She might not have found The One on Love Island, but appearing on the ITV dating show helped propel Laura Anderson to fame. Laura took part in the fourth series in 2018 and had a rocky time in the villa, but eventually coupled up with Paul Knops.
The pair were runners-up but, sadly, their romance wasn’t meant to be. It’s a different story now, though, as Laura, 36, who shares daughter Bonnie, two, with her ex, Hollyoaks actor Gary Lucy, has found love with Dundee footballer Clark Robertson.
Here, she opens up to Ok! about mum life, being loved-up with Clark, 31, and what she really thinks about this year’s Love Island contestants.
Hi, Laura! Your life has changed a lot since you appeared on Love Island. How are you finding motherhood?
Really good. Bonnie had her first day at nursery recently and I started crying when I dropped her off. As a single parent, it’s hard to let go and trust other people to look after your little baby. We’re so used to it being just us. She cried, then I got in the car and started crying – what a nightmare! But, apparently, it’s normal. The nursery’s amazing – they sent photos via their app to show she was settling in. She’s a very independent, sassy little thing but still a mummy’s girl.
It’s your first time navigating parenthood – any tips for others in the same boat?
It’s like a different world. There’s so much to learn, and it can be overwhelming, though it’s also enjoyable and exciting. You just have to jump in head first and hopefully get the support that you deserve. Enjoy the cuddles and the moments when they’re tiny. It’s a cliché, but, my God, does it go fast! Just be present and don’t worry too much about the milestones. It makes no difference – we all end up in the same place.
Have you received lots of support from other single mums online?
Absolutely – my social media has definitely changed a lot in a positive way since becoming a mum. It makes you feel less of an alien if someone else has cried dropping their kids off as well! I feel good on my social media at the moment, it feels like a community. People say they have me to help them – which is quite nice. I have a new-found appreciation for my followers since becoming a mum. I get a lot of comfort.
You also post about Clark – what is dating like as a single parent?
It’s definitely different. Clark has kids, too, so we’re mindful of that and the exes – the other mum and dad. The kids will always come first, and even though I put my life out there, his kids won’t be on my social media, at least not at the moment. It’s nice, him and Bonnie are little BFFs. I feel really lucky to have him, he’s quite hands-on.
There were rumours about an engagement…
No, we’re not engaged – I was joking! It would be nice in the future… you’ll be the first to know. At the moment, I’m really enjoying the new house. Clark and I were doing long-distance before, so it’s been a nice transition for us to move in together. Now I’m basically a WAG. I never thought I’d be saying that! I didn’t even like football before.
Looking back at your time on Love Island, is there anything you would change?
It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. I still watch it, I think it’s a great show. It gave me so many opportunities, I definitely wouldn’t change anything. I’m happy. I believe your life’s already paved out for you.
Do you still talk to anyone from Love Island?
Yeah, I speak to Adam [Collard], Kaz [Crossley], Gabby [Allen], Olivia [Bowen] and Shaughna [Phillips]. Mostly the mums – we have more in common now. Maybe I’ll meet some of the new Islanders when they come out. I like to check in on them and make sure they’re alright. I’m very protective.
What do you think of the latest Love Island contestants?
I love Helena [Ford], she’s my favourite. A bit controversial, but I’m hoping Harry [Cooksley] pulls it out the bag and grafts for her. She’ll pie him off but in the end they’ll get together. Conor [Phillips] is my favourite boy. I also like Toni [Laites], she’s very emotionally mature. She could teach the boys a thing or two. It’s the first time they’ve had an American on, she’s done well.
You’ve been in their position before – is it very intense?
Of course, it’s like a holiday romance, it’s intense and it’s all you talk about. You’d think as viewers we’d get used to it being dramatic and sympathise a bit, but there’s still trolling going on. But people are always going to do that, aren’t they? I got trolled when I went on holiday without my child but it doesn’t really bother me. I don’t feel guilty at all for having a break, us mums need it, to be better mums. Clark and I had our first holiday together, which was much needed after a year.
What’s next for your career?
I’ve had talks about starting a mummy podcast, which will be a nice transition after leaving Capital Radio. I loved being on air so much, a podcast is more flexible, live radio doesn’t wait for anyone. A mummy podcast would be a dream goal.
You recently hosted the red carpet for Pride of Scotland. How was it?
Such an honour – my third year hosting the red carpet. There were so many inspiring stories. These tiny little humans are doing better things in the world than us 30- or 40-year-olds in the room watching them. Their parents must be so proud of them. It was such a humbling, incredible experience.