For Kym Marsh, 2024 has been a year of highs and lows. The former Hear’Say singer-turned-Morning Live presenter faced heartbreak in January when her dad David died of prostate cancer, aged 78. It was news that left the Waterloo Road star, 48, reeling, with Kym writing that she had “no words” to describe the loss.
But six months later, Kym’s life is looking up. The star – who’s mum to David, 29, Emilie, 27, and Polly, 13 – has stepped into the heels and fur coat of Cruella de Vil for the UK tour of hit musical 101 Dalmatians, and the show has brought more to Kym’s life than just a distraction from grief. Following her split from third husband Scott Ratcliff last year, she has also found love with her co-star Samuel Thomas, 29, and announced the news on Instagram earlier this month. She wrote, “Met the most amazing man ever! Sometimes the most unexpected things happen at the most unexpected times.” She chats to us about loss, family life, and whether she’s planning a return to music…
How have you found your return to the stage?
It ’s been a really funny one, because after my dad passed away, I knew the role was there, and I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to go on tour. Me and my dad were super-close, and it’s broken my heart completely. I spoke with Mum about it, and she said, “Your dad would want you to go and do this, you know he would.”
It sounds like he’d be very proud of you…
Not long before he died, he dad said I was one of the strongest women he knew. He knew I was a risk taker, and I’ll continue to do that.
The show must be a good distraction, too…
It’s been really good for me to get myself into something else. I’m filming Waterloo Road at the moment, which is wonderful and I’m having a great time. But I think sometimes doing something completely different gives you that extra focus.
Cruella is quite the character. How are you finding tapping into your inner baddie?
She’s the biggest iconic villain I could possibly think of – what a part to play! If you’re going to play one, play this. I did the play Fatal Attraction a couple of years ago, and that’s obviously a very different type of villain, but I love playing something so far removed from myself.
So, you’re not doing bad things to puppies in your spare time?
I love dogs, dogs are my favourites in the world! There’s no better companion as far as I’m concerned.
You sing a lot in this production. Has it tempted you to release your own music again?
Oh no! I’ve left that behind. It’s gorgeous to get out and sing, but I don’t see myself as a recording artist any more. I’ve passed that baton onto my daughter.
Between filming Waterloo Road and playing Manchester on the tour, you must be spending a lot of time at home…
I’ve got five weeks at home, which is unheard of when you’re on tour. I’ll be having more time with the family and get Polly back home, as well. She’s been with her dad while I’m away, which is lovely. Her dad’s fiancée is about to have a baby, so she’s about to be a big sister, as well.
You have such a gorgeous family…
I’m so lucky to have them. I couldn’t have done anything in my career – or my life, in fact – if it wasn’t for my family. I’ve got two adult children, and beautiful grandchildren. I’m very fortunate.
Will the Marsh family go away this summer?
I’ve booked a big holiday for us all to go on for a week. I feel like we need that as a family.
101 Dalmatians The Musical is touring now. For tickets, head to 101 Dalmatians.