Claire on shock spilt: “I haven’t given up on finding love”
Claire Sweeney opens up for the first time on her relationship breakdown just months after giving birth to their son
The way Claire Sweeney T beams at her 21-monthold-son Jaxon throughout our shoot, it’s clear that motherhood suits her. And although the former Brookside actress is now juggling being a single working mum, she’s also relishing her independence.
The 45-year-old broke up with Daniel Reilly – who is 14 years her junior – nine months after Jaxon was born, and has been single ever since. But Claire is determined to wait for a man who makes her happy and focus on her son in the meantime.
FINDING MR RIGHT
She says: “I broke up with Daniel early last year and I decided not to date seriously for the first two years of Jaxon’s life. He will be two in September and I made that pact with myself. It was only fair to give him that time; I wanted it to be all about him.”
“I’ve been out for the occasional dinner and, obviously, it would be nice to meet someone in the future. I wouldn’t rule out dating another younger guy, either. The man of my dreams could be 31 – I don’t feel I need to find a polar opposite to Daniel or go extreme with an older one!
“But, most importantly, he would have to be great with Jaxon – that would be my number-one priority.
“And he would have to make me laugh and be independent – maybe to share financial responsibility so it’s not all on my shoulders.”
Claire admits she is a romantic and says: “I believe in marriage, although it hasn’t happened to me yet! I still hope to tie the knot. My grandma met the love of her life and got married at 86, so who knows?!
“But I certainly don’t feel there are any voids in my life – any attention I want I get on stage; any laughter I want I get from my pals; and any love I want I get from Jaxon! Before, there was always a sense of searching and hoping to meet Mr Right, but I don’t feel that any more – that feeling stopped when I had Jaxon. And it’s definitely better to be on your own than in the wrong relationship.
The star adds: “There is no point in wasting your time. I’d rather be a single mum and happy than in a relationship that doesn’t make me happy.”
Claire started dating businessman Daniel in 2011 and became engaged on Christmas Eve in 2012. The couple tried for a baby for two years, but after fertility treatment she suffered two heartbreaking miscarriages. In early 2014 the pair separated, but a month later Claire found out she was pregnant and they reunited.
Claire insists: “It wasn’t anything to do with me falling pregnant. I was in Liverpool doing my show [Sex In Suburbia] and he was there and it just felt right – as if there was unfinished business between us. It was good to have him share the pregnancy and be there at the birth; that was a lovely experience.”
However, they finally called time on their relationship in June last year, when Jaxon was nine months old.
MIRACLE BOY
Speaking in-depth for the first time about the breakdown of their relationship, she says: “There was no one else. It just didn’t work out, simple as that. It was sad; I would have loved for it to have worked out between us and to have the ideal setup, but you can’t force it. We decided to end it before it really deteriorated and things got bitter.
“It doesn’t benefit anyone if there is trouble or arguing. I want everything to be harmonious around Jaxon; I didn’t grow up with that harmony and it was a bit stressful.
“We had some great times and we have Jaxon. I wish him every happiness; he’s a good guy. We have a hug and kiss hello when we see each other, which I think is great and will be positive as Jaxon is growing up.”
‘I don’t want excitement any more, I want stability’
Now that she is in her 40s, Claire’s priorities of what she looks for in a man have changed. She says: “When you’re younger and single you look for excitement and drama, but I don’t want that any more – I want stability. Everything changed when I became a mum. My choices now would be very different.”
Claire also admits that she hasn’t ruled out having more children, but realises that at her age it is more difficult.
She says: “If I met someone in the future and it felt right I’d never say never, but I wouldn’t consider having another one on my own. Although, realistically, it is probably unlikely. I am an older mum and Jaxon was my miracle boy.
“Of course, being a single mum is tiring and it’s hard having all the responsibility on a day-to-day basis, but I have a brilliant support network: good friends who are always there for me and an assistant who helps me with everything. I really do love my life; I am so happy.”