Chelsee Healey has revealed her “anxiety” at leaving baby daughter Coco at home as she returns to work on Hollyoaks.
The actress was back on set filming for the Channel 4 soap on Monday morning and admitted to fans it had been a day she was “dreading” ever since Coco arrived.
Chelsee, who plays Goldie McQueen, posted a poignant and heartfelt message to Instagram from her dressing room in which she shared her fears over her maternity leave ending.
She said: “Back at work today full time! The anxiety and leaving my baby for the long hours I will be working made me feel so sick.
“Been dreading this day, so scared she will forget who I am.”
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However, the soap star went on to say that she’s been telling herself that going back to work is in Coco’s best interests.
And she acknowledged how lucky she is to have such a great job.
Chelsee told fans: “All I think about is it’s for her future. But I’m so lucky to have a job I love to do and it doesn’t feel like work.
“These long days will all be worth it in the future! Even tho the 6am start didn’t help this morning.”
She concluded: “I know mummas will relate. We got this.”
Chelsee’s candid message certainly struck a chord with fans, many of whom rushed to assure her that little Coco won’t ever forget who she is.
One wrote: “You definitely got this. She won’t forget who you are babe.”
Another agreed: “She most definitely will not forget who you are. You are her mumma. Irreplaceable. She will be super happy when you come home and that feeling off being reunited is the best. It’s somthing to keep you going throughout the day when you are apart xx (sic).”
Other mums said they fully understood Chelsee’s sentiment and shared their own stories about returning to work after maternity leave.
One told her: “Although it’s the worst feeling it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who feels this way. I’ve delayed going back for another 2 months but I know I have to for her sake.”
Another agreed: “I feel your pain – working and parenting full time is never easy, but I promise you it gets easier as you get used to your new routine.”
Chelsee became a first time mum in July, when little Coco arrived following a difficult labour.
At the time, Chelsee told fans via Instagram: “Had the worst and longest labour which ended up me having to have an Emergency C section!”
Baby Coco’s dad is Chelsee’s on-off boyfriend Jack Molloy.
Meanwhile, the last time we saw Goldie on Hollyoaks was back in July, when she made a dash for freedom after taking the blame for a crime committed by son Prince.
Rather than face a hefty jail sentence, she left Chester.
Chelsee previously shot a few scenes to air at the start of February, but she will be back on screen full-time from March.
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Speaking to Digital Spy last week, she said: “Goldie has got some good storylines coming up, which is quite exciting. It’s all go!”
Glad to have you back, Chelsee!