Fair City Star Rebecca Grimes Returns to Set with Baby Bump

Rebecca Grimes, a prominent star of the Irish soap opera Fair City, has made her return to the show following maternity leave, bringing an unexpected twist to her character’s storyline. Grimes, who welcomed her first child, Dara, in December 2022, is back on set while portraying a pregnant version of her character, Hayley Collins.

The experience of returning to work while embodying a character that is also expecting has been described by Grimes as “surreal.” She expressed her surprise at how realistic the pregnancy bump felt, saying, “I felt more pregnant than I actually did when I was pregnant.” This unique situation led to some amusing challenges, as she found herself adjusting to the physical changes and the need to navigate her surroundings carefully.

Grimes shared her feelings about returning to work after spending seven months at home with her daughter. “I had seven full months with her at home, and that’s been gorgeous,” she stated. “But it’s also nice to get back and kind of feel a little bit like the person you were beforehand.” Although she initially had concerns about balancing her responsibilities as a new mother with her acting career, those worries quickly dissipated.

Adjusting to Life as a New Parent and Actor

Returning to the world of Fair City has proven to be a positive transition for Grimes. She noted the support she received from her fellow cast members, particularly other parents, who have shared advice and encouragement throughout the process. With her daughter already making her debut on the set, Grimes emphasized the joy of introducing her child to her work environment.

Reflecting on the societal narratives surrounding parenthood, Grimes remarked on how people often focus on the challenges of raising children. “People love to kind of scare you,” she said, recounting warnings about sleepless nights and the drastic changes to one’s life. However, she has found the experience to be far more rewarding than she anticipated. “I’m humbled by it constantly and surprised at how fun and enjoyable and lovely it is,” she added.

Grimes also discussed her initial concerns about “baby brain” affecting her ability to memorize lines. To her relief, she found it was like “riding a bike,” and quickly regained her confidence in her acting skills. The supportive atmosphere on set undoubtedly aided her transition back to work.

Upcoming Drama in Fair City

As Grimes resumes her role, fans of Fair City can expect intense drama as Hayley approaches her due date on-screen. The dynamics between her character and the father, James, portrayed by Matthew O’Brien, will unfold in the coming episodes. Grimes expressed her admiration for O’Brien, stating, “I adore Matthew and adore working with him.”

With tension brewing between the characters, she hinted at exciting developments that are sure to engage viewers. “There’s a lot of drama which I hope makes for good television,” she remarked, indicating that audiences can look forward to captivating storylines.

Overall, Grimes’s return to Fair City is marked by personal transformation and professional growth, as she navigates the dual roles of mother and actress. As the show continues to evolve, both her character and her real-life experiences promise to resonate with audiences.