Actor Lisa Faulkner recently opened up about her struggles with her health, describing it as a “very dark time.” The EastEnders and Holby City star revealed that undergoing three rounds of IVF and experiencing a failed ectopic pregnancy took a toll on her mental and emotional well-being. Reflecting on this challenging period, the 52-year-old shared her feelings of loneliness and despair when she realized she was not getting pregnant despite her desires.
In an interview with Good Housekeeping, Faulkner expressed the intense emotions she went through during this difficult journey to have a child. She mentioned feeling a sudden strong urge to have a baby and the pain of watching her peers achieve pregnancies while she continued to struggle. Despite undergoing IVF treatment with a high success rate doctor, Faulkner was among the minority who did not conceive, leaving her questioning “why me?” and feeling exhausted by the process.
Ultimately, Faulkner and her husband decided to adopt their daughter, Billie Coghill, when she was 17 months old. Faulkner highlighted the unique challenges of adopting a child, especially one with trauma, and the ongoing work she puts into providing support and care for her daughter. She emphasized the importance of self-reflection and continuous personal growth in navigating the complexities of adoption and parenting.
Regarding her relationship with her husband, TV chef John Torode, Faulkner shared that they took things slowly in the beginning out of consideration for her daughter and previous experiences of heartbreak. Despite the challenges they faced individually, their relationship blossomed, leading to joint ventures such as presenting John And Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen on ITV and preparing to release a cookbook together.
Faulkner also touched upon the grief of losing her mother at a young age and the enduring impact it has had on her life. She acknowledged the ebbs and flows of grief over time, noting that certain memories or conversations can still trigger intense emotions even years later. Through her acting career and ventures in the culinary world, Faulkner has continued to evolve personally and professionally, finding strength in her experiences and relationships.
Lisa Faulkner’s candid interview sheds light on the deeply personal struggles she faced and the resilience she gained through adversity. Her journey towards motherhood and her commitment to supporting her daughter exemplify the transformative power of love and perseverance in overcoming challenges. Faulkner’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience, self-discovery, and the enduring bonds that sustain us through life’s trials.