Katie Daly
Updated on: October 15, 2024 6:28 pm GMT
Being a single mother can often feel like an uphill battle, and Sophie Turner, renowned for her role as Sansa Stark in “Game of Thrones,” is opening up about her personal experiences as she navigates this challenging chapter in her life. As she embarks on her new role as infamous jewel thief Joan Hannington in the ITV series “Joan,” Turner reflects on the struggles of motherhood and how her character resonates with her current situation.
Balancing Motherhood and a Demanding Career
In a recent interview with the Sunday Times Culture magazine, Turner described the immense challenge of being a single mother, acknowledging how her recent life events have shaped her performance in her new role. “It’s such a struggle being a single mother,” she shared. “Joan doesn’t go about it in the best way—but it is amazing to see her really fighting for her daughter.”
Turner’s reflections come on the heels of her divorce from Joe Jonas, with whom she shares two daughters. The couple announced their split earlier, and divorce papers revealed that Jonas cited the marriage as “irretrievably broken.” The finalization of their divorce was reported recently, after a few tumultuous weeks filled with public scrutiny.
Turner’s role in “Joan” adds another layer of complexity to her life—a series that depicts the life of Hannington, who became notorious in the 1980s for her jewel thievery and heartbreaking journey as a mother fighting for her child from social services.
The Role of Joan Hannington
Joan Hannington, known as “The Godmother,” is a character based on a real-life woman who led a life of crime while striving to maintain a relationship with her daughter. In preparing for the role, Turner revealed, “I don’t know if I could have brought the same energy to the role of Hannington if I was not a mother.” This sentiment highlights the intrinsic connection she feels between her experiences and those of her character.
– The six-part drama was created from Hannington’s memoirs.
– Anna Symon wrote the screenplay, consulting with Hannington during the production.
– The series provides a gritty yet poignant depiction of a woman’s struggle between her criminal life and her devotion to her child.
Turner stated that portraying Hannington has also led to significant personal growth, as she connects with Hannington’s fierce will and compassion. “From utter desperation comes so much will and ambition,” she explained. “The series came around at a time in my life where I had to be ambitious and I had to have such strong will and fight against the forces.”
The Challenges of Motherhood Under Public Scrutiny
As Turner navigates her personal upheaval, she also addresses the societal pressures mothers face: “There’s so much shame that comes with motherhood,” she explained. “If you go to work, you’re shamed; if you don’t go to work, you’re shamed.” This reality resonates with many parents, particularly those balancing a demanding career and childcare, often criticized from various angles.
During her recent filming, Turner experienced a poignant moment of support from her crew when her children weren’t with her. “A member of the crew who had become a friend stayed with me. She ended up staying with me at mine, because I didn’t want to be alone,” she shared. “The crew really held me through it, and I didn’t ever come home alone at the end of the day.” Such solidarity can make a significant difference for parents trying to keep their lives on track amid emotional and relational challenges.
Looking Forward: Turner’s Next Steps
As the first episode of “Joan” premieres on ITV1 this Sunday, viewers will get to witness Turner’s transformation into a complex character grappling with crime and motherhood. This performance comes at a time when Turner is redefining her own life, one that blends her personal challenges with a professional narrative that many will find compelling.
The series is not just about theft and deception; it serves as a lens through which Turner explores her feelings of ambition, loss, and resilience. By tackling this role, she is poised to inspire others who face similar struggles, proving that even in dire circumstances, the fight for a better life continues.
Sophie Turner shares her deep feelings about being a single mom while also acting as Joan Hannington. This shows how complicated motherhood can be and how strong women can become when facing difficulties. As she starts this new part of her life and career, many people are supporting her. They connect with her story of strength and bravery, both in her acting and in her real life.
