Suzanne Shaw has revealed that becoming a grandmother at 44 was a significant shock, especially as she was still considering having another child herself prior to her recent split from her partner of 11 years.
Shaw's eldest son, Corey, 21, and his partner Erin Mitchell, 20, welcomed their son Colton in March. The arrival of her grandson came two months after Shaw's sudden separation from businessman Sam Greenfield, with whom she shares a 10-year-old son, Rafferty.
"Sam and I were still talking about it, so it was getting my head around that being off the cards," Shaw told the Mirror, referring to her own plans for another child.
While Shaw has not disclosed the specific reasons for her split from Greenfield, she described the experience as "tough" and that she is "just trying to navigate the loss of what I didn't think I'd ever lose." She expressed hope for healing and smooth co-parenting with Greenfield, adding, "I'm enjoying my family, even if it looks a little different now."
A Renewed Connection
A positive outcome of her grandson's birth has been a reconciliation with her ex-partner Darren Day. The two, who share son Corey, have resumed friendly terms after years of estrangement.
"They do say time heals," Shaw explained. "We've been on good terms for a long time now and still message each other regarding Corey. Now, with the new baby, we're in touch a lot more. I was really proud of us to get to that point at the hospital. It was really special to be able to share that moment together, as Corey's mum and dad."
Shaw and Day were together in 2003 after meeting on the touring production of Summer Holiday, despite both being engaged to other people at the time. Their relationship lasted around 18 months, and they became engaged, but they separated just three months after Corey's birth.
In 2005, Day's public image suffered when he left Shaw and their seven-week-old son on Mother's Day, as she was dealing with postnatal depression. Shaw has previously spoken about how his departure was "no surprise" given her condition.
Despite their past difficulties, Shaw and Day have maintained amicable co-parenting for years. Day has since married and divorced Stephanie Dooley and is now engaged to Sophie Ladds.