Life

Jaime Winstone: I'm watching my behaviour now that I'm a mum

As she prepares to star in ITV's Torvill And Dean on Christmas Day, Jaime Winstone talks to Gabrielle Fagan about motherhood, love and finding focus

Jaime Winstone with her father, actor Ray Winstone
Jaime Winstone with her father, actor Ray Winstone Jaime Winstone with her father, actor Ray Winstone

IT'S a new era for Jaime Winstone. The Londoner has show business in her blood, as the daughter of East End 'hard man' actor, Ray Winstone – but in her 20s was arguably as famous for her partying, as she was for her acting and modelling work.

Catapulted into the spotlight aged 21, in 2006's urban teen movie Kidulthood, Winstone has a string of TV and film credits to her name. She on-and-off dated Game Of Thrones actor Alfie Allen – younger brother of Lily Allen – for around seven years, but since 2015 has been happily settled with her fiance, James Suckling, with whom she has a two-year-old son, Ray.

Last year, Winstone's portrayal of the young Barbara Windsor in BBC biopic Babs, won her a load of praise. Next up, she's starring in Torvill And Dean, ITV's new drama based on the relationship between the two Olympic skating icons, set to be shown on Christmas Day.

We quizzed the 33-year-old on her life and her work:

What is your role in Torvill And Dean?

"Janet Sawbridge is the person who spotted Christopher and Jayne, paired them up for the first time and cemented their partnership, so she was really key to setting them on the road to success.

"She has a firm no-nonsense attitude but underneath there's a softness, love and passion for her job that must have helped her cope with hours freezing cold in a rink. Eventually, she passes them on to someone else.

"Obviously, my CV said I was a fantastic skater – probably a bit of an ambitious claim! Luckily, there was some truth in it, because as we lived near Alexandra Palace in north London when I was a kid, I'd skate there at weekends. Getting into Janet's character and wearing my hair in a dodgy 70s roll helped me forget my nerves."

You had a reputation as a 'wild child' in your 20s – has becoming a mum changed you?

"Motherhood changes everyone, and I guess being a mum has settled me down – although, to be honest, I never felt I was that wild, although some people might argue differently!

"Of course, there are lot of things in my 20s that I did that I wouldn't do now, and there's definitely a bit more of a needed routine in my life thanks to Ray.

"Being a mum definitely gave me a bigger drive to work harder and be more successful, because I have a family to support now. Also, it's important to me that Ray sees positive things about me as he grows up, so I'm watching my behaviour these days!"

What's being a mum like for you?

"Having a happy, healthy baby is so grounding and also so magical. I couldn't be happier. All the things that you kind of stress about and worry about in your 20s are so irrelevant now.

"I'm focused on good nurturing and a good diet for him, and making happy memories, which is the most important thing."

How are you coping with motherhood and working?

"I feel I'm a juggler, keeping loads of things in the air at the same time. I'm lucky James and I make a good team, and he's a very hands-on dad and my rock. When there's nothing booked in the diary, we just absolutely chill and focus on what's important, our son.

"My parents, who are very down-to-earth, brought me up to realise that, although in this business you're in the limelight, at the end of the day, it's just a job. I've learnt the hard way that it's only the work that should speak for you."

How do you look after your health and wellbeing?

"Love is my biggest key to happiness and wellbeing. Spending time with my son is amazing, and it just feels like no amount of money or therapy can give you a boost like that, as it's just fantastic. I don't want any more children just yet because I'm focusing on my work, my home life, my health and my head.

"Dancing is something I need to do at least once a month, either at a class or a club. After a couple of hours of dancing flat out, I feel amazing and it makes my mind work better. Maybe in my past life I was a dancer or something.

"I've realised that airing your feelings and talking things out is very healthy, so I have therapy regularly. You need to listen to yourself sometimes because it helps you work out whether you're on track, and what you need.

"I find swimming and sound baths very calming.

:: Torvill And Dean airs on ITV on Christmas Day