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Tuppence Middleton’s OCD Struggle: Guilt of Not Hugging Sick Daughter

BBG News

Tuppence Middleton openly shared that she sometimes perceives herself as a ‘self-centered’ mother due to her OCD, causing her to avoid physical affection like cuddling with her unwell child, opting instead to clean using bleach and wear rubber gloves while providing care for her.

Actress from Downton Abbey, aged 38, battles with emetophobia, an intense fear that makes her reluctant to handle insects because it could lead to vomiting situations.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I embarked on a new journey in 2022, welcoming my first bundle of joy into the world alongside my partner, the esteemed Swedish film director, Mars Marlind, at the age of 58.

If her daughter is ill and her partner is absent, Tuppence expressed concern: ‘I’d feel quite anxious handling a sick child, and I’d make use of everything I have on hand – like rubber gloves, cleaning supplies such as bleach, and protective masks.’

I grapple with an overwhelming sense of remorse whenever I find myself engaging in such acts, for I dread instilling these habits within her. I cherish her too much to burden her with my flaws.

It seems you experience a sense of self-perceived selfishness as a parent with OCD, as you yearn to be present and share comforting moments like cuddling, even when your children are unwell, and value the closeness their presence brings.

‘On one hand, you feel strongly about wanting to get closer to someone, but on the other, this is exactly what scares you the most. So, it’s quite confusing to sort out your thoughts on the matter.’

Tuppence’s fear of vomiting (emetophobia) added stress to her acting career, especially during her early twenties, since she frequently portrayed romantic interests and was required to share intimate scenes with her co-stars.

In a different choice of words, the actor from Fisherman’s Friends remarked: “When my fellow actors fell sick due to something they consumed, I remained skeptical and didn’t always trust their claims.

As a diligent supporter, I require concrete evidence through laboratory tests to confirm whether their symptoms were caused by something they consumed or an insect, as I find it hard to trust such claims without scientific proof, and I can’t afford to take the chance.

In my younger years, acting romantic roles made me extremely nervous as they often required intimate and sensual scenes, including kissing other actors.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d approach an individual who seemed unwell the previous night with genuine concern, asking questions like “Are you feeling alright today?” or “You seem a bit off; are you okay?” My intention is to show empathy while subtly assessing their health status without raising suspicion about my motives.

I inquired about their well-being, despite their apparent fatigue and pallor, as it was very early, around 5 a.m., during the filming process. My concerns were evident when I asked, “Are you alright? How are you feeling? Is it your stomach?

‘But now I play less of those love interest roles so it’s less of a problem.

Currently, I find myself more confident expressing to my fellow actor: “I’ve been dealing with a specific anxiety, and if at any moment someone in your family or a close friend of yours contracts a stomach virus, I kindly request that you inform me immediately, as I have a strong fear related to it.

‘That was really difficult and I found that job quite anxiety-inducing.

However, it turns out my career path isn’t ideal for someone with OCD, as it often puzzles me and creates significant stress.

Previously, she shared on the Bryony podcast that her OCD was so intense it made her anxious about kissing scenes with her co-star due to a concern that his children might transmit norovirus to her.

During their performance together, where Johnny Flynn impersonated Richard Burton as Elizabeth Taylor’s co-star in The Motive and the Cue, Tuppence harbored fears that they might unknowingly pass on their illness to their father. She was concerned this ailment would then be transmitted to her during the intimate scenes they shared.

During an interview with Bryony Gordon on her “Life of Bryony” podcast, she mentioned that the role required her to be in very near proximity to the actor portraying Richard Burton, Johnny Flynn, and frequent physical contact was necessary, including kissing scenes.

At that point, one of my major concerns was quite clear to him, as I shared it openly, and he was equally forthcoming in our conversation.

I expressed concern that perhaps your children might contract norovirus, resulting in a sleepless night for you while caring for them.

‘And then you’ll have it before I even know that you have it, while it’s incubating in your system.

After practicing, you’ll hand it over to me, and in a few days, you’ll start experiencing symptoms – by then, I will already be aware that I too have it. This situation seems like a vicious cycle or a spiral of chaos.

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2025-03-14 01:48

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