‘You don’t have time to worry when you have kids’
Jacqueline Jossa talks motherhood, trolls, moving into her new family home and taking some time out for herself
Jacqueline Jossa burst onto our screens in 2010 and played troubled teen Lauren Branning in EastEnders for the next eight years, before being crowned Queen Of The Jungle in the 2019 series of I’m A Celebrity.
And since then, the hugely popular actress has launched her own fashion range, regularly seen by her three million Instagram followers. But more online exposure guarantees more trolls – and Jacqueline has bravely opened up about the bullying she’s faced.
Still, it’s not all gloomy as the 28-year-old and her husband, former TOWIE star Dan Osborne, 30, share daughters Ella, six, and Mia, three, and have just moved into a beautiful Essex home.
Here, Jacqueline – who is also now a brand ambassador for Superdrug – reveals why she no longer cares what people think about her…
Hi, Jacqueline. How did you cope with the lockdowns at home?
Obviously there were ups and downs, and stages of boredom, but I felt like it came at a good time for me. I’d been working really hard and then all of a sudden it just stopped. So yeah, it was like a break! I think a lot of people felt like that, too.
Do you think it brought you all closer as a family?
Yeah, I think it was good for everybody. It was really nice to be with our kids so solidly like that. It was not long after the jungle, where I’d had a month without them, so I really embraced it. It was a special time for us all. Even the homeschooling was quite enjoyable. I don’t normally get to do that.
What have you learnt about yourself throughout it?
It’s important to take time for yourself. Self-care and self-love are good for you – even if it’s just taking time out for a long bath.
You’ve teamed up with Superdrug to celebrate its Health & Beautycard. What are your go-to beauty secrets?
I do what my mum does – she has always stuck to a strict skincare routine using good night creams, moisturisers, face masks and primers! I won’t
tell you her age but I can tell you she looks red-hot. And I have always cleaned my face with warm water and a cold splash afterwards
– it’s really important and it wakes you up.
I also wear factor 50 sunscreen.
You look great. Are you still keeping up with your diet and fitness routine?
Thanks but I’m going to be really honest with you – I’m not! I’m having some time off at the moment. Usually, I watch what I eat. But we have moved recently and we’ve been so busy. Plus, we didn’t have a kitchen for a while, so I’ve got out of the routine, but I will get back on it. Sometimes it’s good to allow yourself to just eat what you want.
Do you feel more confident?
I’m confident no matter what size I am! I’ve always been a really confident person because I don’t think that comes from how you look – it’s more about how you treat other people and how comfortable you are in your own skin. I just wear things that are flattering for me. I don’t care enough what people think of me!
You had a christening for Ella and Mia recently. What made you want to do it?
I’ve always wanted to do it but it’s been about the timing.The girls were excited. I don’t know how many more times they’re going to let me put them in matching dresses – they got messy in them straight away!
What sort of things did you do to keep them entertained during the school holidays?
I’m a go-with-the-flow mum! They love to draw, that’s always a fun thing to do. Or a day at the farm, the girls have a great time there. We like doing anything outside.
Do you think you’d be open to having any more children?
I feel like our family is complete right now.
What is your secret to living a happy life?
Honestly, I think you’ve just got to be happy within yourself. So treat yourself like you’re always going to be number one in your life.You can’t look after anybody else unless you look after yourself first.
How is the new house? Do you think it’s your forever home?
I love it! It’s like a little pinch-me moment every time I walk in. I would like to build our own house one day – I don’t mean physically myself – in like 10 or 20 years.
‘I’m confident no matter what size I am!’
You get a lot of positive comments on Instagram but how do you deal with the negativity?
Again, I think it comes down to confidence and being sure of yourself and the people around you. If they love you and you love them, that’s enough. I don’t really mind what a stranger thinks about me. I’ve not always been like that – I used to really care a lot about what people thought, but I’ve changed. Maybe it’s having kids – you just don’t have time to worry about stuff like that any more.
How do you cope with the trolls?
I delete things I don’t like. If I ever do read something, I’ve got enough amazing people in my life who will say, “They’re crazy, ignore it!”And they’re right.
Who’s your best friend?
Ah, that’s my kids. That might sound sad but they really are!
Superdrug’s Health & Beautycard, which offers an amazing array of benefits, is celebrating its 10th birthday. For more details, go to superdrug.com