We've all been there. You're just starting to get some independence, find your way in the world, or begin to climb the career ladder, when something unexpected happens and you end up right back where you started: back at home with your parents. But while this may be just part of growing up for many twenty or thirty-somethings, it's not really an eventuality to be expected when you're in your sixties and a multi-millionaire movie star.
But this is exactly what happened to Love, Actually star Emma Thompson when she was forced to move back in with her mother recently. Let's find out just why she 'boomeranged' back in with mama.
6 It's Been Emma's Dream For Years To Move To Italy
For many years, Emma has had a fascination with Italy, and it was her deepest dream to one day move there and begin a new life in sunnier climes. It was only following the UK's famous Brexit vote to leave the European Union in 2016 that she and her husband Greg Wise began taking the idea more seriously. Both were commited 'Remainers' and opposed the vote, and the political vote only increased their desire to move to Europe.
Speaking disparagingly of her home country, Emma described it as, “A tiny little cloud-bolted, rainy corner of sort-of Europe, a cake-filled misery-laden grey old island.” She claimed to feel an affinity for Europe she has never felt in the UK, “I feel European even though I live in Great Britain and in Scotland."
5 The Couple Moved To Venice In 2020
The couple just beat the pandemic when they made the big move to Venice in February 2020. They bought a beautiful home in the famous city, and were apparently taking lots of Italian lessons in advance of emigrating.
4 The Couple Became Italian Citizens
Proving how seriously the couple were taking their decision, they even decided to become Italian citizens, and used their Italian lessons when signing the official documents. Beaming, Emma said that it had been “the realisation of a dream she had cherished for years.”
Deputy mayor Simone Venturini added: “They wanted to be resident citizens to come and live in Venice... They bought in the historic centre, not a second home. We are truly happy and proud to have Emma Thompson and Greg Wise as our fellow citizens, for what they represent and for the love they show for Venice.”
3 Things Changed When The Pandemic Hit, However
Everything was going well for the two actors, and they were enjoying their new life together in Southern Europe. When the COVID-19 pandemic began to take hold shortly after their move however, things changed rapidly. Italy suffered terribly during the early months of the crisis, and Emma and Greg were forced to return to their native Britain, leaving their new home and life in Italy behind.
2 They Had To Move In With Emma's Mother
Following their return back to Britain, Emma had to isolate with family on the bank of Loch Eck in Argyll, Scotland. She didn't seem to be disappointed by having to live back at her Mum's place, however, and expressed in an interview with the BBC just how fond she is of the place, which she has spent time in and enjoyed since she was young. She said: “I’ve played on its banks, picnicked on its beaches, swum in its chilly, unsalted depths, cycled round it, drunk it, kissed in boats on it, married near it, never wearied it.”
So it wasn't such a bad place to have to spend lockdown, though the weather probably wasn't as nice as Italy's. She did, however, say that she found Scotland rather oppressive, and wasn't surprised that actors and creatives tended to move away from the place. Speaking in an interview with The Herald, she said: “There’s nobody more f****** joy-sucking than one of those old Scotsmen who hates pleasure in all its forms. I understand why so many Scottish artists and actors leave. They have to, because they can’t get any air, they feel stifled."
1 What Has She Been Doing Since?
Its been a tough time for the couple, but they've come through the experience smiling, and are busier than ever with new work opportunities. Husband Greg will be taking part in this year's British TV show Strictly Come Dancing, where he will be paired with professional dancer Karen Hauer. Emma's been supportive of his decision to take part, and reportedly even 'burst into tears' when she saw him dance. The couple have been together for thirty years, and care deeply about each other's careers.
Emma, meanwhile, whose Disney hit Cruella came out in Spring, is busy working on a new project called Good Luck to You, and has been cast as the villainous Miss Trunchbull in an upcoming film adaptation of the musical Matilda, which will be released in December next year.
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