Stacey Dooley: ‘I’ve spent my life assuring everyone I’m a strong woman’
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In more than 70 documentaries, Stacey Dooley’s disarmingly light touch has taken her to the heart of many of society’s darkest issues. After 20 years of filming, she thought she’d seen it all… Until she became a mother. Despite her initial surprise at the transformations of motherhood, Dooley reflects that it gave her a sense of purpose and a deep love for her daughter. She shares her personal journey, from her early childhood experiences to her journey as a mother and beyond.

Dooley grew up in Luton, a working-class background that was well documented, but her mother encouraged her to stand up for herself and prioritize herself. The documentary, _Blood, Sweat and T-shirts_, in which she contributed, was well received and became a commercial success.

Dooley’s early BBC series, _Stacey Dooley Investigates_, marked a significant milestone in her career. Her methods of approaching her interviews were viewed as unique and often controversial by some. However, her work has been praised for its authenticity and insight into a range of current affairs.

After the birth of her daughter, Minnie, Dooley’s life has been marked by the challenges of motherhood. Her worth is often questioned, especially by those who criticize her for spending so much time on her family. Despite this, Dooley continues to work – including writing a book, performing in a West End play – and is driven by a desire to be a mother to her daughter.

Dooley’s stories are often candid and insightful, reflecting both her personal experiences and the broader social issues she has studied. Her book, _Dear Minnie_, is a poignant reflection on her journey and the impact of her life on her daughter.

In conclusion, Dooley’s life is marked by her commitment to motherhood and her persistence in her career. Despite the challenges and controversies she faces, her love for her daughter and her dedication to her work are evident.

> I’ve always tried to behave well, but it wasn’t the priority

> I’d left school at 15. I was from Luton. I didn’t have an uncle at the Beeb – and that made me feel like I had to overcompensate, because you’ve allowed me to be a mum.

> I feel proud. It gave people a platform. It highlighted some important points. I didn’t know I’d feel like this.

> Watching her grow up and see her go from being a plain-speaking girl to being bossy, loud, and confident – it’s very rewarding.

> “I did end up in some sketchy areas,” she says, “and that sort of schtick became my USP.” And things have moved on. “When I started, most of my colleagues were privately educated. Most of them lived in London. Most of them were middle-aged. Most of them were men. But there are more girls on the crew now. More girls shooting. More female execs.”

> “I’m not saying this just to toe the party line,” she says. “But it never felt voyeuristic. It never felt like they were taking advantage.”

> “I need to try to be around for as long as possible,” she says. “And on a very boring, logistical level, I need to be home more. Minnie’s got football on a Saturday.”

> “Having my daughter has made me love everyone,” she says. “I knew it would happen, but I’m still surprised by it.”

> “Personally or professionally?” she asks.

> “Both,” I say.

> “I would like to have more children,” she says. “But it’s not a given, is it.”

> Personally or professionally?” she asks.

> “Both,” I say.

> “I would like to have more children,” she says. “But it’s not a given, is it.”

> “I’m not saying this just to toe the party line,” she says. “But it never felt voyeuristic. It never felt like they were taking advantage.”

> “I need to try to be around for as long as possible,” she says. “And on a very boring, logistical level, I need to be home more. Minnie’s got football on a Saturday.”

> “Having my daughter has made me love everyone,” she says. “I knew it would happen, but I’m still surprised by it.”

> “Personally or professionally?” she asks.

> “Both,” I say.

> “I would like to have more children,” she says. “But it’s not a given, is it.”

> “I’m not saying this just to toe the party line,” she says. “But it never felt voyeuristic. It never felt like they were taking advantage.”

> “I need to try to be around for as long as possible,” she says. “And on a very boring, logistical level, I need to be home more. Minnie’s got football on a Saturday.”

> “Having my daughter has made me love everyone,” she says. “I knew it would happen, but I’m still surprised by it.”

> “Personally or professionally?” she asks.

> “Both,” I say.

> “I would like to have more children,” she says. “But it’s not a given, is it.”

> “I’m not saying this just to toe the party line,” she says. “But it never felt voyeuristic. It never felt like they were taking advantage.”

> “I need to try to be around for as long as possible,” she says. “And on a very boring, logistical level, I need to be home more. Minnie’s got football on a Saturday.”

> “Having my daughter has made me love everyone,” she says. “I knew it would happen, but I’m still surprised by it.”

> “Personally or professionally?” she asks.

> “Both,” I say.

> “I would like to have more children,” she says. “But it’s not a given, is it.”

> “I’m not saying this just to toe the party line,” she says. “But it never felt voyeuristic. It never felt like they were taking advantage.”

> “I need to try to be around for as long as possible,” she says. “And on a very boring, logistical level, I need to be home more. Minnie’s got football on a Saturday.”

> “Having my daughter has made me love everyone,” she says. “I knew it would happen, but I’m still surprised by it.”

> “Personally or professionally?” she asks.

> “Both,” I say.

> “I would like to have more children,” she says. “But it’s not a given, is it.”

> “I’m not saying this just to toe the party line,” she says. “But it never felt voyeuristic. It never felt like they were taking advantage.”

> “I need to try to be around for as long as possible,” she says. “And on a very boring, logistical level, I need to be home more. Minnie’s got football on a Saturday.”

> “Having my daughter has made me love everyone,” she says. “I knew it would happen, but I’m still surprised by it.”

> “Personally or professionally?” she asks.

> “Both,” I say.

> “I would like to have more children,” she says. “But it’s not a given, is it.”

> “I’m not saying this just to toe the party line,” she says. “But it never felt voyeuristic. It never felt like they were taking advantage.”

> “I need to try to be around for as long as possible,” she says. “And on a very boring, logistical level, I need to be home more. Minnie’s got football on a Saturday.”

> “Having my daughter has made me love everyone,” she says. “I knew it would happen, but I’m still surprised by it.”

> “Personally or professionally?” she asks.

> “Both,” I say.

> “I would like to have more children,” she says. “But it’s not a given, is it.”

> “I’m not saying this just to toe the party line,” she says. “But it never felt voyeuristic. It never felt like they were taking advantage.”

> “I need to try to be around for as long as possible,” she says. “And on a very boring, logistical level, I need to be home more. Minnie’s got football on a Saturday.”

> “Having my daughter has made me love everyone,” she says. “I knew it would happen, but I’m still surprised by it.”

> “Personally or professionally?” she asks.

> “Both,” I say.

> “I would like to have more children,” she says. “But it’s not a given, is it.”

> “I’m not saying this just to toe the party line,” she says. “But it never felt voyeuristic. It never felt like they were taking advantage.”

> “I need to try to be around for as long as possible,” she says. “And on a very boring, logistical level, I need to be home more. Minnie’s got football on a Saturday.”

> “Having my daughter has made me love everyone,” she says. “I knew it would happen, but I’m still surprised by it.”

> “Personally or professionally?” she asks.

> “Both,” I say.

> “I would like to have more children,” she says. “But it’s not a given, is it.”

> “I’m not saying this just to toe the party line,” she says. “But it never felt voyeuristic. It never felt like they were taking advantage.”

> “I need to try to be around for as long as possible,” she says. “And on a very boring, logistical level, I need to be home more. Minnie’s got football on a Saturday.”

> “Having my daughter has made me love everyone,” she says. “I knew it would happen, but I’m still surprised by it.”
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