Stacey Dooley made a striking appearance at BAFTA Piccadilly on Wednesday, showcasing a bold new hairstyle that turned heads at the exclusive screening of Netflix’s Adolescence. The former Strictly Come Dancing champion, known for her vibrant red locks, debuted a new, brighter bob that stood out even more than usual, leaving fans and onlookers alike impressed by her effortlessly chic look.
The 38-year-old documentary-maker paired her fresh haircut with a stylish, oversized leather jacket, a grey crewneck sweater, and loose-fitting jeans, giving off a relaxed yet cool vibe that perfectly complemented her new look.
Dooley has been in full celebratory mode since her recent birthday, ensuring the festivities extended well beyond the actual date. Earlier this week, she shared a heartfelt post on Instagram marking the occasion, which included a snapshot of a chocolate churro topped with a birthday candle. In the caption, she reflected on another year of life, expressing her gratitude with, “THIRTY ATE! BLESSED with another year! Lucky, lucky, lucky me.”
Her birthday celebrations were also spent with her partner, professional dancer Kevin Clifton, and their two-year-old daughter, Minnie. The joyful family moments were captured in a series of photos, including one where Stacey lovingly cradled Minnie, planting a kiss on her cheek. Little Minnie, who shares her mother’s fiery red hair, looked adorable in a gingham dress and white woolen tights.
Stacey’s priorities have evolved since becoming a mother. In an honest interview with The Guardian, she opened up about the challenges she faced during Minnie’s early days. Reflecting on the first few weeks of motherhood, Dooley described the experience as a period of sleep deprivation and vulnerability, admitting that she often felt overwhelmed when Kevin returned to work shortly after Minnie’s birth. “I remember him leaving and shutting the front door and being like, ‘What the hell am I going to do now?’” she said. “I felt envious that he was going to sleep from 10pm to 8am. I remember feeling jealous of that.”
Despite the challenges, Stacey expressed pride in Minnie’s growing confidence and her own ability to balance motherhood with her documentary-making career. With a candid and down-to-earth perspective, Stacey revealed that her primary focus now is on being a good mother, explaining, “The priority now is trying to be a really [expletive] good mum. Work is important, but it’s work.”
As Stacey continues to make waves in both her personal and professional life, she remains a figure of inspiration, juggling the demands of motherhood with her ongoing career in documentary-making.