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Thriving Families: Celebrities Who’ve Put Family First

From Hollywood stars to BBC presenters
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By 

Reporter

Celebrities may get the A-list treatment in hair and make-up, and while booking dinner reservations, but when it comes to family, it seems they’re just like everyone else.

Unfortunately for them, school runs, screaming toddlers and teenage tantrums still need to be dealt with, no matter how many Bafta nominations you have, or which box office hit you’ve been in.  

That’s why many celebs have, for a number of reasons, put their careers on the backburner, to take care of family matters. Here’s how these stars have managed it…

Celebrities Who've Put Families First
Holly Willoughby(01 of09)
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After two years presenting 'The Voice UK', Holly handed over the reigns to Emma Willis, stating: "Finding the right balance between my work and family life is my priority and this has contributed to my decision." (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Gleb Savchenko(02 of09)
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'Strictly Come Dancing' pro Gleb quit the show in June 2016, citing "family commitments" as the reason for his decision.

He's married to fellow dancer Elena Samodanova, and the couple have one child together. (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Janet Jackson(03 of09)
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The 'All For You' singer postponed her 'Unbreakable' world tour in early 2016, to concentrate on starting a family with her husband, Wissam Al Mana. (credit:KARIM SAHIB via Getty Images)
Claudia Winkleman(04 of09)
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Presenter Claudia took three weeks off from 'Strictly Come Dancing', when her daughter Matilda was hospitalised with serious burns, in an incident that occurred when her Halloween costume set fire.

She later campaigned for parents to be more aware of the flammability of children's costumes, which usually undergo different safety regulations to regular clothes. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Robin Wright(05 of09)
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'House Of Cards' star Robin Wright recently spoke out about her decision to put her Hollywood career on the backburner, declining roles and putting motherhood first.

After playing Jenny in 'Forrest Gump', the actress was inundated with offers, but she insists the decision was an easy one to make.

"I don't look back and think, 'Fuck, I missed putting my kids to bed for four straight years because I was in the theatre'," she said. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Susanna Reid(06 of09)
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When 'BBC Breakfast' relocated to Manchester, London-based Susanna did the best she could to make the circumstances work for her three kids, commuting instead of upping her family.

Years later, when the presenter and her husband Dominic Cotton split, they made the unusual decision to continue living together, in order to minimise disruption for their children. (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)
Chris Hollins(07 of09)
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While Susanna tipped her schedule upside down to make the BBC's move to the Manchester work, Chris decided to opt out, and left 'BBC Breakfast', in order to remain in London with his family. (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Paula Lane(08 of09)
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When 'Corrie' actress Paula had her first child, she returned to work just 11 weeks later. However, second time around, she decided a longer break was needed, and quit the soap altogether. (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)
Aliona Vilani(09 of09)
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Aliona left 'Strictly' after becoming the first professional to triumph twice, and it was later reported that her plans to start a family with husband Vincent Kavanagh propelled the decision. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)

This summer The Huffington Post UK is spearheading an initiative helping families thrive, with a focus on parent wellbeing, the challenges facing stay-at-home and working parents, friendships and navigating the landscape of modern parenting beyond the 2.4. To kickstart the campaign, Jamie Oliver guest edited the site, bringing a focus on feeding healthy families.

We’ll be sharing stories and blogs with the hashtag #ThrivingFamilies and we’d like you to do the same. If you’d like to use our blogging platform to share your story, email ukblogteam@huffingtonpost.com to get involved.

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