Skip to main content
Amy Walsh

Amy Walsh: Life on Emmerdale, Baby Nell & the Walsh Sisters

In this warm and honest conversation, Amy opens up about becoming a mum for the second time, how Emmerdale viewers reacted to her pregnancy news, and what it's been like bringing the complex character of Tracy to life.

We're kicking things off with a very special guest - Amy Walsh, best known for playing Tracy Metcalfe in Emmerdale. Amy recently filmed Tracy's emotional exit from the village, but don't worry, it's only temporary: she's taking a well-earned break to welcome her second baby, little Nell, who also makes an adorable camera debut.

She shares hilarious stories about growing up in Bradford with her famous sisters - Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh and former Emmerdale actress Sally Walsh - including the unforgettable moment they "trained" her to cry.

Amy also reflects on forging her own path as an actress, tackling Tracy's powerful postnatal depression storyline, and why she and her husband, actor Toby-Alexander Smith, felt compelled to create a new film highlighting the impact of depression on young fathers.

As if that wasn't enough, we also chat about her time as a Celebrity MasterChef finalist, her love of cooking, and the surprising way she first met Toby — in the audience of Strictly Come Dancing.
It's a heartfelt, funny and inspiring conversation, complete with plenty of gorgeous baby gurgles from little Nell.

Patient picks for Yorkshire Talks

Lindsey Burrow on love, caregiving and life after loss

Podcasts

Lindsey Burrow on love, caregiving and life after loss

Some stories change the way a country talks about illness, love and resilience. Not because they are extraordinary in a sensational sense, but because they reveal what happens inside ordinary families when life becomes unimaginably hard. Matt Jameson and Christine Talbot sit down with Lindsey Burrow, mother, campaigner and the devoted wife of Rob Burrow. Together, Rob and Lindsey became the public face of love in the face of motor neurone disease. Their story moved millions not because it sought attention, but because it showed what commitment, dignity and compassion look like when everything else is stripped away. This conversation is not simply about loss. It is about caring, endurance, identity and what it means to keep showing up for the people you love when the future becomes uncertain.

by Thomas Andrew Porteus, MBCS

Lisa Riley on grief, resilience, and emotional wellbeing

Podcasts

Lisa Riley on grief, resilience, and emotional wellbeing

This year, the whole country fell in love with Lisa Riley once again during I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!. Her humour, honesty, and kindness struck a chord with viewers of all ages. But just before she entered the jungle, Lisa sat down with Matt Jameson and Christine Talbot for a deeply personal conversation that goes far beyond her life on screen. As she celebrates 30 years as Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale, Lisa reflects on the health journeys that have shaped her life from grief and emotional recovery to body confidence, resilience and protecting her wellbeing in the public eye.

by Thomas Andrew Porteus, MBCS

About the authorView full bio

Author image

Thomas Andrew Porteus, MBCS

HealthTech

MBCS

Thomas writes to inform, inspire, and equip practice leaders and health professionals navigating change, drawing on two decades of hands-on work across the UK health system.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Join the conversation

Share your thoughts or experiences with others in our patient communities.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the community do not represent medical advice. For any health concerns, consult your GP or healthcare provider.
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.