‘GREG IS THE NEXT MR TUMBLE!’
Sam and Billie Faiers on the perils of parenthood and living their lives on camera
The Faiers sisters are back for the sixth series of their reality show The Mummy Diaries, which gives viewers an insight into the highs and lows of motherhood in Essex. The duo have opened their doors to the cameras again, this time in the aftermath of Billie’s wedding to Greg Shepherd. And trust us, there’s plenty of drama ahead, as the girls juggle their work/life balance, their mum, Sue, goes on dates and Greg embraces his growing celebrity profile.
As we sit down with Sam and Billie, we’re warned by their agent that any talk of their former TOWIE co-stars is off-limits, including goss on Lydia Bright and Lucy Mecklenburgh’s pregnancies. Boo! That said, Sam is more than happy to chat about her own family life with children Paul and Rosie and boyfriend Paul Knightley.
We also quiz Billie, 29, on hubby Greg, who she reckons could present kids’
TV, as well as getting the latest on her hilarious daughter Nelly and cute son Arthur.
Here, the girls reveal why they love being wingwomen, the joys of reality TV and whether
28-year-old Sam feels under pressure to get married…
Hey ladies! What can we expect from the new series?
Sam: We’ve been really busy filming dayto-day stuff such as work, mum life and our businesses. It’s a really jam-packed series. We’re also following my mum and her dating life. Mum’s been single for quite a while now and me and Billie are encouraging her to get out on the dating scene.
Are you her wingwomen then?
Sam: Yeah, definitely!
Billie: Mum’s always looking after everyone else and she’s selfless. I want someone to wine and dine her and make her feel special.
And how are the kids?
Billie: Nelly’s really funny and she’s getting so grown-up now. We call her a little lady and she’s still doing her mad things. The biggest difference the viewers will notice is Arthur, because he’s saying loads and we’ve been potty training him.
Sam: Rosie is saying so much now, too. She’s so grown-up for her age. Baby Paul goes to school next September, so at the end of this series I feel the pressure, because I need to find him a school.
Greg especially seems to love doing the show. Is he embracing the celebrity lifestyle? Billie: He loves it! It’s really funny, because he’s starting to get jobs as well now. He’s really embraced it. I can imagine Greg being a presenter on a kids’ channel. Greg’s the new Mr Tumble!
Sam, do you think Paul has embraced it a bit more? He’s more comfortable in front of the cameras, but it’s still not his favourite thing to do. He does it to support me and the kids, and the show works because of our family unit. It wouldn’t be the same without him.
There’s always talk about you two getting engaged. Do you feel the pressure? I’ve always said to Paul it’s going to continue, the questions and speculation about us two, but I want him to do it when he wants to do it. I don’t want him to feel under pressure. I’m actually really happy with how my life is going at the minute. If it happens, it happens. It’s a new chapter for me to look forward to.
Billie: I’m really excited for when they do get engaged, because I can relive it all again with no pressure.
How would your wedding differ to Billie’s? I would still like to have my wedding abroad, but maybe in Europe. Paul’s got a small family so I wouldn’t have as many guests as Billie.
You’ve had your share of backlash over the years. Do you regret letting the cameras in? Billie: Sometimes we’re like, “I’m having an
off day.” Or we might be busy with other work commitments. But it all pays off. People are so appreciative of how we keep it so real and show the highs and the lows of motherhood.
What would you like to happen in your lives before the next series?
Sam: I want more children, but not for another couple of years. But Paul will be going to school next year, so that’s going to be a huge thing for me.
Billie: We’re looking to move, still in Brentwood, because of Nelly’s school, so right now that’s a big thing for us.
The Mummy Diaries returns on Wednesday 11 September at 9pm on ITVBE