Charley Webb on Her Mum’s Alzheimer’s: Why It Took 10 Years to Talk About the Diagnosis

Jan 26, 2026

39:24

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If, like me, you are a bit of a soap addict, you will know Charley Webb from her decades-long stint on Emmerdale. But in this episode of The Life of Bryony, you will hear a far more intimate, unfiltered version of her story. Charley talks candidly about pursuing an autism and ADHD diagnosis, parenting a neurodivergent child, and how hyperfixation shows up everywhere from skincare to intrusive thoughts.

She also revisits the sudden death of her dad when she was 14, the bullying that oddly set her free, and the complicated, lonely reality of her mum’s early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis. We talk about grieving someone who is still here, the guilt of struggling to visit, and why honesty about “not coping” can be such a relief.

If you are navigating dementia, neurodivergence, or that exhausting sandwich-generation juggle, this conversation might help you feel a little less alone.

LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS

If Charley’s story of her mother’s illness resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:

Dementia UK:

https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/looking-after-yourself-as-a-carer/

Alzheimer’s UK:

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/getting-support

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Got something to share? Message us on @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need it – it really helps! Bryony xx

CREDITS:

Host: Bryony Gordon

Guest: Charley Webb