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EVERYW ABRILLIA
‘I can count my friends on one hand – and that’s the best way to be’ I read a report the other day in which researchers found that people with only a few “real life” friends were happier than those with lots of online ones, and the quality of friendships were far more important than the quantity. It really resonated with me, because I’ve definitely realised how essential proper pals are over the last few years. With social media, it can be so easy to fixate on the number of followers you have, or how many “likes” you notch up. When I was younger, I used to want more friends, but as I’ve grown up, my circle has become smaller and smaller, and I feel happier than ever. As you get older, I think
MY TYPICAL DAY:
PHOTOS: REX/SHUTTERSTOCK, INSTAGRAM
‘I practise my lines in the shower!’ I’M ON TOUR AT THE MOMENT. I’m starring in the play Ten Times Table, so I’m living in hotels and getting up at around 10.30am, after a late night of performing. I’ll start my day with In costume for a coffee and do some core exercises, Ten Times Table like planks, sit-ups, or squats. It’s a little 20-minute routine I can do anywhere. I’LL HAVE A NICE BRUNCH OF EGGS AND A FRUIT SMOOTHIE AT AROUND 12PM, before I work through my emails and admin. I’m a patron of the SEED Eating Disorder charity. This sometimes consists of speaking in schools or presentations, so I’ll work on them if I need to. I LIKE TO HAVE A WANDER AROUND WHICHEVER CITY I’M IN. At around 4pm, I’ll come back and start getting ready. I’ll have a microwave meal before the performance. Being on tour is not as glamorous as it sounds! I prepare for the night ahead while I’m in the shower. I do all my articulation and lines just talking to myself. I play someone with a BBC accent, so quite posh – very different to my northern accent! The cast then get together at around 6.30pm and have a team talk before the show. I absolutely love what I do, so the performances are always a blast. THE SHOW REALLY GETS OUR ADRENALINE PUMPING, so afterwards, the cast will often have a glass of wine together. I might get a kebab before heading back if I’m hungry, and then I’ll go back to my hotel. I’m a night owl, so I’ll watch TV until I fall asleep at around 1am.
you start to prioritise yourself a lot more. You realise your time is precious, so why would you spend it with someone who doesn’t make you feel amazing about yourself? My job means I’m in the public eye, but it comes in waves. I’ve had mates who are there when I’m in the press, but disappear when I’m not in the limelight so much. Working away from home shows who my real friends are – those who will still be there for me even if I haven’t seen them for months. I can count my friends on one hand – if you only have a handful of people who will be there for you, support you, and love you always, then you’re super lucky and you should cherish that.
‘EATING DISORDERS ARE MISUNDERSTOOD’ Taylor Swift has recently discussed having an eating disorder in her new documentary, Miss Americana, and it’s really opened up the conversation. I suffered from an eating disorder for around 13 years of my life, and it caused so much pain – not only for me, but also for my family and friends. I think there needs to be more understanding of eating disorders. For example, some people may think they’re about vanity and looks, but for me and many others that wasn’t the case. I was bullied, and eating was something I could control. It wasn’t about looking like a supermodel. I think celebrities talking about their experiences with mental illnesses, like eating disorders, can do a world of good – so kudos to Taylor.
“Kudos to Taylor”
IF I RULED THE WORLD... I’d make everyone look in the mirror every morning... and say, “I’m beautiful, I’m brave, and I’m able”. I do it and feel empowered.
…and I’d allow dogs everywhere. In restaurants, work, schools... My dog Ruby is the light of my life and I’m happier when she’s around.
● Gemma is raising money for the SEED Eating Disorder charity by hosting the Another Blooming Night charity gala. Visit Seedeatingdisorders.org.uk
Ruby Tuesday is a schnauzer-poodle cross
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