‘I let a spirit take over my body’

Reality star Ampika Pickston, 36, joins fellow famous faces for Celebrity Ghost Hunt Live, where drama beckons…

You’re heading to the haunted Harwich Fort in Essex…?

I’ve done a bit of research on the Fort and it’s got so much history behind it I don’t know what surprises it’s got in store for me. The producers are keeping very tight-lipped, but I’m imagining being in the darkness, where it’s all eerie. I hate the thought of being left on my own [shrieks]. I’ll just deal with it. I want to be kept on my toes.

You have your own psychic talents, which we’ve seen on The Real Housewives Of Cheshire [which Ampika has now left] I’ve been part of the Spiritual Circle [aka development for spiritual and psychic awareness] for the past 16 years so all of this is like second nature to me. I’ve seen spirits and I’ve spoken to them, so Celebrity Ghost Hunt Live like a home from home.

What sort of spooky stuff have you experienced?

I’ve done transmogrification – where you allow a spirit to blend into your auric field [the energy field that surrounds your body] and you let a spirit that’s passed to take over your body and you become that person; you act like that person so you can give someone a message.

What the…?

Yeah, I’ve done that before. To be honest you only remember certain bits because you leave your body and you use it as a vehicle to communicate with someone. You might start to speak like the person who’s passed or have the same mannerisms as them… The last time I did it was about two months ago and I got this lady’s father (who I’d never met before). I can’t remember all of the message, but the woman was in floods of tears afterwards and was really thanking me.

Are you pals with any of the others doing the show?

I’m very good friends with (Ex On The Beach star) Charlotte Dawson. I’ve been on a night out with Charlotte Crosby and she was hilarious. Bear is also quite a character – I’m looking forward to working with all of them.

Have you thought about your wardrobe for this?

I don’t quite know what outfit I’m going to wear. I can’t really go dressed as a ghost… my hair, nails and lashes will be on, and I’ll definitely be in heels, I’m not going flat-footed. I’ll go sensible, but not too sensible…

What would we find you watching on the telly?

I’m a big fan of gardening programmes. I like Alan Titchmarsh, believe it or not – I find his shows really relaxing.

And how do you wind down?

I like Pilates and swimming, but above all I love taking my dogs for walks and being at one with nature. No make-up on, no hairstraighteners – I love just going out and letting my skin breathe, wearing my scruffiest clothes. I don’t want distractions, so I go to the most remote fields of the Cheshire Hills where I won’t bump into anyone, and not even my phone comes with me. I either go alone or with my son [Jake, 10].