Gavin and Stacey star Laura Aikman reveals mystery illness that nearly ended her career – and how she was told to give up acting to save her health

Actress Laura Aikman, best known for her role in Gavin & Stacey, shared that an unknown ailment severely affected her health to the point where medical professionals suggested she should permanently step away from acting.

For several years, the actress, now aged 39, who portrayed Sonia, Smithy’s love interest, in the popular BBC sitcom, experienced mysterious and agonizing health issues without a clear diagnosis.

Eventually, Laura found out that she had been dealing with ulcerative colitis, a long-term autoimmune disease which leads to inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine (colon).

She shared with The Sun, “It took a considerable amount of time for my condition to be identified. Prior to receiving the diagnosis, I was extremely sick, and I had no idea what was causing it.

Over a period of time, I’ve visited the doctor multiple times due to their suspicions that it might be hemorrhoids, without undergoing a thorough examination. They prescribed cream for me since there was blood in my stools, but nothing seemed to alleviate the issue.

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It wasn’t until she saw a homeopath that the pieces started to fall into place. 

She mentioned that after visiting a homeopath, they inquired about her past illnesses extensively. They pointed out, “You see, I’ve drawn up a timeline here showing the periods when you weren’t working, and it seems those are the times when you’ve been at your sickest.

Laura mentioned that she was questioned about taking on a different role, yet she firmly maintained that acting is an integral part of who she truly is.

Her confession revealed that the strain from periods of unemployment between jobs exacerbated her health issues, causing her to feel as if she was disappointing everyone during family gatherings whenever they inquired about her activities.

As a diehard admirer, I’d say: To keep my passion burning, even during breaks from work, I’ve learned to seek out activities and achievements that boost my self-esteem and remind me of my value. This way, I can continue to thrive in all aspects of life.

Regardless of the health issue she faced, Laura persisted with her acting career and is currently savoring one of the most successful phases in her professional life.

At present, she is the lead actress in the BBC crime series titled “This City Belongs to Us” and the Disney+ show “Suspect: The Killing of Jean Charles de Menezes.” In these productions, her character is a whistleblower named Lana Vandenberghe.

Apart from that, she reappeared in the role of Sonia during last year’s Gavin and Stacey Christmas special, and she played Dyan Cannon in ITV’s Archie series, a part that had her image displayed on billboards in New York’s Times Square.

But Laura says her path to success hasn’t been easy. 

On the Women & Wellbeing podcast, Laura candidly shared experiences of the stress she encountered during the initial stages of her professional journey.

Initially, it feels as if you must conform to all their expectations, adapt yourself to fit in, and strive for perfection.

Until around my mid-twenties, I had difficulty adjusting to the expectations society placed on me as a woman in this field, particularly regarding how I should behave or appear.

I recall attending auditions, where I had to recite the lines strictly as directed, in a monotonous manner, hoping to conform to what I believed the desired role required.

In my previous attempts, I might not have been capturing the most crucial aspects. Back then, I wouldn’t have communicated with producers at all.

‘I would just try to stay under the radar, do my job.

It’s likely that I’ve overlooked a significant amount of opportunities due to my lack of networking. The environment seemed to be more about being present, keeping quiet, looking attractive, and departing rather than engaging or interacting. I found most people amusing, particularly the men, but ultimately, it was just another evening out.

As Laura nears her 40th birthday, she expresses that she has discovered a sense of liberation and no longer feels compelled to validate herself by her physical appearance.

She explained: ‘I feel like where I am now people are almost disinterested in how I look.

Recently, I’ve been fortunate to play roles where my appearance as a glamorous woman isn’t the focus. It’s more about the character I portray.

‘It’s about how that person presents themselves.’

Nevertheless, she acknowledges that she never takes opportunities for granted, expressing: ‘It seems as though over the past few years, I’ve had a chance to perform more substantial roles in productions with a greater level of visibility.’

In your professional journey, there are times when you reach a point that seems like the pinnacle, only to find out it’s not. At present, I’m experiencing such a moment, and I suspect I’ll encounter another downturn shortly.

Laura was raised in a family that was deeply involved in entertainment. Her dad, Stuart Aikman, and mom, Jean Heard, who was an actress, laid the groundwork for her early career in the showbiz world.

She first appeared on the big screen in Surviving Picasso alongside Anthony Hopkins in 1996, and since then, she’s been featured in shows like Casualty, Death in Paradise, The Split, among others.

She married actor Matt Kennard, 43 — who’s appeared in Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

Behind the scenes, Laura has acquired skills as a counselor through the mental health messaging service Shout, providing assistance to individuals in urgent need.

She mentioned that it’s great, allowing you the flexibility to work at your convenience. Folks reach out during emergencies via text messages.

‘Obviously that’s more helpful to society than me getting a job in a TV commercial.’

Apart from focusing on her physical appearance, she additionally prioritizes working out for the sake of her health, especially as a means to manage her ulcerative colitis.

She commented: “I consume less alcohol these days. I’m not perfect, I still have a binge-drinking moment at least once a year where I lose control. However, I now usually depart from social gatherings earlier compared to before.

‘I’m just a bit more boring than I used to be. But overall, it really makes me feel much better.’

When she is not working, Matt, who she married six years ago, encourages her to relax. 

She said: ‘He is so chilled out and very even-keeled, he’s a cool guy.

‘He’s played a significant role in motivating me to suggest going to the cinema when I have no plans. He often prompts me with something like, “Why not go to the movies?”‘

I might say, ‘Isn’t it odd to spend money when I don’t have a job right now?’ He could reply, ‘Go ahead and treat yourself anyway.’

It’s possible to be deceived into believing that someone is flawless based solely on their words about their actions. However, it’s important to remember that they might not live up to this idealized image; they could easily stumble and make mistakes.

I believe it’s important to show yourself kindness when you’re not feeling well, and to focus on activities that bring you joy.

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2025-06-15 15:49