Gavin and Stacey star Alison Steadman has spoken candidly about bereavement following the death of her mother Marjorie from pancreatic cancer. The actress, who played Pamela Shipman in the BBC sitcom, said: 'Death is something that always happens to other people, until it happens to you, and no one can truly prepare you for it.'
Marjorie spent her final years at the Marie Curie Hospice in Liverpool after being nursed at home by Alison and her sisters. Recalling her mother's transition, Alison said her 'indomitable spirit was still intact' and remembered her putting her 'best dress on' for her first day there.
The 79-year-old actress attributes her professional work with supporting her through that difficult period. Despite playing numerous motherly characters, she insists none match up to her own mum: 'Over the years I've played so many different mums, but none quite like my mum, Marjorie.'
Although her mother's death was over two decades ago, Alison confesses the grief has never left her. 'I still cry for my mum and dad all the time. Generally, I'm a happy and positive person, but sometimes grief just takes over,' she shared.
Alison has also thought about her own death and has arranged a funeral plan and a will. 'I want to make it easier for my sons to sort things out when I go,' she said. 'I've got a file that says 'My Will' on the front so there's no confusion.'
