In an exclusive interview, actress Patsy Kensit has opened up about her profound personal journey while filming the eighth series of the BBC reality show Pilgrimage: The Road To Holy Island. The 58-year-old star, known for roles in Absolute Beginners, Emmerdale, and EastEnders, braved the harsh British weather alongside fellow celebrities including Ashley Banjo, Tasha Ghouri, and Hermione Norris.
A Challenging Yet Rewarding Pilgrimage
Kensit described the experience of trekking from Northumberland to Lindisfarne as both tough and wonderful. She admitted that the physical demands of walking daily in wind and cold were exhausting, particularly during a steep climb where a fellow pilgrim jokingly became her carer. Despite missing her youngest son Lennon's 26th birthday during filming, she called the overall journey incredible, highlighting the deep connections formed with her co-stars.
Spirituality and Personal Beliefs
Kensit, who identifies as an à la carte Catholic, revealed her eclectic spiritual beliefs, incorporating elements from Krishna and Buddha. She credited meditation, which she started a decade ago, as life-changing and said the show aligned perfectly with her interests. The actress found the experience freeing, as she felt no need to edit her thoughts for the cameras, allowing her to speak openly about her faith and grief.
Grief and Signs from the Past
The loss of her mother Margaret to breast cancer when Kensit was 22 has profoundly shaped her. She described her mother as an angel and shared how she sees signs from her, such as white feathers or robins, which bring comfort. Growing up with financial struggles and her father in prison, Kensit's early drive to work was motivated by a desire to help her family, though her parents never accepted money from her.
A Shift in Perspective on Love
Kensit, who has been married four times to high-profile figures like Jim Kerr and Liam Gallagher, disclosed a significant change in her approach to love. She stated that she no longer runs towards love as she did in the past, marking a huge shift in her mindset. Instead, she focuses on the future, embracing her current journey and destiny with a positive attitude.
Living in the Present
Kensit now strives to welcome each day with positivity, practicing gratitude for abundance and learning to stay present. She acknowledged her tendency to overthink but uses meditation to quiet her noisy mind. At 58, she has adopted a more relaxed attitude towards self-pressure, emphasizing that if people don't like her, they simply shouldn't look.
Joy and Family Focus
Her greatest joy comes from spending time with her two grown-up sons, James and Lennon, whom she calls the absolute loves of her life. She expressed happiness that Lennon enjoyed Oasis' reunion tour, reminiscing about the magical era of the 90s. Kensit also shared her struggles with technology and social media, admitting that AI scares her and she prefers old-school methods like a physical diary.
Navigating Fame and Offering Advice
Kensit discussed the challenges of fame, noting that criticism is inevitable whether she looks bad or too good. She engages with social media out of professional necessity but dislikes its impact. Reflecting on her life, she advised her teenage self not to sweat the small stuff and to keep fighting through hard times, emphasizing her resilience as a survivor.
Pilgrimage: The Road To Holy Island premieres on Sunday 5 April at 9pm on BBC Two and iPlayer, offering viewers a glimpse into Kensit's transformative spiritual and personal exploration.
