Joanna Page Opens Up About Her ‘Awful’ and ‘Embarrassing’ Experience
Joanna Page Reflects on Challenging Experience Filming Doctor Who’s 50th Anniversary Special
Welsh actress Joanna Page, known for her role in the popular series Gavin and Stacey, has opened up about the struggles she faced while filming the 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who. Appearing on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast, Page shared her experiences during a time when she was adjusting to motherhood shortly after giving birth.
Filming the 50th Anniversary Episode of Doctor Who
The special episode aired in 2013, celebrating half a century of the beloved sci-fi series. Page portrayed Queen Elizabeth I in the star-studded cast, which included notable names such as David Tennant and Matt Smith. However, her personal challenges during this period were significant, as she had recently welcomed a new baby into her life.
Balancing Motherhood and Acting
Page described the whirlwind of emotions she experienced while attempting to balance her responsibilities as a new mother with her professional obligations. She stated, “I’m off straight away filming with this little baby with me and it’s mad because as a woman, you’re there and you’re trying to deal with the biggest thing that’s ever happened in your life.” Her narrative highlighted the unique struggles that come with navigating a demanding acting career while embracing the challenges of motherhood.
Breastfeeding on Set
During the podcast, Joanna recounted the juggling act of breastfeeding while fulfilling her role on set. “I was breastfeeding and I was in this corset,” she explained, emphasizing the support she received from the production team. “They were lovely, but I was adamant that the baby was going to be with me on set.” The logistical challenges were evident as she described the exhausting routine of night feedings and early morning calls.
Struggles with Lines and Performance
Amid the chaos, Page faced additional pressures as she struggled to remember her lines. “I couldn’t remember any of my lines because my head was all over the place,” she admitted. Working alongside Doctor Who legends such as Billie Piper and John Hurt added to her anxiety, as she felt the weight of performing a historical figure with added complexities. Despite the difficulties, her determination to make it work resonated through her words.
Reflections on Work-Life Balance
Fearne Cotton empathized with Joanna’s experience, remarking on the societal pressures that often lead new parents to continue working. Page ultimately made the decision to take a break from her career, a choice she described as a significant and necessary shift. “It must have been a big scary gear change,” Cotton noted, reflecting on the challenges of prioritizing personal well-being.
Final Thoughts on the Experience
In closing, Joanna Page expressed mixed feelings about her performance in the iconic episode. Despite the difficult circumstances, she remains proud of her work. “It’s really embarrassing, but I got through that,” she said, capturing the complexity of balancing her professional identity and her new role as a mother.
Listeners can find more of Joanna Page’s reflections and similar insightful discussions on the Happy Place podcast, available on various platforms.
