Denise Van Outen 'self-conscious' about stealing spotlight from actress daughter
Denise Van Outen and Lee Mead's only child, Betsy, is following in her actor parents' footsteps.
Denise Van Outen is "self-conscious" about stealing the spotlight from her actress daughter.
The 51-year-old actress blocks herself out of 16-year-old Betsy's sight when she watches her and ex-husband, actor Lee Mead's only child perform because Denise does not want to become the centre of attention during the youngster's shining moment.
The Chicago Broadway star told the new issue of Bella magazine that Betsy "really enjoys" following in her parents' footsteps.
Denise added: "Both her dad and I said, 'If she falls in love with it and wants to do it, we'll encourage it, but we're not going to push her into it.'
"I really haven't been a 'stage mum' because I feel self-conscious anyway - when we watch her perform, I sit at the back and hide away because it's her moment.
"We're there to nurture and encourage, but I love the fact that she's found her way with it. Betsy's got a naturally good singing voice. She's got more confidence than I had as a kid."
Not being "pushy parents" was vital for Denise and 44-year-old Lee - who were married from 2009 until 2013, and have stayed "good friends".
She added in the latest issue of new! magazine: "Nine times out of 10, if you do that with your kids when they’re really young, they can end up being resentful, because it’s not necessarily their passion."
Betsy - who went to the Sylvia Young Theatre School "over Easter to do a course", the same place her mum trained - is well aware of the downsides to acting.
Denise said: "It’s a tough industry to be in. She knows the pitfalls; she’s seen it firsthand with both parents. She knows the highs and lows that come with it."
The Big Breakfast alum thinks Betsy is "getting a second wind in life" now that she is 16.
Denise explained to Bella magazine: "Every decision I've made has been with my daughter in mind. I went through years of going to work and being riddled with guilt, because she'd be at the door crying.
"But now, I can go out and enjoy it. It's like getting a second wind in life."
And the Celebrity Gogglebox star relishes watching Betsy grow into a strong, independent young adult.
Denise said: "It's crazy [she's 16]. But also lovely because they come back to you. I feel like the trickier times were between 10 and 13, but this is such a great age.
"She's my mate. We hang out together and have slightly more adult conversations. She'll give me advice about certain things. It's nice that I get to sit back a little bit and watch as she grows as a young adult."
