glenda says her little boy is sure to be delighted with a baby brother or sister, she only hopes that the new tot doesn’t steal his thunder – or more importantly, his birthday.
‘This baby is due the same week as Bobby’s birthday, so we don’t know if this baby is going to come and rob all his birthdays,’ she smiled.
Bobby is, Glenda says, a rambunctious little boy and clearly taking after his ‘lively’ parents as his character is beginning to shine.
‘I went for a scan today and the doctor says “oh, you’ve a lively one”. Rob was outside in the car and I told him what the doctor said, and he laughed and was like “thank God the one at home is quiet”,’ she joked.
She says Rob is chuffed and more than ready for another addition to the family.
‘Rob is over the moon, thrilled as you can imagine. Bobby is getting to that age now where he is a real little character and you can have loads of fun with him so it’s lovely to think we have another little one on the way.’
Glenda says that while she doesn’t yet know if she is expecting a boy or a girl the couple intend to find out before the birth.
‘I did find out last time, but we kept it between ourselves, but I’m sure I will find out. People always say to me “why don’t you just leave it as a surprise”, and I just think it’s enough of a surprise when a baby comes into the world.
‘I can get things ready, I don’t know whether to pack away boxes from Bobby or if I am starting new boxes with new clothes.’
As a former model and style starlet Glenda has closets packed with couture that any little girl would happily have as hand-me-downs but she says a healthy, happy baby is their only wish.
‘We have a few names from the last time. We chose Bobby before we knew it was a boy so some of them may carry over but, look, you don’t know. As everyone says you want healthy, a boy or a girl, either would be great.’
As this will be her second child Glenda says she ‘knows what to expect’ regarding the birth. But being pregnant during the Covid-19 crisis is a very different experience.
‘I’m back in the Coombe and back with the same doctor. It is different as Rob can’t come in with me. He came in for the first appointment and he was quickly shifted right out the door. We didn’t know. You have to go into one building, sanitise, get your mask, then go into another building where you see your doctor. The doctor has no secretary, so he is dealing with you on his own.’
But given the reality of the world’s new normal, Glenda knows she is in a very fortunate position to have some good news.
‘It’s still fine. I’m fortunate that it’s second time around. I’m sure for expectant firsttime mothers out there it’s daunting not to have their partners in the room with them. I know what to expect so look, I can’t complain.’
She hopes Rob will be by her side again when their new baby is born. ‘I asked my doctor and he said he can come
in, but no-one is allowed any visitors, they just have to come in and go, they can’t stay the night and they can’t hang around.’
Glenda has been working through the Covid-19 crisis on Ireland AM but, like all broadcasters, she says her working world has altered dramatically and while working from home she has to look camera ready. Having worked as a model and presenter for years Glenda is a dab hand at getting ready but since being left to do her own hair and make-up, she has her go-to stylist, celebrity crimper Ceira Lambert on Zoom standby to give her some top tips.
‘On Fridays I do Skype calls from the house. I’m starting pregnancy yoga in my back garden. I have a yoga instructor coming, she knows what she is doing because I obviously don’t so I will be doing more lifestyle pieces like that. It’s nice to dip in and out.’
In between her Ireland AM gig and running after her son she is also busy running her online jewellery business, G by Glenda, which has proven to be a big fashion hit.
She also has no plans to hang up her mic when baby arrives.
‘I wouldn’t give up work, work keeps me sane. I’ve always worked, even when I was in school, I worked. I love the buzz of getting out and doing my bits and pieces and meeting different people. But you always get to come home.’
Glenda has been a familiar face on the showbiz scene for decades. She started modelling as a young child and has been working ever since.
When she first landed a job on Xposé there were, as was to be expected, some rumblings that this ‘model upstart’ had landed a gig with no screen experience to speak of.
But she was an instant hit with viewers and bosses alike and what was initially hoped to be just maternity cover quickly evolved into a full-time gig.
Having stood on her own two showbiz feet Glenda has gained an admirable reputation of always being the first to welcome newbies with open arms and offer encouragement and words of showbiz wisdom.
Over the years she has been at the centre of much media coverage focusing on her life, looks and loves, and while it was mostly flattering there have been some turbulent times.
But testament to her grit and character, Glenda simply rolled with the punches.
And when the show stops, home is very much where her heart is. Despite having many celebrity friends – Louis Walsh was a guest at her wedding – Glenda’s closest friends are her childhood pals.
She is also very close to her parents, who are delighted with the impending arrival of another grandchild.
‘My parents are thrilled. My poor parents thought they would never become grandparents, then Bobby came along, then my brother’s girlfriend just had another baby there so it’s coming in threes, as they say.’
‘Work keeps me sane, I’ve always worked’