Clare shot to TV stardom in the 90s before meeting one half of the presenting duo
Clare Buckfield and Dec Donnelly seemed to have it all as a couple. As well as career success, the actress and tv personality duo enjoyed 10 years of bliss together. That is, until one day in 2002, when things came crashing down.
Clare shared a home with one half of presenting powerhouse Ant and Dec and envisioned marriage and a future together. But this would change after her partner made headlines over an alleged affair with a dancer her met at a club.
Clare, who was 26 at the time, had carved out an impressive on-screen career, starting out on TV’s Grange Hill before progressing to play the role of Jenny in BBC sitcom 2point4 Children until 1999. It was this part that helped cement Clare as a household name.
The revelation of Dec’s alleged infidelities shook Clare’s world, with everything suddenly changing. Speaking on it, she explained: “Nobody can be prepared for something like that. It was horrible, painful and unbelievably difficult. It was as bad as anyone would think it could be. We were together a very long time. I did think it would end up in marriage.”
2point4 Children was a hugely hugely-popular show that ran on BBC One from 1991 to 1999. The sitcom focused on the day-to-day of the working class Porter family. Members would get into odd scenarios and have their worlds turned upside down, with the show cementing Clare as a young TV star, reports the Mirror.
After her painful split from Dec, she secured more TV work, appearing in episodes of Dangerfield, Doctors and Holby City, and also moved into musical theatre, starring in stage productions including Grease and Little Shop of Horrors.
Her biggest TV comeback came in 2007, when she took to the rink for the second-ever series of ITV’s Dancing on Ice. Teaming up with Russian skating star Andrei Lipanov, Clare blew away the judges, finishing as runner-up behind rugby star winner Kyran Bracken.
Since then, things have been a lot more quiet for Clare – who’s pals with Ant McPartlin’s ex Lisa Armstrong – as she’s embraced life away from the glare of the showbiz spotlight with a brand-new career as a celebrant, officiating over weddings and funerals.
Writing on her official website, she explins: “I specialise in creating personalised wedding and funeral ceremonies that cater to the unique needs and preferences of each family. With a focus on delivering an an exceptional experience, crafted with heartfelt sincerity.”
She goes on to highlight her previous career, adding: “With over 25 years experience performing worldwide, from playing intimate fringe venues, to London’s West End theatre’s and nationwide arenas, I promise to deliver your ceremony with the upmost professionalism and charm.
“Whether you are dreaming of a traditional, beachfront, or funky festival style of wedding let’s explore your dreams and visions and create your perfect wedding day.”
Away from work, Clare is believed to have settled down in Cambridgeshire, living close to her identical twin sister Julie, who is also an actress. She embraces life as a mum after welcoming her son, Johnny, in 2013.
