Former child star Mia McKenna-Bruce has opened up about her dramatic career break, revealing she spent nearly a decade travelling and partying in Australia after leaving the BBC's Tracy Beaker Returns.
From BBC Ambassador to Australian Adventure
The actress, now 28, starred in the beloved children's series until she was 18. She has now shared that the intense pressure of being seen as an ambassador for the BBC during her youth led her to be extremely careful with her behaviour and social media presence. This stood in stark contrast to the freedom she later sought.
After struggling with what she described as the 'absolute hell' of auditions, where she felt out of her depth alongside drama school graduates, McKenna-Bruce decided to quit acting altogether. Following a pivotal conversation with her father, she left her agent and, alongside her best friend Georgia, moved to Australia for what was initially planned as a month-long trip.
That short holiday turned into an eight-year stay, during which she lived a markedly different life. 'I spent nearly a decade partying and spending my savings from Tracy Beaker Returns,' she told The Sunday Times Culture Magazine, detailing a period of letting loose after years of restraint.
The Triumphant Return to Acting
It was during her time abroad that McKenna-Bruce rediscovered her passion for performing. She decided to return to the profession in 2019, a move that swiftly paid off.
Her comeback role in the film How To Have Sex earned her widespread critical acclaim and the prestigious BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2024. This year, she headlines the new Netflix mystery series Agatha Christie's Seven Dials, playing the lead role of the inquisitive Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent.
The series, a modern reimagining by Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall, also stars Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman. McKenna-Bruce has spoken about the importance of making Christie's work feel accessible to new audiences while staying true to the classic murder mystery format.
Life After Child Stardom
Reflecting on her unique journey, the actress highlighted the specific challenges of growing up in the spotlight. She recalled an instance where the BBC contacted her agent after a swear word was posted on her Instagram, demanding its removal, underscoring the constant scrutiny.
Now, with a major Netflix role and a BAFTA to her name, Mia McKenna-Bruce's career has come full circle. Her story is one of self-discovery, a deliberate break from early fame, and a powerful return on her own terms, proving that a path away from the spotlight can sometimes lead right back to its centre, stronger than before.
