CANDID CHATS - ‘AS MUCH AS I LOVE ALFIE I FELT SO RESENTFUL'

DJ AND PRESENTER ASHLEY JAMES ON THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF MOTHERHOOD RETURNING TO WORK AND MAKING TIME FOR DATE NIGHTS

- KIRSTY HATCHER

We’ve always loved Ashley James for keeping it real. From her unfiltered snaps to her breastfeeding selfies, the 34-year-old never shies away from sharing the realities of motherhood.

And after welcoming son Alfie 10 months ago with her boyfriend Tom Andrews, the DJ and presenter is keen to make other mums feel confident and empowered throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journeys. So Ashley’s latest project couldn’t be more perfect, as the star has once again teamed up with Tu Clothing to curate her second edit of baby, maternity and womenswear, with the collection aiming to be practical and stylish.

Ashley is the first to admit that clothes she can feel confident in and a supportive online community have been hugely helpful when she’s had moments where she’s been struggling. “When you’re a mum you give so much of yourself to other people, so to be able to put on nice clothing that helps you keep your sense of identity is so important,” she says.

Here, Ashley opens up about the value of date nights, her worries when she and Alfie caught Covid-19, and backing her good friend AJ Odudu on Strictly Come Dancing...

You’ve been busy recently, Ashley. Have you enjoyed getting stuck back into work?