Janey Smith, who captured hearts on My Mum, Your Dad last year, didn't just find romance with fellow contestant Roger Hawes - she also confronted her past adoption issues. In a tear-jerking episode featuring an "acceptance workshop" Janey, 49, from West Sussex, got candid about the impact of adoption on her love life, and in a heartfelt interview with OK! said, "Rejection and abandonment issues, I am a pleaser – these are all traits of being adopted. It's only the past few years I have addressed it and understand why I push people away and find an excuse to end things.
I put barriers up." It was during this raw moment that the postman Roger, still grieving his wife Joanne who passed away from cancer 14 months prior , felt a deep connection "I felt a connection when she spoke," he admitted. Now, as World Adoption Day approaches on 9 November, Janey is ready to delve into her personal history, opening up about her fears of rejection and the possibility of adopting with Roger.
.. Hi, Janey.
Can you talk us through your upbringing? I was adopted when I was only a few weeks old and I’ve known for as long as I can remember. Sometimes you hear stories about people who weren’t told, but my mum and dad were always very open and honest with me. I don’t remember them sitting me down to tell me the story – it’s always just been something I’ve known.
I knew my mum and dad “chose” me and, for their own reasons, they had to adopt, but I didn’t really question it. I just w.