Emmerdale actress Laura Norton opened up during ITVBe’s behind-the-scenes show, Drama Queens, on how tough she has found returning to work after having her daughter Ronnie in 2022
Emmerdale star Laura Norton appeared on ITVBe’s brand-new reality show Drama Queens on Wednesday 10 April . During the program, the mum of two revealed she found it tough returning to work after maternity leave.
Laura had been away from work for over a year after giving birth to her daughter, Ronnie, in 2022. Laura had been at home looking after her baby as well as her young son, Jesse, who welcomed in 2020 with co-star Mark Jordon.
During Drama Queens, Laura was at the hair salon and addressed to the camera what it was like going back to a full-time job with two young children. She said: “I’m up and down like a bride’s nightie.”
Laura added: “One minute I feel like ‘yes, I need this and am ready for this and it’s really good for them, they need me to be off doing things’, but then on the flip side I just want to be near to them all the time and able to access them whenever I want to.
“I’m almost being selfish, projecting, and I think the level of protection you feel when they’re not with you…
She continued: “I’ve been on maternity leave for a year and a half, and I have just savoured every moment, because in a few days I am returning to acting and feeling like I’m on an emotional rollercoaster.”
Speaking to OK! about her return to work Laura said she wondered whether she could even act after being away for so long.
Laura also confessed she was “constantly checking her phone” to check on the kids.
She revealed: “But I’m slowly starting to go, ‘Everything’s fine.’ I’ve come home and they’re both very happy, well rested and well fed – so now I can be present and do a good job.”
Laura’s character, Kerry Wyatt, had been away on a cruise ship where she worked as a Cher impersonator. But after a few issues, she was brought back to the village still in her Cher costume.
Laura said: “The writers were not thinking about the fact it was January, and that I’d been off and had two babies. We’ve got the full Cher regalia, which is stockings, heels, hot pants, mesh leotard and leather jacket with all the fringe, and a wig.
“In a way though. It was nice to let my inhibitions go. I’m not hung up on anything about my body. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Drama Queens continues on Wednesday 17 April, 9pm, ITVBe
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