Yahoo Finance Sherlock star talks how split from Martin Freeman has affected their children
Sherlock's Amanda Abbington has opened up about her split from former co-star Martin Freeman, suggesting that their break-up is likely to have caused "irreparable damage" to their two children.
As part of the It's OK mental health campaign, for which she is an ambassador, the actress took to Instagram earlier this month to discuss her relationship with her son Joe, 15, and daughter Grace, 12, and how she encourages them to be open with her at home.
"I think it's unsettling if I pretend I'm this Stepford Wife parent," Abbington, who has also appeared in titles such as I Hate Suzie, The Bill and Mr Selfridge, began.
Related: Sherlock's Martin Freeman weighs in on possible spin-off movie
"Nobody is. I'm sure I've given them irreparable damage and they will be going to therapy because of me and Martin at some point.
"If I can teach them to talk about it, say there's nothing to be frightened of or ashamed of with whatever you're going through – whether you get drunk or try drugs, whatever you do – this place where we live is a safe place where you can say whatever you like.
"That's what I am striving for and what Martin strives for as well – to create a place where they're not hiding anything."
During the live session, Abbington, 47, also discussed the effects of online trolling and her own struggles with mental health. She recalled how she used to hide the fact that she was taking antidepressants from her kids but now, she's determined not to be ashamed of the ways in which she's trying to help herself.
Related: Marvel star Martin Freeman confirms return for Black Panther 2
"Are you saying they're offensive and shouldn't happen?" she said of her secretive past behaviours. "I don't want that."
Freeman and Abbington started dating while working together on Men Only back in 2000. They announced their separation in 2016, during which they were starring as John Watson and his wife Mary Morstan on the BBC detective drama Sherlock.
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