Derry Girls star opens up about going no contact with her family and ‘intense’ therapy

Jamie opens up about starting therapy, moving to Barcelona, her new film ‘Girl Group’ and more in the latest episode

Derry Girls star Jamie-Lee O’Donnell has spoken candidly about going no contact with her family as she underwent an ‘intense’ period of therapy.

The TV star opened up to Dish from Waitrose hosts Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett OBE, about her sudden move to Barcelona, eating disorders and her ownership of a corner shop.

Jamie-Lee joins the list of countless famous faces to feature on the award-winning podcast, where she also referenced her Boost energy drink addiction and relationship with food.

She also revealed her therapy journey and how that led her to a new life in Spain just over a year ago.

Speaking on the podcast, she said: “So, um, I did therapy, which was pretty intense and really tough, to be honest. And then I got like to the end of it. I completed it. Cured, guys.

“All the healing’s done. But and then it was like, right, now time to sort of have a good big start for myself. So, I just sold my house and just went, mm, Barcelona. I know, it’s mental.”

She continued: “Well, I sort of, I’ve always been the sort of hyper independent. And if I wanted to do something, I’d done my research and then just did it- you know what I mean?

“And there’s a lot of good and bad with that. You sort of learn by mistakes- and as you keep going and stuff, and I’ve had plenty. Um, but this time, thankfully, uh, it’s worked out really well.”

Jamie-Lee then revealed that she does not speak to her family and how therapy led to that decision.

“Well, that’s part of the therapy. I had to go no contact with my entire family. I know, exclusive,” she said.

“But, um, but aye, it’s just one of those things, you know. And the more I’ve sort of talked about it and been honest about it, I’m seeing it’s, unfortunately, it’s not the most, um, unusual thing for adults.

“It’s just the way it is, you know.”

Jamie-Lee is the third Derry Girl star to feature on the podcast – following in the footsteps of Nicola Coughlan, Siobhán McSweeney and Saoirse- Monica Jackson.

She also opened up about her pride at the show and how it has become universal.

“I think it’s one of those jobs that whenever I do anything, you’ll get the odd person to be like, “I know this is not allowed, but can I get a photograph?” And I don’t mind it because I agree, I’m really proud of it. I think it’s such a universal show- and the type of, the, the type of people who ask and come up and want a photo is like so varied, which I think is just such a great reflection

of it. And there’s so many like older men that will be like, “Listen, my daughter or my granddaughter- she’ll love this, she’ll think I’m class, can I please get one?” I’m like, “Of course!”And it’s really nice.”

Dish from Waitrose is available on all podcast providers and Jamie-Lee’s episode is now available for listening

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