The famous mother-daughter duos now fighting for the spotlight
Nothing says happy birthday like a slinky outfit, a huge bash, and a show-stopping performance – from your mother. At her daughter Lexi’s 18th last week, Amanda Holden gently pushed nearby teenagers aside as she strutted her stuff to Murder on the Dancefloor – a none too common occurrence for most birthday parties, perhaps, but increasingly par for the course for celebrity mums.
Her performance appeared to amuse Lorraine Kelly, who spent a segment of her show on Monday dedicated to reliving it (and laughing about it. A lot). And while Kate Moss posed for pictures with her daughter at her own 50th this month, it was clear that the Nineties supermodel won’t be relinquishing the spotlight any time soon.
“Celebrity mothers may be accustomed to the limelight and therefore develop a heightened need for attention and validation,” says psychologist Louise Goddard-Crawley. “The constant pursuit of fame and public approval may create challenges in prioritising their children’s needs, as the spotlight becomes a central aspect of their identity.”
While many see these snaps as encouraging proof that midlifers’ love of a party prevails, Goddard-Crawley says that where A-listers are concerned, “at times, the blurred boundaries between personal and public life can make it difficult for these individuals to hand over control, as relinquishing the spotlight may feel like a loss of self”. For those who have reached the top of their respective fields in modelling, broadcasting, acting and beyond, the idea of bowing out, even if you’ve got a carbon copy waiting in the wings, may not be too appealing.
Continuing to pursue fame and attention “could serve as a defence mechanism, protecting them from inner insecurities or feelings of inadequacy,” Goddard-Crawley adds. “The spotlight becomes a means of reinforcing a positive self-image, and handing over control may trigger anxieties related to losing this source of validation.”
Here are four mothers and daughters who remain happy to share...
Kate Moss and Lila
Of all the most hellish professions your parents could choose, supermodel is up there (closely followed by sex therapist). There are only two appropriate responses for the children of the preternaturally beautiful: take up humanitarian work, or become a model yourself. And so 21-year-old Lila, who Moss shares with her former partner Jefferson Hack, has opted for the latter, modelling from the age of 15 in the likes of Vogue, and Marc Jacobs and Chloé ad campaigns.
Perhaps the Nineties supermodel retained the spotlight more easily at her 50th by having her daughter “dressed as… Kate Moss”. So opined Vogue of Lila’s black slip, noting that at this year’s Fashion Awards, she had a designer recreate her mother’s infamous 1993 sheer dress, too, and has been responsible for several copycat looks in between. Per Lila: “I copy her outfits consistently and she goes, ‘I’m so jealous, it’s so cute!’ and I’m just like, ‘It’s all yours!’” If you can’t beat them, be them.
Amanda Holden and Lexi
After years as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, is it any wonder Holden saw a stage and a mic, and sprung forth? She may have won this round, but Lexi has her own designs on stardom, with 20,000 Instagram followers (admittedly, a way off her mother’s two million), and a series of model shoots under her belt.
The 18-year-old made no suggestion of being embarrassed by her mother’s antics – and, while critics on social media were quick to judge Holden’s performance, others pointed out that everyone appeared to be having a rather good time: “It’s a girl thing and a good thing,” wrote Judith Woods in Friday’s Telegraph. (Not to mention that a dad throwing a few dodgy moves at his teen’s party wouldn’t have elicited so much as a raised eyebrow.) Perhaps a duet at the next birthday celebration will set the wags at rest.
Davina McCall and Tilly
There are two strategies available for the child whose parents are on social media – ensure they have no access to any of your accounts, or make them a regular fixture. McCall’s middle child Tilly, 20, has picked her path, posting that she has “always been a mummies [sic] girl” on an Instagram post of them on holiday. McCall responded with “I’m so lucky to have you in my life”; the pair regularly exchange “I love you” in the comments, and pose for equally toned bikini snaps. Heartwarming stuff, but don’t show it to any of your own relatives, lest they get ideas.
Reese Witherspoon and Ava
It would have been helpful, surely, if Reese Witherspoon had just stuck to acting. An Academy Award, Bafta and two Golden Globes weren’t enough, though: via an uber-starry production company (responsible for Gone Girl, Wild and Big Little Lies) and a book club, she has spread her wings across the zeitgeist.
As such her daughter, 24-year-old Ava, has her work cut out. She has dabbled in modelling and selling artworks; creative like her mother (and looking like her twin), while forging her own success, too. Still, they’re happy to continue their the-same-but-different partnership, this week appearing at Fendi’s show at Paris Couture Week in a classic black minidress and slingbacks (Witherspoon), and a yellow number with the requisite Gen Z mini-shades (Ava) – while sporting the same bag, in different colours. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, after all.
