Nicola Adams, the former Olympic boxing champion, has opened up about how her challenging upbringing and subsequent therapy have shaped her approach to motherhood and a new career in acting. Raised on a council estate in Leeds, Adams endured a turbulent childhood marked by family violence and hardship. She has previously recounted instances of poverty and emotional trauma, including being forced into theft out of hunger and considering severe responses to her father’s alleged abuse—a claim he has denied.

Adams attributes her entry into boxing to a desire for safety amid domestic turmoil. Reflecting on her past, she said therapy has been instrumental in equipping her to break cycles of trauma, enabling her to provide a more protective environment for her son, Taylor. “I want Taylor to be able to stay a child,” Adams remarked, emphasizing her commitment to shielding him from the violence and emotional abuse she experienced.

Currently estranged from both her parents and younger brother, Adams describes the family dynamic as toxic and unsuitable for her son’s involvement. Her experiences as a parent have deepened her understanding of childhood vulnerability. She expressed awe at her son’s joy and innocence, noting how witnessing his simple pleasures contrasts starkly with her own difficult youth.

Beyond parenting, Adams has embarked on a burgeoning acting career since retiring from boxing in 2019 at age 37. Having performed as an extra on “Coronation Street” before her athletic fame, she pursued acting more seriously post-retirement. Early in this transition, Adams discovered that years of maintaining a “poker face” in the ring had left her facial expressions somewhat rigid. With the help of an acting coach, she dedicated nearly a year to developing her emotional range, particularly learning to convey pain and sadness authentically.

Adams credits acting with helping her confront unresolved childhood issues, describing the craft as an emotional outlet integral to her personal growth. Her recent roles include appearances in the BBC drama “Waterloo Road” and the comedy “High Hoops.” This year marks a significant milestone with her first major film role in "Killa Bee," where she stars alongside Gemma Arterton and Ewen Bremner. The movie tells the true story of Bryony “Killa Bee” Tyrell, a nurse and mixed martial arts fighter, with Adams playing Isa Janssen, a formidable opponent in the cage.

While such a career shift from sport to screen is uncommon, Adams follows in the footsteps of other athletes like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who gained Hollywood acclaim after wrestling. Adams is enthusiastic about her acting future, stating, “Acting’s my main job now, so it’s just so exciting that my dream is coming true.” She humorously acknowledges the challenge of balancing her competitive instinct as a fighter with acting demands, particularly in fight scenes.

Looking ahead, Adams hopes to diversify her roles beyond sports-related characters. She has expressed interest in iconic parts such as the first female James Bond or a Marvel villain, aiming to challenge public perceptions of her cheerful persona. With her determination and versatility, she has positioned herself for continued success both on screen and off.