As she cradles her bump during our exclusive photo shoot, it’s clear that Chelsee Healey can’t wait to meet her new baby. Although her pregnancy came as a “shock”, the Hollyoaks star, who is already mum to five-year-old daughter, Coco, and is now three months pregnant, reveals she’s over the moon.
Chelsee, 35, tells Closer, “I’m so excited to be pregnant again, I feel like the timing is just right. I adored my bump last time with Coco, I’ve actually missed it.”
Chelsee – who shares Coco with ex-boyfriend Jack Molloy but separated shortly after she gave birth – adds, “I’ve struggled a bit this time round. With Coco I flew through pregnancy, but I’ve been experiencing all-day sickness and I’m exhausted. I’ve been sent home from work twice poorly and I’ve fallen asleep on set, I’ll be relieved when this part’s over!”
And while she’s preparing for life to get even busier, Chelsee admits she’s still adjusting to the news. The star – who is currently in a relationship with a new partner, whose identity she wants to keep private – admits she had a few nerves when she realised she was expecting again.
“The pregnancy wasn’t planned, it’s what I call a nice accident,” she laughs. “After I did a pregnancy test, I thought, ‘Oh my god’, and let out a nervous laugh! Initially I thought, ‘No, it’s not the right time’. Coco is the best thing that’s happened to me – although a bit crazy like her mum and doesn’t always do what she’s told! She’s so funny, she’s very independent and there are at least 10 arguments a day. So, I thought, while I’d love another child, I’d want to wait till she’s out of this phase till I think about another.”
But former Waterloo Road and Casualty star Chelsee says those jitters were put to bed after she recognised she was in better circumstances, and admits thoughts of her fertility were looming in the back of her mind.
“The support I’ve got this time round is just completely different to when I was expecting Coco,” she explains. “I’ve been a single mum with the support of my own mum, but this time I won’t be on my own, my partner doesn’t leave my side.”
She adds, “Coco has been asking for a brother or sister for so long. Plus I’m 36 next year and I’m aware as you get older, it gets harder. I was even thinking of freezing my eggs before I met my partner. It took me a day to get my head around it, but then I realised, ‘Actually, everything’s fallen into place’.”
And as she opens up about her new relationship of 11 months, it’s clear she’s never been happier.
“This is the most supportive relationship I’ve ever been in,” she says. “My friends and family love him, and he’s the first bloke I’ve introduced Coco to, which says a lot. I knew he was The One within three to four months. I’ve kissed a few frogs, but he’s definitely marriage material! In some past relationships I’ve never felt safe, they felt toxic and a little bit abusive, but with him it’s completely different. I just want someone who brings me peace and is drama-free and this feels right. He’s six years younger but has a mature head on his shoulders.”
Meanwhile, the star has been open about her body hang-ups in the past, admitting she wanted a bum lift after losing 2st in 2017, but Chelsee reveals she’s finally made peace with her body. The star, who had surgery in 2013 to reduce her DD-cup implants after they continued to grow, says, “I’ve been insecure in the past because I’ve been in bad relationships and never felt that someone’s loved me for me, but this time I’ve got someone who does and that’s made a difference to the way I look at myself. I’m at the age now where I’m content with my body, I’m past all the insecurities. The only thing I might get done is another boob reduction. I’ve had one before, but they
kept growing and they still feel so heavy.”
And Chelsee admits she hasn’t ruled out having more children.
“I wanted a little team of babies until I had Coco,” she laughs. “After this one, I’ll be very happy, but I said to my partner, ‘Maybe we can squeeze another one in’. I’ve been through so much in life, and being a single mum made me stronger. I’m a good provider and I’m a bloody good mum.”
