‘I'm like a big old mama bear protecting her kids'

Former EastEnders star and I’m A Celebrity winner Jacqueline Jossa on the challenges of motherhood, her new projects and returning to acting – but not in any other soap

- KIRSTY NUTKINS

It’s been more than a decade since Jacqueline Jossa made her screen debut as troubled teen Lauren Branning in EastEnders. And since leaving the BBC soap in 2018, she has carved out a new and exciting career for herself.

She was crowned Queen of the Jungle in the 2019 series of I’m A Celebrity and last year launched her own fashion range for In The Style, plus a cosmetics range with BPerfect. And she’s just released her own jewellery collection with Hot Diamonds.

Life is busier than ever for the actress, who juggles her work with raising daughters Ella, six, and Mia, three, who she shares with her husband, former TOWIE star Dan Osborne. Earlier this year, they moved into a six-bedroom Essex mansion and Jacqueline admits she’s already excitedly planning for their first Christmas in their new home.

Of course, the 28-year-old star has also had to deal with some low moments, recently opening up about her distressing experience with online trolls.

Here, she reveals how she deals with hurtful comments, the highs and lows of motherhood and why winning I’m A Celeb changed her life…

Hi, Jacqueline. You have a lot on. Is it hard maintaining a healthy work/life balance?

I feel like I never stop, but I’ve been trying to. The past two months I’ve pulled back and found some more time for myself and my family.

Were the lockdowns helpful, in that they gave you quality time with them?