‘I couldn’t wait to get Botox!’
Real Housewives Of Cheshire star Tanya Bardsley chats fall outs, family life and future plans
If you’ve tuned into The Real Housewives Of Cheshire over the years, you’ll be familiar with Tanya Bardsley. The outspoken 39-year-old has been at the centre of some of the show’s most explosive moments, including her feud with Dawn Ward. Now RHOC is back on the box for a 12th series which promises loads more addictive drama when a new face arrives to shake things up. Tanya is thrilled to be back in front of the cameras after months of homeschooling her kids, Rocco, 11, Renz, seven, and Ralphi, four, alongside footballer hubby Phil,
35. Here, Tanya, who is also mum to Gabriella, 18, tells us about the new series, date nights and why she’d never let Phil do Strictly.
You’re back with Real Housewives…
It’s so good to be away from my kids! They’re normal little boys and when we couldn’t go to the park or anything like that it was hard. Little boys are like wild animals and need to run around.
What has the new series got in store for us?
We all came in saying, “Ah, I’m so glad, we’re all so grateful for each other,” then at the first dinner party – boom! We have a new housewife, Lystra Adams. I absolutely love her. No matter what I say about her, it won’t sum it up. She’s just amazing. I’ve seen her before and always said to her, “You need to join the show.” She’d reply, “Oh darling, I’m not ready yet.” But now she walks in a room and she fills it.
You’ve said you’d reached out to Dawn to bury the hatchet. How are things between you now?
I said that – then we had the reunion and it all blew up! Now I’ve decided she has her life, I have mine and let’s just stop arguing and not see each other. I think that’s for the best. With Covid, that’s actually going really well, as I’ve not seen her yet.
Is it too late for you to be friends?
I think we’re a little bit past it, but you never know. Never say never.
Hanna Kinsella has recently announced her pregnancy. What advice have you given her?
I said stick to one and don’t eat for two, otherwise you’ll be stuck with it. She told me when we were filming. It’s so exciting. I can’t wait to see a little baby. We needed some good news and that was just the best ever.
How would you describe your own parenting style?
I try to be strict and it’s just straight over their heads. I’m shouting, “Stop wrestling. Get him out of a headlock,” but they just don’t listen at all. Phil just sits there and I’ll say, “Say something!” It takes a lot for him to rise but when he does, they absolutely s**t themselves.
How was the lockdown period for you?
Me and Phil didn’t argue once. We actually had a lovely time. We only really argue when he’s stressed at work, or I’m stressed at work and we didn’t have any of that, so we had the best time ever. We had a couple of the kids’ birthdays and we played pass-theparcel, musical bumps and statues. It was lovely.
Were you excited when restrictions lifted so you and Phil could go on date nights again?
I just like going out for dinner and not having the washingup to do. Even with takeaways you’ve got to get rid of the boxes… My perfect night is me and Phil going for a Chinese with the kids at my mum’s, who lives two hours away.
You couldn’t have Botox during lockdown. Have you had it done since?
That was the first thing I did. As soon as I could get Botox
I was straight in
– and my nails as well.
Do you want any more cosmetic surgery?
I’m happy at the moment. Well, a woman’s never happy, are they? But I’m learning to love myself and not criticise myself.
What would your younger self make of your life now?
She wouldn’t believe it, especially as I was a single mum with no money. When I was crying because I couldn’t afford to buy Gabriella some birthday presents, I wish I could have told her, “Don’t worry, life’s going to
get better.” You can’t imagine it at the time.
‘I’ve been trolled – one person said they hoped Ralphi died. It was difficult’
Does that experience makes you more grateful for all you have now?
Yeah, I will never, ever forget that. And I’m just more empathetic to other people. Single mums get in touch and it’s lovely, but heartbreaking as you want to cuddle them and tell them it’s going to be all right. I also have lots of success stories from people who have read my book [ Just A Girl Who Got It All] and say their life has changed, which is just lovely.
How has RHOC changed your life?
I was married to a footballer, so it was always this sort of life. But when I go on a night out, I get collared and pinned up on the wall by people going, “We love you Tanya!”
Do you always get such positive reactions from people?
I always get a good reaction, which I’m so grateful for, otherwise I’d cry. I’ve experienced trolling once, but there are so many things you can do – edit the bad comments and stuff like that. I had one person say when I was pregnant that they hoped Ralphi died. It was pretty difficult and it took me aback, but you have to think that it’s their problem, not
Proud mum with daughter Gabriella and sons Rocco, Renz and Ralphi
yours. They’re actually disgusting and need help.
Did you respond?
I didn’t to that one. I know most of them do it because they want a little bit of attention, so the worst thing you can do is bite back.
Have you ever been approached to do a show like Strictly – and would you be up for it?
No, I’ve not been, but I’d love to in the future when my boys get a little bit bigger. They’re full-on at the moment with their football.
Which show would you most like to do?
I like dancing. Something like Dancing On Ice scares me, though, because it’s just knives on boots. I’m the most accident-prone person in the world, so I’d definitely chop my own nose off with my skate. I’d love to do the jungle, even though I get scared in the garden if I hear a noise.
So you’re not worried about the curse?
Strictly
I’d do it, but I wouldn’t let my husband do it. I’m so jealous – so there’s not a chance I’d let him do it.
‘I can see myself in a carehomeand my kids having to wipemy bum!’
What is on your bucket list?
I want to do a tour for single mums and go round and talk to everybody, but Covid has mucked everything up. I’m also 40 next year and have told Phil I want to go to Hawaii. I remember when I turned 30 it really bothered me, but with 40 I just think, “F**k it!” I can’t wait to be in a care home and my kids have to wipe my bum!