SHAUGHNA’S MUM: ‘SHE DIDN’T THINK SHE’D GET PAST THE 1ST WEEK!’
Our new BFF’S back in the real world… watch out, Piers Morgan
‘I’ve wanted to jump into the TV and cuddle her’
She won us over from the get-go with her balls of steel and Iain Stirlingworthy one-liners, cementing her status as one of our favourite contestants ever. But Shaughna Phillips didn’t have an easy time in the villa, thanks to a certain scaffolder and his roving eye in Casa Amor.
Not going to lie, we were all devastated for the 25 year old – and our outrage spiked when she was eliminated a week later, after a shock recoupling. But we have a sneaky suspicion that Shaughna’s just getting started – especially after hearing from her proud mum Tracy Phillips. Speaking exclusively to heat, Tracy informs us that what doesn’t kill you makes you Shaughna…
Was it hard seeing Shaughna get upset in the villa? Oh yes, I just wanted to jump into the TV, cuddle her, and say, “It’s all going to be OK, this is just an experience you can learn from.” But she still enjoyed herself – that’s the main thing – and I think that her long-term aspirations are that much closer. She’d been hurt before – is it hard for her to trust guys? Well, she did go straight for Callum! But she was still wary. I think that’s why she’s so relatable – like most women, even though we’re cautious, we’re still vulnerable. In her heart of hearts, she still wants to believe this one is the right one. So, she’d never close herself off. But like she says, she should take note of their actions – as opposed to what they’re saying – more. Was it frustrating to see her doubt herself? Absolutely, but I think that’s where her heart has been dented in the past – she still has self-doubt. But in every other walk of life, she’s confident, stands on her soapbox and preaches what’s right for everybody. People in her professional life [she works as a democratic services officer] wouldn’t recognise that insecure side to her, because they’ve never seen it. But it will hopefully build her resilience. Has she always been so straight-talking? Oh, her whole life, that’s her to a tee. She wears her heart on her sleeve, she’s very honest. If she’s got something to say, she’ll say it, she doesn’t talk behind people’s backs. She wants to be honest, she hardly has a bad thing to say about anybody, but she’s quite insightful and can work out someone’s game plan before they’ve even noticed it themselves. Do you think she’ll be returning to politics now? That would be her dream. She cares about tackling knife crime, mental health in youth, support for teenagers growing up… If she could have a soapbox on TV, discussing that with Piers Morgan, that would be amazing. So, watch out Boris Johnson? Definitely! ■