Clelia Murphy gave birth to her daughter Clara Belle 18 years ago, when she was just 22. The Fair City star, now 40, spoke to the Independent about being a single mum at a young age. Clelia said she was ‘better off’ raising her daughter without the help of her father.
The actress, who has played Niamh in the Irish soap since 1995, says her mother was an amazing role model and helped her when she found out she was pregnant unexpectedly.
Read: 10 things no one told you about being a single mum
“I was very lucky, I had my mum and grandparents so they were a great support. I think I was better off being a single parent because I don’t think any man could have done the job that my extended family did, and I don’t think any man could have stuck around while we all did it,” she told the Independent.
Previously Clelia told the RTE Guide: “Clara Belle was the motivation I never had. I was never motivated before that. Now I have something to work for and work towards.”
“The best thing that ever happened to me, the best thing that will ever happen to me, is Clara Belle.”
“Clara Belle is the best plan I didn’t make.”
Any single mums, I’m sure, will relate to this.