Camilla Tominey has candidly opened up about her childhood experiences growing up with a mother who struggled with alcoholism.
The GB News broadcaster appeared on the COA Lives Podcast hosted by Jonathan Ashworth for the charity Nacoa.
The presenter and Telegraph deputy editor gave a frank account of how addiction affected her family life during the interview, which was released as part of COA Week.
Nacoa, the National Association for Children of Alcoholics, shared part of the important conversation on its Instagram, describing the interview as “a candid conversation about growing up with an alcoholic mum, the hidden impact on family life, and how those experiences shaped Camilla Tominey’s resilience, career and parenting.”
GB News; Camilla Tominey opened up on her experiences as a child
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INSTAGRAMCamilla was keen to present a fuller picture of her mother beyond the label of addiction, telling Mr Ashworth in the short preview clip: “I don’t like people to kind of package her as just an alcoholic, she was so much more than that.”
She described her mother as “a really extraordinary woman who unfortunately had what turned out to be a fatal flaw.”
The journalist recalled how she and her siblings began noticing troubling changes during their childhood.
“We noticed as children that she would change personality in the evenings, and we couldn’t quite get our heads around what was going on,” she explained.
She likened the experience to something many children of alcoholics recognise, saying: “It was a bit Jekyll and Hyde, as many people identify living with an alcoholic.”
She explained how the situation worsened over time, moving from what Camilla described as “social drinking and gregariousness” into far more concerning territory.
“It eventually turned into… We’re dropped off at school and she’s drinking in the morning, and then you wouldn’t know what you were coming home to,” she revealed.
Nacoa hailed Tominey as “a powerhouse of the COA movement” when sharing the podcast preview, encouraging followers to send their support to the journalist in the comments.
Camilla Tominey was interviewed about growing up with a parent suffering from addiction on the COA Lives podcast
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Many were swift to do so, with several followers of the charity relating to Camilla’s reflections.
“Camilla , you are an extraordinary lady and the breath of fresh air we desperately needed in political journalism/broadcasting. Thank you,” one penned.
A second wrote: “Camilla you are also an extraordinary woman, and I’m so grateful we have you.”
“Camilla is incredible – she is the journalistic voice of so many of us. I’ve heard her speak about this and it’s always nuanced and thoughtful. I’ll take a listen. Brava Camilla,” another echoed.
Camilla Tominey was applauded in the comments for her candid interview
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GB NEWS
Another recalled: “Same, never knew what I was going home too. She died at 54 from alcohol abuse. So sad, my mum was so talented but the drink took control.”
“This was my childhood back in the late 70’s. The memory always lingers,” another added.
Someone else commented: “Great admiration for Camilla with her work… Respect for sharing.”
“Thank you Camilla for sharing your experience, which reminds me so much of my own so grateful to you for all you do so that today’s children do not remain lost in the pain of living with inconsistency and confusion that is scary and takes up too much of COA childhoods. You are an inspiration and your words change lives.” (sic)