Actress and television presenter Lisa Faulkner has opened up about the advice she gave her teenage daughter, who is considering a career in showbusiness, while she and her husband, celebrity chef John Torode, face uncertainty over their own television future.
A Mother's Candid Career Warning
In a revealing new interview, the 53-year-old star admitted she actively discouraged her 19-year-old adopted daughter, Billie, from pursuing acting. Lisa, who adopted Billie at 17 months old with her ex-husband Chris Coghill, explained her reasoning to Hello! Magazine. "I'm like, 'No, keep away from the acting'," she said. "I think it can be a great thing, though it's very up and down, but if she wants to do it, she can."
Faulkner, whose extensive career includes roles in Brookside, Holby City, Spooks, and EastEnders, as well as last year's Netflix drama Missing You, knows the industry's volatility firsthand. She is currently starring in a stage adaptation of Single White Female.
Torode's Support Amid Professional Turmoil
The actress was full of praise for her husband's unwavering support, revealing that John Torode has been helping her run lines for her latest stage role. "He's been running through the lines with me. He's so happy for me," she gushed. "I feel very lucky. He's my husband and my best mate. We really do support each other and hold each other's hands through everything."
This mutual support comes at a challenging time for Torode professionally. The chef was dropped from the BBC's MasterChef last year after a complaint about his use of an offensive term was upheld. Torode stated he had "no recollection" of the alleged incident but affirmed that "any racial language is wholly unacceptable."
An Anxious Wait for 'Weekend Kitchen'
Despite the controversy, the couple have continued their collaborative work on ITV's John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen. However, their future on the channel is now in doubt. According to reports, the pair are "facing a nervous wait" as ITV's commissioning team deliberates on the show's renewal.
A source claimed budgets are being slashed and the cooking show is expensive to produce. "It will be a major blow to John," the insider added. "He had a really tough time after being sacked from the BBC. He is pushing forward with Lisa and is working hard on a new YouTube cooking show, which has been well-received. Naturally, he's hoping his ITV show will get a redeeming nod, but he's prepared for the worst."
For now, Faulkner is cherishing family time, noting that her daughter Billie, who travels frequently, has not yet left home. "She hasn't left home quite yet, thank goodness," the actress said, highlighting the personal stability she values amidst professional uncertainties.
