‘It’s incredibly tough’ – Sophie Turner opens up about being a single mother

Sophie Turner has opened up about the challenges she faces as a single mother

The 28-year-old British actress stars as Joan Hannington, a notorious jewel thief, in ITV's upcoming drama Joan, which follows the complex life of the criminal and mother in 1980s London, determined to regain custody of her daughter.

While filming the series, Turner and her then-husband, Joe Jonas, announced their separation after four years of marriage. 

The couple, who tied the knot in Las Vegas in 2019, share two daughters. Their divorce, which was finalised recently, drew a lot of public attention, particularly after a brief period of conflict between the two.

In an interview with The Sunday Times Culture magazine, Turner looked back on how being a mother influenced her portrayal of Hannington. 

“I’m not sure I could have brought the same intensity to the role if I weren’t a mother myself,” she explained. 

“Being a single mom is incredibly tough. Joan may not make all the right choices, but her determination to fight for her daughter is something that resonated deeply with me.”

Turner also touched on the broader societal pressures that mothers face, saying, “There’s a lot of judgement that comes with being a mother. 

“You get criticised if you work, and you get criticised if you stay at home. It feels like you can’t win.” 

Her reflections come at a time of significant personal transition for the mum-of-two. Jonas filed for divorce in Miami, citing irreconcilable differences, which led to a legal battle over custody of their children. 

Turner even took legal action to secure their children’s passports but has since reportedly reached a temporary agreement with Jonas regarding custody.

During filming, Turner found herself separated from her daughters for a period, which she described as an emotionally challenging experience. 

Thankfully, she had the support of her crew, with one friend staying with her to help her cope. 

"I didn’t want to be alone," Turner admitted. "The crew became my family during that time, and they helped me get through the days."

Turner, who first gained worldwide fame as Sansa Stark on HBO's Game of Thrones, continues to have to navigate her personal and professional life all while in the public eye. 

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