In a remarkably candid and soul-baring interview, actress and singer Patsy Kensit has revealed the profound personal struggles she faced as a mother, admitting to a period of deep codependency with her two sons.
The former EastEnders and Emmerdale star, now 56, spoke with refreshing honesty about her journey through four high-profile marriages and the personal reckoning that followed. She described a time where her entire identity and emotional well-being became inextricably linked to her children, James, 29, and Lennon, 23.
The Weight of Motherhood and Identity
"I didn't know how to be on my own," Kensit confessed, reflecting on her past self. She articulated a feeling familiar to many parents, describing how her world revolved entirely around her sons' lives, their needs, and their schedules. This loss of self, she explained, was a coping mechanism born from a fear of solitude after her series of public divorces.
Her marriages to Dan Donovan, Jim Kerr, Liam Gallagher, and Jeremy Healy were a focal point of media attention, creating a narrative she now feels she had to break free from. Kensit's revelation goes beyond typical parenting challenges, touching on the complex psychological dynamics that can develop between a parent and child.
Embracing Solitude and Finding Strength
The turning point came with a conscious decision to reclaim her own identity. Kensit described the process of learning to enjoy her own company as a transformative and empowering experience. "I had to learn to be my own best friend," she stated, highlighting the importance of self-reliance and inner strength.
This journey of self-discovery has led her to a much healthier and more balanced relationship with her now-adult children. She champions the idea that being a complete and fulfilled individual is the greatest gift a parent can give their child, modelling independence and self-worth.
Now, with a successful career that spans decades in music, television, and film, Kensit stands as a figure of resilience. Her story is not just one of celebrity confession, but a relatable account of the pressures of modern motherhood and the universal quest for personal identity within the family unit.
