Former Love Island star Laura Anderson has opened up about her split from Dundee FC footballer Clark Robertson, saying she has a 'broken heart' but finds healing on a Jurassic Coast charity trek. The 37-year-old TV personality is currently taking part in a 100-km fundraising trek along the Jurassic Coast for breast cancer charity CoppaFeel!, alongside new Strictly host Emma Willis, author Giovanna Fletcher, Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown, and presenter Jackie Adedeji.
Laura, who first found fame on Love Island in 2018, admits the challenge comes at a particularly emotional time. Fresh from her split from Clark Robertson, she confesses she's nursing a broken heart but says the five-day trek has given her a renewed sense of purpose. 'I've got a little broken heart,' Laura told OK! shortly before starting the trek. 'But there are people dealing with far bigger problems than that; there's nothing worse than having your health affected. Then this came up, and I thought, "This is exactly what I need to be doing." I also feel like I'm going on a healing journey myself.'
Preparing for the Trek
While Laura describes herself as 'active', she laughs that she hadn't been following any intensive training plan. 'I don't really have time to train,' she says. 'I have Bonnie. Then I thought, "Why would I train just to get blisters before the trek?"' She is certainly prepared, though. 'My whole floor is covered in trekking gear. I've got everything ready. I even bought 28 tutus for my team on Amazon. It's going to be eventful.'
Excitement About Meeting Emma Willis
One of Laura's highlights of this trip, she admits, will be spending time with Emma Willis. 'I'm a huge fan. I've met her briefly through work before, when I did an event connected to Love Is Blind, and I remember thinking, "Oh, my God, she knows who I am!" I'm excited to be dancing at the top of the Jurassic Coast with her.' And could Strictly Come Dancing come calling next? 'I think I've got a long way to go before I'm on that,' she laughs, 'but I think I could give it a try.'
Focus on Daughter Bonnie
Away from television, Laura's biggest focus remains her little girl, Bonnie, who turns three later this year. As a single mum, she admits finding time for herself can be a challenge and confesses she's secretly looking forward to a few child-free days. 'I'm not going to lie, I'm actually looking forward to the break,' she says. Bonnie is in safe hands with Laura's mum, Barbara, who regularly helps out whenever work calls. Reflecting on motherhood, Laura says, 'It's really hard. You want to look after yourself, get work done, tidy the house and make sure your child is OK. I think it's hard even if you're not a single parent. You just try your best and then get up the next day and do it all over again.'
Love Island and Past Relationships
As a Love Island favourite, Laura still enjoys watching the show and reveals she was approached to appear on Love Island All Stars shortly after meeting Clark. 'I got asked to do All Stars in 2025, just after I'd met Clark, but I chose love over the villa,' she says. Although the relationship didn't work out, Laura has no regrets. 'I feel like I'm a bit too old for the Love Island villa now anyway.' Of course, Laura's own love story took another unexpected turn after appearing on 2022's Celebs Go Dating, where she met Hollyoaks actor Gary Lucy. Laughing, she says, 'I think I was the only celebrity to come out of it with a baby! But I loved the show, the conversations and deep dives with the experts. I think everyone should have therapy at some point in their life. I still keep in touch with Anna Williamson. I think she's brilliant.' When the conversation turns to parenting Bonnie with Gary, 44, Laura says, 'We don't co-parent.'
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Laura has plenty to be excited about. First comes a long-awaited trip to Disneyland Paris with Bonnie. 'She's actually watching Mickey Mouse now because I told her she needs to learn all the Disney characters before we go,' Laura laughs. After that, they'll head to Turkey for a blended-family holiday with Gary's ex-wife, Natasha Gray, and Bonnie's half-siblings, India, Elvis, Sadie and Theodore. 'We're so close,' Laura says of Natasha. 'She's honestly lovely. We talk all the time. She feels connected to Bonnie, and I feel connected to her children. Bonnie's so excited. She keeps telling everyone, "I'm going on holiday with my brothers and sisters." They FaceTime all the time, and she's really close to them.' Laura jokes that having older children around may even allow her to enjoy the occasional glass of wine on holiday.
Professionally, she's hoping to return to the radio airwaves this summer and remains grateful for every opportunity that comes her way. 'This industry is so unpredictable,' she says. 'It's been eight years since Love Island, and I've managed to stay consistent with work, social media and television opportunities.' She's also planning another big life change, after relocating to Dundee for her relationship with Clark. A house move is on the cards later this year as Laura begins the next chapter of her life. For now, though, her focus is firmly on the Jurassic Coast, raising money for an important cause and embracing what she hopes will be a transformative journey that heals her heart a little.
