Angela Scanlon has long been a familiar face on British television, from co-hosting The One Show to competing in Strictly Come Dancing in 2023. Yet, behind the scenes, she has faced the pressures of balancing a busy career with raising two young children.
In an exclusive conversation for Yahoo’s Unapologetically series, Scanlon shares her journey of overcoming perfectionism, learning to say “no,” and redefining wellness on her own terms. Here, she opens up about the challenges she’s faced and the empowering lessons she’s learned along the way.
The Struggle of Perfectionism
For many years, Angela Scanlon lived under the weight of perfectionism, constantly striving to meet high expectations in her career and personal life. As a mother to daughters Ruby and Marnie, and a television personality with a demanding schedule, Scanlon found herself stretched too thin. “I ran out of gas,” she says. “It felt impossible.”
But motherhood, in particular, forced her to reevaluate her life and priorities. “I feel more like myself again,” she shares, as her youngest daughter approaches her fourth birthday. Through this transformative period, Scanlon has learned the importance of setting boundaries and lowering the expectations she once placed on herself.
The Power of Saying ‘No’
Scanlon’s new approach to wellness involves saying “no” — not just to others, but also to herself. Over the years, she realized that trying to please everyone was only leading to burnout. “You can only do that when you stop judging yourself and everyone else,” she says. Learning to reject unrealistic expectations has been freeing, and it has taught her to focus on what truly matters.
“Lowering expectations of yourself and others is freeing,” she notes. This philosophy of rejecting perfectionism has helped Scanlon become a better mother, wife, and person overall, allowing her to thrive without the constant pressure to do it all.
Navigating Beauty Pressures and Aging
As a public figure, Scanlon has faced the constant scrutiny of the beauty standards placed on women, particularly as they age. “On TV, there’s so much expectation: amazing lighting, a glam team, a stylist,” she reflects. Yet, Scanlon resists the pressure to undergo cosmetic procedures like Botox. Instead, she embraces her natural self, finding strength in defying those beauty norms. “There’s a beautiful rebellion in saying, ‘I’m going to sit this one out,'” she says.
Her decision to stop using fake tan, which she had worn for years, was another act of defiance against the societal expectations of perpetual perfection. “Sorry, we’re all supposed to look like that? No, I’m choosing something else,” she explains, revealing a small but powerful way to reclaim her autonomy.
Living Unapologetically
The Unapologetically series is dedicated to women who have found the courage to embrace themselves fully, despite societal pressures. Scanlon’s journey has been one of self-discovery, especially after having children. “I want to do it, not just talk about it,” she says of living unapologetically. Whether it’s in her fashion choices, how she speaks, or how she presents herself in public, Scanlon refuses to conform to others’ expectations.
It wasn’t an easy transformation. “It definitely took me a while to find that sense of self,” she admits, reflecting on her past struggles with people-pleasing. But now, Scanlon is more unfiltered and authentic than ever before.
The Balancing Act of Motherhood and Career
The pressure of balancing a career with raising children is something that many women can relate to. Scanlon, like many mothers, once believed that having children might mean the end of her professional ambitions. However, her experience has been the opposite.
“Balance is elusive, maybe overrated,” she muses. “But now I think of balance seasonally rather than daily or weekly.” By embracing the cyclical nature of life, Scanlon has learned to accept that some periods are more demanding than others, and that’s okay.
Motherhood has reshaped her sense of ambition. “I just want to experience things,” she says. “I think it’s for healthier reasons.” Her ambitions are no longer tied to external validation but instead to the desire to experience life on her own terms, whether it’s through her career, her family, or personal experiences.
The Definition of Wellness
For Scanlon, wellness no longer looks like striving to do everything perfectly. It’s about presence, peace, and choosing comfort when needed. She explains that sometimes the healthiest choice is to step back, turn off the demands, and take care of yourself.
“Wellness is about presence and quiet time,” she says. Her idea of a fulfilling evening may not involve social outings but rather snuggling up at home with her family to watch a movie. “Being tucked up watching The Holiday – that felt like health to me.”
Conclusion
Angela Scanlon’s journey from people-pleaser to unapologetic woman is one of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. By embracing imperfections, learning to say no, and focusing on what truly matters, she has found a new sense of balance in both her career and her personal life. As Scanlon continues to evolve in the public eye, her message is clear: living authentically is the ultimate form of wellness.
