Stacey Dooley has opened up about her journey into motherhood, revealing that a conversation with a nun inspired her to embrace parenthood. The 38-year-old journalist and television presenter made the heartfelt revelation during her appearance on Loose Women on March 21, 2025. Sharing her experience, Dooley spoke candidly about her daughter Minnie, whom she had with boyfriend Kevin Clifton, and how this pivotal moment unfolded during her time at a convent in Whitby, North Yorkshire.
While filming for a documentary, Dooley stayed with a group of nuns and reflected on her future plans. "I was making a documentary, and I was staying with a load of sisters in Whitby, so I was in this convent. I thought they were going to be quite straight-laced and quite square, you know? They were a delight. They were like great company," she explained.
In her discussion, Dooley recounted a specific moment with Sister Helen, who urged her to think about her career longevity. "I was talking to Sister Helen and Sister Grace, and Sister Helen was basically asking me, ‘What are your plans for the future?' And that's always been a bit ambivalent. [I'd say] 'Oh, you know, whatever, we'll see. Whatever happens, happens.' She was like, 'Stacey, this career isn't going to last forever,'" she recalled, noting how this interaction ignited her desire to start a family.
Further reflecting on motherhood, Dooley stated, "I would like to have more children, but it's not a given, is it?" She also admitted to feeling some regret about not starting a family sooner, indicating, "If I'd started sooner, I could have had more; I might have had two, or three, or four. But you have to be realistic about these things. Like, biologically."
Dooley, who captured hearts with her partnership on the 2018 series of Strictly Come Dancing, alongside Clifton, expressed her newfound respect for her own mother since becoming a parent herself. She shared her thoughts from a previous interview with HELLO!, where she noted, "Becoming a mother myself, I have a whole newfound respect for my own mum. It changes the dynamics. I have an amazing partner, a stable job, a home, no massive complications, and it's still so daunting and knackering at times."
As a well-accomplished presenter, Dooley has recently focused on impactful subjects in her documentaries. She presented the BBC program Rape on Trial, which examined the delays and challenges faced by survivors of rape and sexual assault. Over the years, she has explored various issues, most notably as she shines a light on the stories of others through her work.
While admitting that she has turned down some work opportunities to be more present for Minnie, Dooley reflected on her lengthy career in documentary filmmaking, stating, "I've been making documentaries since I was 20. I'm 38, so I've been doing it 18 years. I've travelled extensively; it's been such a treat. It's been the best, best gig, met brilliant people, but often it's been in hostile environments and kind of unfamiliar territory, and situations sort of unfold—things can play out pretty quickly."
As she continues to adapt her career in light of motherhood, Dooley remains committed to exploring meaningful narratives while expressing her priorities. "So I think now I've got Minnie, I am saying no to a few of those gigs. You never know, it might be in 10–15 years' time I feel differently," she stated.
Earlier this month, she published a new book, Dear Minnie: Conversations with Remarkable Mothers, which delves into the diverse experiences of motherhood. With this latest endeavor, Stacey Dooley not only shares her journey but also honors the stories of many other mothers, highlighting the strength and resilience involved in this essential role.
Dooley's story is not just about her transition into motherhood, but it’s also a testament to how life-changing encounters—even unexpected ones at a convent—can redefine one’s path and inspire personal growth.
