'Work is a lifeline when times are tough

Actress Lucy Benjamin opens up about her marriage split as she reflects on career success, her time in Albert Square and her exciting new film

- INDIGO STAFFORD

She’s best known for playing loveable rogue Lisa Fowler, who has been destined to cause trouble in Albert Square since arriving as a trainee market inspector in EastEnders back in 1998.

Now Lucy Benjamin, 53, is on the big screen, starring in her new movie, Look To The Light, which explores the dark side of reality TV and chasing fame.

It’s something the actress knows all about – she’s been in the industry for 40 years after landing her first big role in Doctor Who as a child in 1983.

While she’s enjoyed the highs of her long and fruitful career, having become an EastEnders icon and starring on shows like I’m A Celebrity and X Factor: Battle Of The Stars (which she won), Lucy admits the lows of fame can be tough.

Despite her celebrity status, she’s never been a fan of reading stories about herself. But she recently made headlines again when it was reported that she and her businessman husband Richard Taggart had split after 17 years of marriage.

It’s a topic Lucy tells us she is finally ready to address for the first time, as she shares how her busy work schedule – which included reprising her role as Lisa Fowler last year – has been a “lifeline”.

And when she’s not working, the actress says her full focus is on being a full-time mum to their two daughters, Bessie, 17, and Rosie, 13, as she navigates a new co-parenting relationship with her ex…

Hi, Lucy. We’ve seen reports that you and Richard have separated. Is that correct?