Joanna Page, who played Judy in the 2003 festive rom-com Love Actually, has defended the film against modern criticism, calling it 'a flipping film' and urging people not to take it too seriously. The actress, now 45, said she has only watched the film once but is aware of the growing consensus that Richard Curtis's classic is problematic, with critiques focusing on sexist age gaps and questionable romantic gestures.
Speaking ahead of her family's move to a larger home in Oxfordshire, Page acknowledged that some storylines, such as Alan Rickman's character's near-affair, 'ring true' despite not ending in comeuppance. She also welcomed the shift towards better representation of women in Hollywood, noting that 'it'll be a long road' but that change is positive.
Page, who is best known for playing Stacey in Gavin and Stacey, said she is a 'pretty relaxed parent' to her four children, aged one to nine. She admitted that her on-screen persona is similar to her real self in being 'impulsive and homely', but added that she is 'harder' than people think, with her husband often remarking on her tougher side.
The actress, who moved from Wales to London at 18, said she loves the 'noise and busyness' of family life, despite occasional clashes between her children. She and her husband James Thornton, also an actor, recently welcomed their fourth child, a daughter named Boe.
