In the latest episode of On the Marie Curie Couch, bereavement expert Jason Davidson meets much-loved actress and star of Gavin & Stacey, Alison Steadman.
Award-winning actress Alison Steadman has a career that has spanned all genres of TV, film and theatre. Just some of her memorable performances include Abigail’s Party, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, The Singing Detective, Boomers, and Gavin & Stacey. In this episode of On the Marie Curie Couch, Alison opens up about the death of her mother and the enduring pain of losing those closest to you.
Not letting go
“Mum said to me, ‘Do you think I'll still be here by Christmas?’” says Alison. “This was about the end of November. I said, ‘Of course you will, I've just bought you a new black skirt, a new jumper, a pair of slacks. Of course you’ll be here.’ It was my way of not being able to face it.”
The pain of bereavement
“I still cry for my Mum and my Dad all the time,” says Alison. “You know, I have a tear.”
"Something will remind me, I’ll hear a piece of music, or if I’m feeling a bit tired or a bit low, I’ll go, ‘Dad, I wish I could talk to you, I wish I could see you.’”
Listen now
Tap the link near the top of this page to listen to Jason’s chat with Alison. Alternatively, listen to or download it via Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you'd prefer, you can read a full transcript of the episode.
Be sure to like and subscribe so you know when we’ve uploaded a new episode – there are more conversations coming soon.
Content note: discussion of death and grief with reference to themes/topics that might be triggering or upsetting.
