Luisa: “Fame’s fun... But it’s annoying being judged”

Former Apprentice star Luisa Zissman shares her views on celeb friendships, fame and the trend for facial fillers

They’ve delighted fans with their sweet friendship since meeting on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014 – even hanging out with their newborn daughters, who arrived just days apart – so it comes as no surprise when Luisa Zissman rushes to praise her best pal, fellow reality star Sam Faiers.

Luisa, 32 – who has Dixie, nine, with her first husband, entrepreneur Oliver Zissman, as well as Indigo, three, and two-year-old Clemmie with second husband Andrew Collins – says, “Sam is pretty famous, but she’s just a normal girl and so much fun. We have a really unique friendship – we pretty much have fun whatever we’re doing. Our kids are best friends too, and we all have such a laugh together.

“I really value my friendships. I don’t have a lot [of friends], but I have a really close circle. I adore Sam – she’s wonderful.”

OUTSPOKEN

Luisa rose to fame on The Apprentice – reaching the final in 2013 – and hit the headlines for her outspoken, no-nonsense attitude. Since then, she’s gone on to star in several TV shows, regularly appearing on This Morning, as well as fronting hit podcast Loose Lips with pal and Celebs Go Dating star Anna Williamson.

And while being in the public eye means Luisa often faces backlash from trolls, she loves living in the showbiz world.

She says, “It’s a lot of fun – the events

I go to, the experiences I’ve had, the people I’ve met, like meeting Sam and Anna. Sometimes I have to pinch myself. But on the flip side, it’s annoying being constantly criticised and judged. I’m very dry and sarcastic, and that sometimes doesn’t look good. But I don’t let the trolls bother me.”

Luisa has been candid about her cosmetic surgery, opening up about having a boob job to boost her chest to a 32E in 2013. But last year she admitted she was “sick of looking like a Love Island porn star”, revealing she’d gone back under the knife to revert back to her original C-cup size. However, Luisa draws the line at having any work done to her face.

HEALTHY AND HAPPY

She says, “I’m all for ‘If you’re unhappy, change it’ – I’ve had my boobs done twice because I didn’t like them. But not to the extent that a lot of these girls have gone to now – it’s gone a bit too far these days. I look at some girls and think, ‘Oh my God. You used to be so pretty, but you’ve pumped your face full of filler.’ Their lips look ridiculous! I don’t think it looks good – but maybe they love the way they look.

“Everyone has bits they do and don’t like about themselves. My advice is if you’re healthy and happy on in the inside, it shows on the outside. Surround yourself with good family, friends and non-toxic relationships and do what you enjoy, and you’ll feel happy and confident.”

By Lily Smith

● Loose Lips by Luisa Zissman and Anna Williamson is available from all good podcast hosting platforms