Mother’s Day special: “Our mums look incredible!”

‘We don’t let diets rule our lives!’

They’re the bubbly mother-and-daughter duo adored by TOWIE viewers for their on-screen heart-to-hearts. And it’s no surprise that Lydia Bright and mum Debbie Douglas are just as close off-screen.

Lydia, 27, recently told Closer: “Mum and I see each other every day, usually at each other’s houses, or we go out for a meal or watch a movie. We’re a really close family.”

And Debbie, 54, who is also mum to Georgia, 26, Freddie, 18, and 12-year-old Romana, reveals the pair have been brought closer by their love of exercise. She says: “We go to Zumba class at our local village hall – it’s great bonding time for us. Sometimes my 84-year-old mum comes along too, so there are three generations of us.”

But when it comes to keeping in shape, the pair refuse to follow fad diets or count the calories. Debbie, who is a size 14, adds: “I never use the word ‘diet.’ I love carbs and I can’t resist a Hobnob and a cup of tea. When I was Lydia’s age I had the same figure as her. We’re lucky that we’ve got naturally fast metabolisms, but whenever we put on weight it goes straight to our stomachs!”

Likewise, Lydia – who has yo-yoed between a size 6 and a size 10 – admits she’s happier with curves. She says: “As a teenager, I had flat boobs and a flat bum, but as I’ve got older I’ve gained a bit more of a waist. I agree with Mum that you can’t let your body image rule your life – you have to enjoy yourself.”

Debbie has fostered 250 children with her partner Dave, and she recently paid tribute to Lydia for supporting her. She said: “Lydia helps in every way, every day. She’s the best big sister any foster child could wish for.”

Recalling her “amazing” childhood, Lydia says: “I was never lonely growing up because our house was like a constant school trip – sharing stuff and being part of a huge, fun family. I have so much admiration for my mum!”