Truly support
independent journalism
Our mission is to provide unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds the powerful to account and exposes the truth.
Whether it's $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us in offering journalism without agenda.
Cold feet Star Fay Ripley has joked about how she plans to overcome the “challenge” of watching her children “grow up”.
The 58-year-old shares two children with her husband, Australian actor Daniel Lapaine, whom she married in 2001. The couple have a 21-year-old daughter and a 17-year-old son.
“This is the most challenging time of my entire life, watching my children grow up,” he said, according to Online mail.
At this point, she joked: “But then you can fill that void with the role of grandmother. I'm happy to do that, but I will breastfeed. I must admit that I really like babies.
“But yes, I think I'll take on the role of nurse.”
While her son is staying home for his A Levels, Ripley's daughter has left to pursue a career in acting.
Last year, the star admitted she was struggling with the “second half” of motherhood, on an episode of the White Wine Question Time podcast.
“I guess for some people, it’s quick to say, ‘Okay, we’re grandparents now,’” she said.
“I think I may be going a little bit overboard. I still do a bed-making service. I literally do a fold-out bed-making service.
“I put a pointy thing on the toilet paper for the next time they poop. That’s because I think, ‘Oh, that’ll do them good. ’ And I fill up a glass of water. What am I doing with 20 and 16 years old?”
“I think if they were here they would say it’s quite claustrophobic. So clearly I’m not doing well. But I’ve really felt that up until this point it’s been a privilege. I don’t know what will happen.”
“I feel like I've kept them alive up to this point and I'm proud of that, and now 'Hey kids, now you have to keep me alive!'”
Ripley graduated from the prestigious Guildhall Music School of Drama, but spent the early years of her career as a children's entertainer and selling menswear door-to-door.
She eventually found her breakthrough role in the ITV comedy-drama. Cold feetin which she played northern housewife Jenny Gifford. She starred in the show for three seasons.
