After finding love with Dundee footballer Clark Robertson, Laura Anderson has opened up about how she navigates having a blended family with the sportsman - admitting they are 'mindful' of their exes. Laura, who took part in Love Island back in 2018, shares daughter Bonnie, two, with her ex, Hollyoaks actor Gary Lucy, whom she met on Celebs Go Dating.
Talking exclusively to Mirror, Laura admitted that dating is 'different' since she welcomed Bonnie. "It’s definitely different. Clark has kids, too, so we’re mindful of that and the exes – the other mum and dad," said Laura, who was on and off with her ex Gary until late 2023.Continuing that she and Clark are keeping things private when it comes to his children, Laura said: "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."And following rumours that the couple are engaged, Laura says it's not something that's on the cards just yet.
"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," she laughed.
Talking about motherhood, it's clear Laura is a natural with Bonnie, but she admits there have been tough moments. "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."
Has Laura got any advice for expectant mothers? "It’s like a different world. There’s so much to learn, and it can be overwhelming, though it’s also enjoyable and exciting," she admits. "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."
Since welcoming Bonnie, Laura says she's had mountains of support from fans who have reached out with motherhood tips and kind messages. "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."
However, there is a negative side to social media too, which Laura has seen the brunt of. "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," she said of online negativity.
Describing Love Island as 'one of of the best things I’ve ever done", Laura admits she still watches the ITV2 show and wouldn't change anything about her time on it, admitting: "I believe your life’s already paved out for you."
And while it wasn't the villa where she found lasting love, Laura did make some friends for life. "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."
Admitting that Helena Ford is her favourite of the current series, Laura says of the show's current cohort, "Im 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."
Looking to the future, Laura says that podcasting could be on the cards for her. "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."
