A MOTHER-of-five from North Wales is looking to soon make a return to the Hollywood-style life she enjoyed as a stuntwoman pre-Covid-19 pandemic.

Laura O'Donnell has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom and Keanu Reeves during her time in the States.

But, as the pandemic first struck in March 2020, the 38-year-old had no other choice but to return home to Llangollen.

Now though, she is hoping to make a comeback to the big screen in the near future and is aiming to take her five children; Shannon, 19, Malachy, 16, Felicity, 14, Harvey, 13, and Blake, 10, along on the ride.

Read more: Wrexham woman proves dreams can come true

Speaking to The Leader, Laura, who is also a mental health counsellor and life coach, said: "I first went out to Hollywood in 2019. I later had a chance encounter with a casting director from Universal Studios just before Covid struck and it felt like things were really starting to get going.

"But, I had to come home and have been here since. The plan was always to go back though and I hope that can happen sooner rather than later.

The Leader:

PIC: Laura O'Donnell with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"I've always loved entertaining people and my favourite stunts to do down the years have been the horse and fire ones I've done."

Laura says she was inspired to get into doing her own stunts at a young age, having watched the original 'Charlie's Angels' series in the 70's - which she says gave her 'butterflies in her stomach'.

She adds that her adventurous nature as a youngster meant that she was 'always leaning back off her horse', 'wanting to explore' and 'climbing higher up the trees than others'.

Around 9 years ago, she began her journey into becoming an official stuntwoman. By now, she has starred in a range of different shows including Emmerdale, Casualty and the hugely-popular Game Of Thrones series.

During the pandemic, Laura has become good friends with Monty Python and Faulty Towers star John Cleese who she says has been 'very supportive'. 

The Leader:

PIC: Laura on a Zoom call with John Cleese.

She said: “In 2020, I paid for a video from John Cleese on Cameo, which is an app where you can order personalised videos from celebrities. As a result we started talking and, during lockdown, we spoke over Zoom and he gave me some really good acting tips."

Laura has amassed more than 290,000 followers on Instagram and has even written a book entitled 'Being Laura' in which she details her extraordinary life to date.

She talks about how she went from being a nurse who only just made ends meet to enjoying a life well-lived by 'setting herself free' and becoming a stuntwoman, actress, acrobat, kickboxer and businesswoman.

Laura added: "I want people to see the other side of me too - not just the crazy one. I've got three degrees and I've also done counselling with celebrities.

"It’s not just about me, it’s about the kids as well and how talented they all are. They all have the right mindset and work so hard.

"This is the freedom I have created. My family, friends and horses are what makes me truly happy. And that’s all that matters.

"I want to show people that anything is possible if you take that leap in life."

You can read more on Laura's adventures by purchasing her book here. You can also folowe her on @lauraodonnellactress on Instagram.