The Shape I’m In: Denise McCormack
She is known for playing strong outspoken women on screen, but growing up Denise McCormack says she was more of a listener than a talker. The trait has proved to be a valuable asset for the actress, who has starred in Love/ Hate, Red Rock and more recently EastEnders.
“You are taking in an awful lot and you are understanding the nature of people around you. That sensitivity to other people, it definitely gives me a big scope for empathy.
“As an actor, you’ve got to embrace your makeup and that’s what makes you who you are and makes you able to do what you do.”
Born in Drimnagh, she now lives in Bray with her fiancé Barry and their two children, Harvey, six, and Sidney, four.
Though the boys are too young to be on social media, she has concerns about what lies ahead.
“I worry about young people because even 10, 15, 20 years ago I wouldn’t have been able to cope with what people have to listen to or read about themselves. It’s awful.
“It’s something that we need to invest heavily in as parents and be mindful of.”
After finishing her stint in BBC’s EastEnders, playing the feisty Ciara Maguire, she is currently enjoying some downtime at home.
“I tend not to stress about work anymore because it takes away from that time with the children. I know something will come up. I don’t worry about it. Not yet anyway.”
Denise is an ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland’s One in 1,000 campaign to recruit one thousand women for the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon in June.
I was probably in the best shape of my life last yearduring Dancing With The Stars. I try to keep it up. I jog and I go to the gym three times a week, or maybe four if I can squeeze it in. I work with a trainer. I do high-intensity interval training and weight training. Sometimes I do spin classes.
I’m vegetarian. I eat a lot of vegetables and I love fruit and vegetables. I’ll try to have a smoothie once a day. Myfavourite is a blend of pressed apple juice, a handful of cabbage, a celery stick and half an avocado. It’s gorgeous. The children love it. Green smoothies are kind a treat in my house, they don’t realise what’s in it.
I like Green & Black 70% dark chocolate, which they say is actually good for you. But I also love a Turkish Delight — that would be my go to if someone was nipping into the shop to buy something.
Worrying about my family. During the snow [storm] my mum and dad had a leak, so that kept me awake.
I would have an Epsom salt bath or I would go for a walk along the seafront in Bray.
My mum, my dad, my sisters, Barry and the two kids. That is the company I love the most.
I can’t wear perfume. I get headaches. I love the smell of freshly cut grass because it’s the sign of spring. It’s been a harsh winter.
I’m older now and a bit more content but the 20-year-old me would have said make me taller, give me long, slim legs.
I cry watching things. If there’s any sort of documentary or film on and that sad music comes on to encourage you to get weepy it works for me. I’m a total pushover.
I can’t bear anyone to be mean to other people. If you have nothing good to say about someone don’t say it.
Given the industry I’m in, it would probably have helped to be a little more confident. As I was growing up, I would have bashed myself a little bit over this, asking why can’t you be stronger? I’m a bit older and a bit wiser and nowI can monitor that and turn it around.
I meditate in the morning and the evening. I have abelief that there’s a rhythm to the universe and that we are all interconnected — I chant to get into rhythm. I follow Nicherin Buddhism. It works for me. I don’t think there’s one answer out there.
Looking at my kids’ faces every morning.
