LUCY BENJAMIN KEEPING MUM

The ex-EastEnders star on how she drew on tough moments as a parent for her new film - and how her teenage daughters might react to the role

For her starring role in new film Look to the Light, actress Lucy Benjamin had to dig deep and delve into the "dark side of being a mum".

The cautionary tale follows wannabe influencer Eddie Reynolds - played by Charlie Goddard, previously seen as a dancer in Barbie - as he attempts to make it big as a reality star, with devastating consequences for his mental health.

Here, former EastEnders star Lucy, 53, tells HELLO! how she channelled her short temper and getting it wrong as a mother into her role, and the dynamics of living with her teenage daughters Bessie, 17, and 13-year-old Rosie.

Lucy, you play Eddie's loving but pushy mother Elaine. What is she like?

"She's so desperate for fame herself that she's living vicariously through her son.

They're the kind of family who think fame tops everything.

"Elaine comes across as a bit of a tyrant, but she thinks she's doing the best thing for her son. She wants to get him out there and be seen by the world."

As a mum, was it challenging playing a mother whose child is going through a tough time?

"Yes - I went to the dark side of being a mum. I dug deep to access the side of me that gets it wrong sometimes, like when I get short-tempered.