Life couldn’t be better for Kym Ryder. Not only has she got two beautiful children, she has also become a fully fledged resident of Coronation Street’s Rovers Return and will soon be celebrating her five-year anniversary to her budding Hollywood actor hubby Jack.
Even turning 30 hasn’t fazed the gorgeous star. Kym told OK!: ‘I now feel really comfortable and happy in my own skin. In the lead-up to being 30 I had a bit of a mini crisis thinking, how am I going to cope not being in my twenties any more? It freaked me out but I’ve now realised that nothing changes. I look at my life and what I’ve got and I feel so lucky. I’ve got beautiful children, a fantastic husband and a great job – I’ve achieved a lot for that working-class girl from Wigan! I’ve turned my life around and I’m thrilled to be where I am!’
How’s 2007 been for you so far?
Busy! I’ve been involved in lots of big storylines so I’ve been putting all my energy into that and spending time with the children and Jack. There’s nothing worse than sitting at home twiddling your thumbs – at least I never do that!
Have you always been a Corrie fan?
Always. When I was little I was religious about my Corrie fix and even when I was in Hear’say I’d try to catch up with it when I could.
Jack is now hitting the big screen. How’s he finding it?
Hes really excited, especially because he plays a geek, which is good for him because he’s used to playing a heart-throb!
Would you like to get into film?
I don’t know, I never like to think too far ahead because I have to commit to what im doing now. Right now I love Corrie and cant imagine doing anything else.
Would you ever be tempted to film together?
No way, I think it’s a bit naff. It also takes away the reality of the character because people tend not to believe the scripts because they know you’re together in real life.
Would you ever move to Hollywood?
No never, because my children have to see their father. The kids are my main priority so no matter what job called me to L.A, id stay firmly in Britain. We’ve also recently moved from Hertfordshire to a lovely house in Cheshire so we’re so happy.
Have you spotted any of the WAGs there?
Oh no, its not footballer territory – I wouldn’t move there if it was!
You’ve been married five years this year, how will you and Jack be celebrating?
It all depends because we’re both so busy so whether we go away or not depends very much on that, but we’ll definitely celebrate. We’ll probably buy each other some nice pressies, get some alone time and have a lovely meal with the kids.
Can you see yourself having children with Jack?
Yes we definitely want to, maybe in a few years because were so busy and have two children to look after already – although they really want another brother or sister!
Is Jack very romantic?
Yes I’m very lucky because hes such a sweet guy – and not just with me. When he was away touring for most of last year doing theatre, he’d leave notes for the children under their pillows. I’m sure he’d say I was too because we’re always doing lovely things for each other.
What are you doing for Valentines Day?
We don’t tend to go out for a meal, we just try to spend time alone so hopefully we’ll do that.
Would you ever renew your wedding vows?
Yes, maybe in a few years. It’s a lovely idea to reaffirm your love when people have been together ten or 15 years – but I think you need to wait a bit longer than five years.
Would you ever do an Osbourne-style reality TV show?
Oh God no, can you imagine Meet The Ryders? It’s one thing to do Soapstar Superstar because it’s a bit of fun for charity, but I’d never do Big Brother because, although I love watching it, it’s just not me. I cam from a reality show and, as much as I will always be grateful for that break, it’s taken me a long time for people to respect me in my own right and get rid of that label. I wouldn’t really want to go back to that unless it was for a laugh.
Would you agree that celebs go on those shows when their career is going downhill?
Yes, although Myleene didn’t have to go on I’m A Celebrity…, she just want on for the experience. I was so proud of her for that – although it didn’t surprise me because I know her very well and nothing scares her.
Will you be going to her wedding later this year?
Who knows, I’ll just have to hope for an invite!
How do you juggle being a actress and a mum?
I just make sure I play a lot! I get my schedules a week ahead so I can still go to parents’ evening and be there for the kids. If I compare this to the schedule I had in Hear’Say, its so different. One day we’d be in London and the next we’d be in Amsterdam, I never had any control.
The Corrie girls all seem to have great figures, is everyone very body-conscious?
God, not at all! They’ve all got fab figures but that’s just the general preference. Obviously with a hectic job like this you need to look after yourself so that’s what we generally all do. We go to the gym because it helps us to keep fit. You do need to be strong to carry the schedules – we don’t have a choice!
How often do you go to the gym?
I usually go about three times a week, but its very difficult when you’ve got a big storyline and loads to do at home – hoovering is great for burning calories.
Do you diet?
No, I hate weird diets. I know what if i eat a ton of chocolate its bad for me; I follow a sensible eating plan but eat pretty much a bit of everything. My motto is everything in moderation, because if you look back on life and there are things you’ve deprived yourself of, its so boring. I can be starving and crave something but I’ll get halfway through it and get cored, so I only really ever have half portions.
What’s the one thing you would change about yourself?
Probably my nose. I had it broken when I was in Saturday night Fever when my friend elbowed me and its still out of shape compared to how it was, so if I could wave a magic wand to change it back, I would – but I’d never have surgery.
Are you image-conscious?
In my twenties my weight always got my down and I went through a stage of feeling ugly and being very OTT about my image, but now I could think of worse people to be! Being in a band in my early twenties and surrounded by size 6 girls didn’t help, I was a size 10 but felt huge. There is so much pressure in that industry. But I’m hoping that the skinny obsession is fading – there’s more to life!