‘I’m always the first to call people out’
Made In Chelsea star Olivia Bentley opens up on failed romances, speaking her mind and supporting best pal Ollie Locke-Locke as he tries to become a father
Olivia Bentley is one of Made In Chelsea’s most outspoken cast members. Since joining the show in 2016, she has certainly had her fair share of drama with her two biggest relationships having been played out on the reality show.
Following her split from Tristan Phipps back in June, Olivia tells us she has decided to turn off her social media when the episodes air on TV, so she can’t see what fans are saying.
When we catch up, Olivia, 26, also reveals how she broke down in tears after hearing that her best friend Ollie Locke-Locke’s surrogate was unsuccessful getting pregnant earlier this year.
Here, the star – who has spoken openly about her battle with alopecia – tells us how she deals with the pressure from the show when the cameras stop filming…
Hey, Liv. You joined Made In Chelsea in 2016. How do you think you’ve changed since then?
Physically, I’ve aged about 20 years, but I’m a lot more confident now. I was very young and shy when I first joined Made In Chelsea. I think I’ve grown up a lot on the show. I still enjoy doing it and I have promised myself that when I feel that I’m no longer enjoying it, I will stop.
How hard was it filming this series after lockdown?
It felt great. I was so pleased to get back into London life after the last season where we were all in one house together. It felt like coming home.The first lockdown feels like it was such a long time ago. I spent that period with my whole family, and it was lovely.
You’re
known for being very outspoken on the show – have you always been that way?
I think I have, actually. It comes from being in a big family and having to be quick to get a word in when I was younger. I’m always the first to call people out if they are talking rubbish. I like to think that I’m being true to myself, particularly on Made In Chelsea, because it’s very easy to start believing what other people are telling you. But I never worry about
the way I come across on the show.
How did you cope with the sudden fame in the early days?
I found it hard in the beginning to be honest because I would always question why people wanted a photo. It wasn’t as if I was known for having any great talent. Today, when I get approached, people tend to want to talk to me about my struggle with alopecia, and in a way that makes me very happy. What’s
the best thing about being on the show?
Even though some people have this perception that we are a bunch of rich kids that don’t do anything with our lives, Made In Chelsea is very good at touching on topics, such as when [Ollie’s
husband] Gareth’s mum suffered from Alzheimer’s – these are real problems that a lot of people go through. I think that is amazing. I believe there is this healthy balance between what is seen as a
glamorous lifestyle together with the ability to tap into real issues that people can relate to.
You’ve been supporting Ollie and Gareth since the news their surrogate was unsuccessful getting pregnant earlier this
year. That must have been such a tough time…
‘I like to think that I’m being true to myself’
I cried when I watched that first episode back. For me, it was very difficult because I think everyone assumed that the pregnancy would work, but it doesn’t always work like that. I see them both every day and all they talk about is having a baby – it all came as a big shock to them. It was so hard to know what to say to them. Ollie was the first person I ever spoke to when I joined Made In Chelsea and we have always stayed close – so I found his recent situation really hard to deal with. They are trying to remain hopeful, and I do think it will happen for them. I do believe they will be parents very soon. You and Tristan Phipps broke up in summer – was that difficult? I’ve found it really difficult. Two of my biggest relationships have been played out on this show over the years and it doesn’t get any easier. My relationships are up for judgement by both cast members and the viewers. It’s made harder because you know you are still going to have to be around that
person. What I do now is turn my phone off every Monday night when the show goes out. I find that helps me.
Do you prefer being in a relationship or being single?
I’m not really a relationship person. Between Digby [Edgley] and Tristan, I was single for 18 months and I believe I’m a better person when I’m single. I’d only known Tristan for about a month before we were thrown together in a house during the last series, and I struggled with that. I had never lived with anyone before that.
What are your plans for Christmas this year?
I’ll probably go to my parents’ home. I’m such a home person and I feel happier with all my family around me. I’m not a Christmas party girl so I’ll avoid the London party scene this year. I need some rest over Christmas.
Made In Chelsea at 9pm on E4