Actress Verity Rushworth, known for playing Donna Windsor on Emmerdale, has opened up about navigating two life-changing events: becoming a single mother and losing her father. In an interview with Metro's Beyond the Bubble series, she reflected on her time on the soap, her personal struggles, and her new relationship.
Growing Up on Emmerdale
Rushworth joined Emmerdale in 1998 as a teenager and played Donna through various life stages. She recalled receiving letters from viewers who felt less embarrassed about having braces because Donna had them. Later, Donna's storyline as a corrupt police officer and her dramatic death left a lasting impact. Rushworth described the show as a second family, teaching her a strong work ethic and preparing her for musical theatre, which she pursued for ten years.
Leaving the Soap
At 23, after three years of training, Rushworth decided to leave Emmerdale to explore other opportunities. She made a brief return in 2014 for Donna's death storyline. She mused that Donna might still be alive, suggesting an MI5 plot where her body was switched. She believes there is scope for a return, noting that unexpected comebacks have happened before.
Single Motherhood
After splitting from her partner in 2021, Rushworth became a single mother to two children. She admitted struggling but prioritized her children. She described the experience as survival mode, eventually building confidence. She encouraged others in similar situations to keep going, saying, 'You come through the mist and into the daylight again.'
Grieving Her Father
In 2024, Rushworth's father passed away. Two years on, she and her mother are finding humor in the darkness. She wrote a memoir about their last week in the hospital, highlighting absurd moments like a dog humping a toy rabbit during his departure, a squeaky bed wheel, and a funeral director entering the wrong room. She stressed that grief comes in waves and advised allowing emotions to flow.
New Love and Property Ventures
Rushworth is now in a relationship with entrepreneur Anthony Martin, whom she met on a blind date. He made a memorable entrance by nearly falling off an escalator. They are developing affordable housing in Folkestone and launched a raffle for a family home in Kent, with proceeds going to Echo, a children's heart charity. Martin's daughter had heart surgery at 18 months, and they aim to give back.
Rushworth advised her past self to be kind and allow grief to happen. She emphasized that difficult times are temporary: 'This too shall pass. It won't stick forever.'
