Hannah Waddingham has revealed she is in her first relationship in eight years. The Ted Lasso actress, 51, shared the love life update in her cover story interview with Women's Health UK, laughing as she described her mystery man as 'very good looking' and 'really lovely.'
Hannah became a single mother after her relationship with her partner Gianluca Cugnetto ended when their daughter Kitty was two. Since then, she has focused on raising Kitty, now 11.
'It's taken me eight years,' Hannah admitted to the magazine when asked about entering a new relationship. 'I didn't really have the space mentally or emotionally for that. I've hunkered down and focused on my girl and me. [But] now I'm ready to stick my head above the parapet a bit more.'
When asked if 'it's a very good-looking parapet,' Hannah laughed and confirmed 'it is!' She added, 'And it's really lovely too, obviously, my relationship. But the best thing about it is, firstly, being happy and strong in myself.'
Hannah has previously explained how she manifested her role in Ted Lasso after becoming a single mother. 'In that moment, your career could falter because you're left holding the baby,' she admitted of how single parenthood affected her. '[But] I found in myself a strength. I thought, "No, I'm not going to sit in the corner with a duvet over my head and think, oh, poor me." I'm going to come out fighting because I know that I have so much to give in my career…'
She continued, 'I talk about [single motherhood] all the time because it's not the same as two parents. I know that sounds ridiculous and obvious, but I think people forget it. People go, "Oh yes, I'm by myself most of the time." But that's not the same as being sole provider. She is undoubtedly my greatest achievement because of that.'
The actress was terrified eight years ago when her daughter, then three, suddenly fell ill and had to be hospitalized. Kitty was diagnosed with auto-immune disorder Henoch-Schönlein purpura. This diagnosis led Hannah to step back from acting, particularly roles that took her far from home. Around that time, she said she manifested the Ted Lasso role, asking the universe for a job that would challenge her but keep her close to their London home. Two months later, she had her first meeting for the part of Rebecca, which ended up being filmed just half an hour from her home.
The full interview is in the June issue of Women's Health UK, on sale now.
