Denise Van Outen confesses which celeb she'd holiday with and why she ignores trolls at 50
Denise Van Outen shares which star she'd love to do holiday karaoke with as she confesses her abroad fails and admits why she hopes her daughter always wants to travel with her
Whether it's razzle-dazzling on the stage or kicking back on a beach break, Denise Van Outen knows how to make the most of life. Happily single and loving life since her split from Jimmy Barba in November 2023, the theatre star and presenter, 50, chats exclusively to OK! about juggling mum life (she shares teen daughter Betsy with her ex-husband, West End performer Lee Mead) with an array of exciting new projects coming up.
Essex-born Denise, who is working with Marella Cruises, tells us about the holidays she loves and why she still adores an action-packed adventure as much as a chilled day at home. The busy mum-of-one also talks about how she's actually quite sensitive, tackling imposter syndrome and the very famous face she'd love to do karaoke with in Ibiza.
Hi, Denise! At the age of 50, what's something you know now that you wish you'd known in your twenties?
To worry less about what people think, definitely. I try to tell that to younger friends in the industry all the time. When I started out, we didn't have social media – now people can say horrible things with a click, and it goes straight to you. I always remind myself that hurt people hurt people – but it does upset me, seeing younger people take cruel comments to heart. I worry about that. As for myself, I don't really read the comments. Probably for the best!
Your daughter Betsy recently turned 15. How's your relationship with her evolving?
I've been a single mum for a long time, so we've always made our own little adventures – and every year, we do one holiday that's just the two of us. I hope we always keep that up, even when she has a family of her own. It's such lovely bonding time. Now that she's getting older, it's a bit more chilled – she doesn't need entertaining in the same way. We're more like travel companions now.
Do you worry that one day she might want to hang out with her friends more?
I'm very aware, yes, that in a couple of years, she'll be off with her friends or have a boyfriend, so I'm trying to soak up as much time with her as possible. We've had some amazing trips over the years. I remember doing Disney together, and we went on all the rides. We've made some really special memories.
And do you think she'll follow in your footsteps into the world of showbiz?
I really don't know! I wouldn't be surprised. She's got a really lovely singing voice, and she does drama and performing arts at school. But it's totally up to her. I've never been one of those pushy mums. If she wants to do it, great – but it has to be her decision. She's grown up around it and seen both sides. Her dad and I have both been through the highs and lows, she's seen it all.
Would you support her if she chose that path?
Absolutely, but I'd make sure she totally knew what she was getting into. She's already got her eyes wide open, to be honest. She's seen how it all works. You can be smashing it one minute and struggling the next. It's a roller-coaster.
What does quality time look like for you both?
Shopping, grabbing lunch, walking the dog. She's so busy with school and after-school clubs, and I'm always running around, so when we get downtime, we make the most of it. We're going to the coast for the weekend with a couple of friends soon. Just chilling, nothing fancy.
Have you picked up any parenting advice that's really stuck with you?
You've got to have patience – and sometimes you have it, sometimes you don't! But the main thing is not to compare your kid to anyone else's. Every child is different. They're all individuals.
You've had and continue to have a brilliant career. Looking back, what was the big turning point?
Doing Chicago on Broadway. It opened international doors – I ended up working in US TV because of it. I trained in drama and it reminded people that I could do more than presenting. It was a big moment for me, personally, too. It made me realise that if you've got passion and work hard, you can do anything.
What kind of projects excite you now?
Anything creative. I've been writing a sitcom with some actor friends – it's in the early development stages, and I love just bouncing ideas around. I've also done some songwriting recently, which was fun. I'm enjoying being on the creative side of things.
You seem so confident, has that always been the case?
I've always had a bit of confidence. But that doesn't mean I don't get imposter syndrome. I remember feeling it when I first went to New York to do Chicago. Everything there was next level, and I did doubt myself at first. Then I thought, you've got one shot at this, so go for it! I'd never bail out of something out of fear. Even if something fails, at least you gave it a go.
What do people often get wrong about you?
That I'm not sensitive. I come across as very upbeat, but I do take things to heart, and if someone I love is upset, I get quite upset. But I'm also good at masking it. I admit, that's not always the healthiest way to be, though.
You've joined Marella Cruises as their Chief Chill-Out Officer, so what's your dream trip?
Honestly? I'm a cruise convert. I've done a couple now, and I love them. I used to be someone who liked staying in one place, going to the same restaurants, same bars – now I want to explore. I want to tick off my bucket list. Last year I saw Rome for the first time – it took me 50 years, but it was incredible! We also went to Corsica, which I wouldn't have thought to visit, otherwise. You get to see so many amazing places that you'd never get to with a regular holiday.
Have you ever had a hilarious holiday fail?
One of the funniest ones has to be in Tenerife. I'd never been before, and there was a massive hurricane. I ended up spending three days stuck in my hotel room with the storm shutters down. Apparently, it was the first time they'd had one in years – just my luck! I was with friends though, so we had a laugh and made the best of it.
If you could go on a sunshine break with any fellow celeb, who would it be?
It's got to be Adele! She just seems so fun and down to earth – I reckon you'd have a proper laugh with her. I don't think you'd need to do anything too fancy. Ibiza with Adele would be hilarious. Karaoke bars, sunshine – perfect!
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