‘I’ll help you move on’
After a tough few weeks, Billie Faiers has taken Ferne Mccann under her wing as she prepares to be a single mum
Struggling to hold back tears on This Morning, Ferne Mccann last week broke her silence on ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins’ arrest and her surprise pregnancy.
Comforted by presenter Holly Willoughby, Ferne revealed her unborn baby has given her the strength and confidence to take on motherhood alone.
Her ex was charged with 14 counts of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and one count of throwing corrosive fluid on a person during an acid attack at an East London nightclub last month.
UNDER ATTACK
She thanked fans for their support, but some viewers slammed the star for failing to mention the 22 victims involved in the attack – which left two revellers partially blinded. One wrote: “Ferne Mccann your interview was me, me, me. Would have been nice to say something about your boyfriend’s victims.”
Despite Ferne putting on a brave face for the cameras, pals say she’s broken and devastated, and has turned to lifelong pal Billie Faiers – who is mum to Nelly, two, and two-month-old Arthur – for support.
A source says: “Ferne’s been beside herself since everything kicked off with Arthur. She’s so stressed and run down. Everyone’s worried about her. Not only is she coming to terms with what Arthur’s done, but she’s also embarrassed and is worried about the future. Thankfully, Billie’s been there for her and has told her she’ll support her through the pregnancy and when she’s a single mum.”
Last month, Ferne opened up about her new relationship with Arthur, revealing their imminent plans to move in together. But just days later, police were hunting for Arthur, 25, who went on the run and was later found at an address in Northamptonshire. During a dramatic showdown, he tried to escape arrest by jumping from a window while in his boxer shorts. He was then tasered by police as he tried to flee.
STRUGGLING
Last week, Closer reported that Ferne had moved in her with her mum, Gillian. And pals say she’s spending lots of time at Billie’s house to keep her mind off the stress. A source says: “Ferne is struggling – her mum is a great support but Billie is concerned. She’s told Ferne to come to hers as often as she wants. Billie suggested staying with her would be a good distraction.”
After Ferne’s TV appearance, Billie posted a throwback picture of the pair from when she was pregnant, with the caption: “A little #throwback … I’m very proud of you for today @fernemccann … And so excited for you to join the mummy club. I cannot wait to share this amazing journey with you … lots of wonderful times to come with our babies … love you lots #bestfriends.”
The girls, who were snapped together last week in Essex, have been friends since they met at school and original TOWIE cast member Billie introduced Ferne to the show in 2013.
It’s not the first time Billie has supported Ferne through a hard time – in her autobiography Cross My Heart, Ferne says she knew Billie would be a friend for life when she offered Ferne a place to stay when her parents were going through a divorce.
BEST FRIENDS
Friends say Billie has been just as caring as she was back then. A source says: “They’ve talked about what Ferne should do next and Billie’s been giving her parenting advice. She’s helping Ferne regain her confidence.”