'We're a close family – I feel very fortunate'

Kym Marsh on making her loved ones a priority, why acting still has her heart and choosing to live a healthier lifestyle as she nears a milestone birthday

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Between rehearsals for her new play, Abigail's Party, presenting BBC show Morning Live and appearing on-screen in Waterloo Road, Kym Marsh is rushed off her feet when we sit down for an exclusive interview with her. "I've got a busy few weeks, lots to do," she laughs as we ask how she is.

And as a doting mum and grandmother, we imagine there's precious little downtime for the 48-year-old.

"It's pretty difficult to juggle it all," she admits.

"But I do work hard and I also like to spend quality time with my family. So, when I'm not working, I tend to just hang out with them, because that makes up for the time that I'm busy. I think making quality time for family is very important."

Kym shares kids David, 29, and Emilie, 28, with ex-partner Dave Cunliffe and youngest Polly, 14, with former husband Jamie Lomas. In 2009, she and Jamie also had a son, Archie, who was born 18 weeks early and sadly died moments after birth. She's also a grandmother to Emilie's son Teddy and Emilie's stepdaughter Polly, as well as David's son, Clayton.

Newly single Kym hit the headlines last month for reportedly splitting from her boyfriend Samuel Thomas, 29, after a whirlwind six-month romance.

But when we ask whether she'll be dating again soon, perhaps understandably, the actress remains resolutely tight-lipped. One thing she is more than happy to discuss is her grandchildren, and Kym lights up when she tells us that she's hoping her clan gets even bigger.

She reveals, "I love being a grandma. It's one of the best jobs in the world, and I'm hoping that I get more of them. I have a brilliant relationship with my children and my grandchildren, and I love spending time with them. I've always been very family-oriented.