Tony Cowell chats to Cheshire Housewife Hanna Kinsella
Glamorous Real Housewivesof Cheshire star, cosmetic dentist Hanna Kinsella announced last month that she is expecting her first baby with her husband, cosmetic doctor Martin. Hanna, 33, opens up about how life in lockdown was a blessing as she got to spend more time with Martin and her family. And, as season 12 of Real Housewives resumes filming, the Cheshire Housewife gives us the inside track on what to expect…
Firstly, Hanna, a huge congratulations on your baby news!
Thank you. It’s all been a bit of a shock, really! But I’m doing well, I seem to have been sailing through so far. When I went for my three-month scan, I said to Martin, are you sure I’m pregnant, because I don’t feel any different at all?! It was only when the nurse showed me the image of my baby that I burst into tears. I couldn’t believe it.
Is it true your journey to motherhood will be filmed for the show?
Yes, because it’s a reality show so it follows what’s happening in our lives. This is such a big moment for Martin and I, I’ve never been a mum before, so I think it’s really nice that it will all be documented, and all those special moments will be recorded. My baby will either love it, or cringe with embarrassment later in life.
I hear you are convinced you are having a boy, too...
Haha, yes, that’s true, from day one both Martin and I have had a gut instinct that we were going to have a boy. It’s all based on old wives’ tales because I haven’t had any morning sickness whatsoever. The one good thing about lockdown was that Martin and I could spend so much time together. We are both normally like passing ships in the night. So that’s probably why my baby was conceived!
Had you always wanted to start a family?
Yes, when we got married last year we decided we wanted to have a big family. We talked about Martin being 40 and I’m 33, so it felt like it was the right time for us both.
Have you decided on a name for the baby yet?
We have made a shortlist of boy’s and girl’s names, but that is the one part of all this I’m keeping secret. Everything else has been made public, so that’s the one thing we want to keep private.
You married last September. You must feel relieved that the wedding wasn’t planned for this year?!
I’m so relieved and happy that we did it last year! There was a moment when we went to look at the venue and I said to Martin, should we do it this year or wait till next May? I think we made the right decision. I feel sorry for all those couples who have had to postpone their weddings this year.
You met at Liverpool University where you were studying dentistry – was it love at first sight?
Not really. After we met we became friends,
but nothing actually happened between us because we were both in relationships at the time. Years later, we met up again... and fell for each other.
You joined Real Housewives in 2018 – how did it change your life?
I always remember being on that first series and going into a garage and picking up a prawn sandwich. A woman walked straight up to me and said ‘Hanna, that’s no good for you.’ I was so shocked that people already recognised me from the show. It seemed to happen overnight. But I feel it’s a blessing, and it’s comforting to have people stop you in the street and say nice things.
So, what can we expect from the 12th series that’s filming now?
What we are trying to do is make this series very positive and uplifting. Everything at the moment is a bit doom and gloom and people need a bit of a lift. Obviously, we will be covering my baby shower and I think that will be fun. The girls in the show sometimes have their arguments, but we want this series to be happy and inspiring. I think viewers will appreciate that.
Why does the show continue to be so popular?
It’s a fun show that is glamorous but also very real. I think the fans want to see all our fabulous outfits and see us going to these posh events (eventually!). We are eight women who are all different and I think that’s a big part of its appeal.
Both you and Martin are very successful with your own businesses – but have you considered doing more reality TV?
I’ve always said that I am open to new opportunities. If something came along that suited us both then, of course, we would consider it. Real Housewives has given us a huge platform and we are incredibly grateful to be a part of the show. The Real Housewives of Cheshire returns to ITVBe in October.