Former Emmerdale actress Charley Webb has revealed how her ADHD and autism diagnoses affect her daily life, particularly her sensitivity to noise while parenting her three sons. Speaking on Luke Hamnett's podcast Live, Laugh, Luke, she explained that noise is her biggest trigger and that she struggles to readjust after time away from her children.
Noise Sensitivity and Parenting Challenges
Charley, who played Debbie Dingle on the ITV soap, said: 'Sometimes when I get back and I've been away from them, I forget how loud they are. And it takes me so long to readjust. I'm really overstimulated 'cause they're just so loud. Noise is my biggest trigger. I can't bear it.'
The actress, who shares custody of her three boys with ex-husband Matthew Wolfenden, described her relaxed parenting style as 'character building.' She added: 'They don't get fed and they don't complain. I am like, 'Get your takeaway. I've got to go... order what you want, I'm out.''
Custody Arrangement and Self-Care
Charley and Matthew operate a week-on, week-off custody schedule. Initially finding it difficult, she now appreciates the arrangement: 'I think I've got used to it now. At first it was really hard. For 50% of the time I was like 'Where are my children'? But now I'm living my best life ... I'm so much better when I've had a week off from them. I can be a really good mum because I've had a break.'
She dismisses social media critics who suggest she should spend more time with her sons, stating: 'I have a week off and I'm going to do what I want. If I want to go to Australia, I am going.'
Understanding Her Diagnosis
Towards the end of last year, Charley revealed she had been diagnosed with both ADHD and autism. She believes her autism is more dominant: 'I think my autism is definitely stronger than the ADHD side. But even that I think is mild and I think everyone has this idea of autism like it's just one thing and it's really not.'
No Return to Emmerdale
Despite still being recognised as Debbie Dingle, Charley has no plans to return to the soap. 'There's no plans for me to go back,' she said, 'just because I think it wouldn't be the right time and having three kids is a lot and also working there is a lot.' The character Debbie was last seen relocating to Australia without warning, leaving her daughter Sarah to discover the news via phone.
Upcoming Role in Adultery
Charley is set to appear in a six-part ITV drama called Adultery, written by Danny Brocklehurst. The series follows two single parents whose illicit affair jeopardises their families and lives. Charley commented: 'It's a great cast. Dominic Cooper, Shelley Conn. I think it's going to be one of those things that people binge.' The drama is expected to air towards the end of the year.
