Sophie Willan has revealed she is joining a major new Netflix drama while opening up about motherhood, dating and her three BAFTAs on the latest episode of Dish from Waitrose.
The actress and comedian joined hosts Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett OBE for a wide ranging conversation covering everything from her upcoming memoir to Alma’s Not Normal, The Great British Sewing Bee and life since becoming a mum.
Sophie also admitted her three BAFTA awards are a useful reminder during difficult writing days.
“I know, it’s greedy, really. They’re in my living room at the minute, but I’m having an office built in the garden, so they’ll be bobbing in there,” she said. “It’s good to remember when you’re writing and you think, this is s***.”
She confirmed she has landed a new role in a Netflix drama, although details remain under wraps.
“I got this Netflix series. It’s a drama role,” she revealed. “This is why I dyed my hair because I thought it’d be sensible. I wanted to just be a bit more serious, not Alma. That’s quite a long process. That’s like two and a half months filming. It’s a big series.”
Sophie also shared details about the book she is currently writing, describing it as a collection of memoir style stories and advice dedicated to her son.
“It’s memoirs but it’s short stories and it’s going to be dedicated to Elijah. It’s a series of think pieces and bits of advice from my own personal experiences that I’d like to share with him.”
The conversation also turned to dating, with Sophie recalling how an embarrassing first date near the Houses of Parliament unexpectedly led to finding her partner.
“This is the problem. You put DTF and then before you know it, you’re decorating a nursery.”
She reflected on becoming a mother, saying she was pleased she waited until later in life.
“I thought I would really struggle and I’ve just normally struggled, which I think is good. I’m glad I’ve done it later. He’s a very chilled out baby.”
Food remained firmly on the menu throughout the episode, with Sophie praising Lancashire butter pie, joking about Tequila Rose and sharing stories about her chef grandfather, who once returned from shopping with two strangers from Mallorca instead of just tomatoes.
She also looked back at making Alma’s Not Normal, calling it “a love letter” to people with care experience and her own family, before revealing how much she enjoys filming The Great British Sewing Bee alongside judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant.
Dish from Waitrose with Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett is available now wherever you get your podcasts.
