Kara Tointon: ‘No one really knows what other people are going through’

A change of pace can sometimes be life-enhancing – and that’s clearly been the case for Kara Tointon.

With acting work on hold – she was set to star in the stage version of comedy-drama Steel Magnolias, postponed due to the pandemic – she’s been enjoying time at home with her fiancé Marius Jensen, and their son, Frey, who turns two in November.

“Everything that happened [with lockdown] kind of forced me to stop and pause, I guess,” says Tointon, 37, chatting over the phone from her home in London.

“I’m normally a bit of a whirlwind, doing as much as I can and keeping going, so this was completely different for me. I loved it, and it also allowed me the space to take stock and re-evaluate things.”

It has perhaps been a timely period for reflection for the actor, who is supporting Remember A Charity – a consortium of charities working to encourage more people to consider leaving a gift to charity in their will.

Away from the spotlight, Tointon – who first found fame as feisty Dawn Swann in EastEnders, won Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and has a strong of acclaimed TV and theatre roles under her belt – suffered the loss of her mother, Carol, in March 2019, only a few months after Frey was born.

Although she doesn’t want to talk about it today – “It’s a little too soon for me,” she confides – she’s had therapy and does meditation.

“They were probably things I’d put off doing, but I’ve used this time as a personal wellbeing moment for me,” Tointon says quietly.

“It’s been very beneficial. I can get mentally agitated if I don’t exercise, I’m naturally a very active person, so I’ve started getting back into a routine with that. I’ve also begun painting again, which I’ve always found really relaxing.

“Probably one of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is valuing time,” she adds. “I’m aware now of respecting it and using it well.”

She’s unequivocal about finding fulfilment in motherhood. “Having a child has changed me forever. I love every minute of it. Frey’s a gorgeous little boy and it’s been wonderful being able to have so much time with him,” she declares happily.

“Marius is an amazing partner and dad and we share Frey’s care 50/50. The break’s allowed us to work on managing our time, so we can be the parents we want to be, as well as fitting in the things that mean a lot to us individually.”