Made In Chelsea star 'doesn't recognise herself' since leaving show
Former Made In Chelsea star Jessica Woodley no longer recognises the version of herself that appeared on the E4 show about London's exclusive social set a decade ago. Now aged 30, the reality star-turned-sculptor says she's more self-aware and, as she prepares to become a mother for the first time, feels ''more power as a woman'.
Jessica, who joined the reality series in 2015 — and dated Jamie Laing before quitting in 2017 — revealed last month that she was expecting a baby with her filmmaker partner, Mark Logan. Chatting exclusively to OK! from the Irish countryside they now call home, Jessica explains why life has changed so dramatically for her…
Jessica! Congratulations on your pregnancy. How have you been?
Thank you! My first trimester was tricky, and I am definitely experiencing nausea, even at 28 weeks, but it's all teaching me newfound resilience. I feel like I'm gaining strength throughout this pregnancy.It can be hard at times, physically and emotionally, but Mark is so supportive. I don't know if I could do this without him.
Have you always wanted to have kids?
I always hoped to be a mother. I wouldn't say we were trying to get pregnant, but we were delighted. Pleasantly surprised. From that moment on, I've felt quite high.
Have you had any unusual cravings?
Salt and vinegar crisps are getting me through. And I love Medjool dates, they are heaven on earth. I also make masala chai every morning. It really warms my stomach, and actually soothes the nausea. I'm doing yoga and a bit of Pilates. And our dog, Bloom, gets me outside.
What kind of mum do you hope to be?
I'm very aware that this child is going to be my teacher, I really respect that we learn a lot from children. I'm excited by this feeling of nurture — it's so strong. I worry less now, too, and I used to be such a worrier. I'd come up with hypothetical worries, make up scenarios in my head, and then get scared. I've learned how to self-regulate, and I hope that will help me as a mum.
How did you meet Mark? Was there an instant connection?
The second I met Mark, I felt like I remembered him. Like I had met him before, like he was already my best friend. I think I'd been searching for him for quite a long time. We both believe in devotion. So I've found love brings you together, but devotion keeps you together. I didn't see him coming, but I am so glad he's here.
And how has Mark been throughout your pregnancy so far?
He's been so supportive and bought me all the salt and vinegar crisps I desire! He's really cheeky and funny, which has helped me so much. Laughter has helped me and continues to help me. We're living in Ireland now — initially I was nervous to move to another country, but I find Irish people quite magical, and it just feels right being here.
It's quite a transformation from your Made In Chelsea days...
You know, I feel very grateful for that period of time because if it wasn't for that, I wouldn't have experienced solitude to the degree I did, and I wouldn't have looked inside myself as much as I did. I'm really thankful for that time I perceived as difficult, but now I perceive as a gift. I actually don't recognise myself any more. I'm less ignorant, I am more self-aware, and I have a deeper understanding. I feel much more in my power as a woman than I did then.
Do you keep in touch with any Made In Chelsea cast members?
I speak to Alex Mytton, I think he's an angel, he's just fab. And I sometimes speak to Jamie Laing, that's it. We haven't spoken since the pregnancy announcement [Jamie and his wife Sophie Habboo recently revealed they are expecting a baby ], but I can't wait to talk to him.
Would you ever do reality TV again?
I wouldn't say no. If it was in alignment with where I'm at, then yeah, maybe...
How has it been navigating pregnancy at the same time as launching your sculpture collection, Gliffy?
We were really focusing on Gliffy and then I found out I was pregnant, and we were like, 'This is actually really beautiful.' It's amazing to have these two things that I care about so much come about at the same time. I was slightly nervous about it, because I thought, 'Oh, is the timing incorrect? Is this going to get in the way of anything?' But actually, it's been the total opposite. I found that they really complement each other, because my collection was kind of about the inner child, and it felt like my baby.
How did your journey into making sculptures start?
I would say I started this journey of self-discovery and self-inquiry in lockdown, because, like a lot of people, I was forced to be alone. I had to figure out what it was that made me happy and made me feel good, and it forced me into solitude.
I found that there was something inside me that was really childlike and playful, and I was suppressing that. I was really lucky to come in contact with an artist, and I was really inspired by the fact that this person was using their imagination to create form in the real world. I was like, 'Yeah, I want to try that.' Having to overcome the fear of not knowing what I'm doing and the fear of failure was interesting. That in itself was a journey.
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