Billie Shepherd
Mummy Diaries star Billie Shepherd talks about expanding her family and her views on cosmetic surgery
The festive season might be in full swing, but with not long to go until the big day Billie Shepherd admits she and her husband Greg haven’t even started their Christmas shopping.
“I’m hoping we’re going to get loads done after speaking to you,” Billie says.
But, from what The Mummy Diaries star tells us, it shouldn’t take the couple too long because – unlike some celeb parents – she insists they don’t go overboard with buying pressies for daughter Nelly, five, and two-year-old son Arthur.
It’s been a year of highs for the former TOWIE star, 29, and her family. Billie married Greg, 34, in a lavish wedding in the Maldives in March, celebrated The Mummy Diaries being nominated for its first TV Choice Award in June, and earlier this month the couple hosted a charity fundraiser for Haven House Children’s Hospice, raising more than £45,000!
“It’s been the best year,” she gushes. So what would make 2020 even better – Baby Shepherd number three? “I would like one more,” she admits.
Here, Billie reveals Nelly’s keeping her fingers crossed for a sister and why she’s excited about turning 30 next month…
It’s your first Christmas as a married woman. Does that mean a lot to you?
It does, actually. I just can’t believe how quickly this year has gone. It’s been the quickest year of my life. It’s lovely to know it’s the final piece of the puzzle, to be a Shepherd the same as Greg and the kids. It’s funny because when Greg calls me his wife it feels so grown up.
Do you go crazy buying presents for Nelly and Arthur?
We definitely don’t go overboard. This year I’m doing Nelly a hamper of cooking stuff. They much prefer arts and crafts toys. Samantha and I were discussing what to get each other’s kids. They have so much already, so we decided we’re going to do something with them in the new year to make memories rather than buy them presents.
Nice! Do you have any Christmas traditions?
We’ve got quite a few. I let the kids open one present each on Christmas Eve and on Christmas morning we open presents round the tree then have bacon bagels for breakfast. Our family Christmases always turn into parties – it’s never just watching the soaps in our pyjamas.
What’s the worst present you’ve ever received?
I’ll never forget one year when I was young and Father Christmas bought me an electric toothbrush!
That’s not so bad! You’re the ambassador for Baby Annabell. Is Nelly excited about that?
Yeah, Nelly’s always been a huge fan and when I had Arthur she’d see me being a mum to a baby so she’d do the same with her doll. She’s always loved that role play and I think that’s important.
Does having the doll around make you miss the baby stage?
Oh, massively. Every stage is lovely, but I think you just can’t beat the baby stage. I really miss it.
Is Nelly quite maternal?
So maternal. When there are babies around she’s like the little mummy. [Sam’s daughter] Rosie’s not a baby any more, but Nelly’s like her older sister.
Does Nelly ever ask for another brother or sister?
All the time. She goes, “So, are we going to have another baby? I’d prefer if we had a girl baby.”
What do you tell her?
I just go, “OK, well, we can’t choose. Maybe one day.”
Do you think you’ll have more?
I’m really happy and grateful for two, but I do say to Greg, “I feel like I’m not done.”
Is Greg broody?
No. He wouldn’t be upset [if we had another baby], but he’s like, “I’m done with two.”
You’re turning 30 next month…
I can’t believe I’m going to be 30!
Are you excited or anxious?
I’m one of the first out of my close girl group so it feels… I’m not going to say old because I know it’s not, but it feels grown up. I’m really excited to turn 30 because so many people have said to me their thirties were the best years of their life and I know next year is going to be a big year for us.
Do you ever worry about ageing?
No, not at all. You just have to embrace it.
You and Sam have always maintained you’ve never had Botox. Does it annoy you that people think you have?
Yeah, at this age everyone assumes everyone has it, like going to the dentist!
Would you rule out ever having surgery?
I’m not going to sit here and say I’ll never have anything like that done because there might be a stage in my life when I might want a little bit of this and that to make me feel confident. It’s just not for me at the moment.
Girls are having surgery younger and younger these days. Do you think it will be a worry for you as Nelly gets older?
Obviously, but I’d always try to steer her away from it and embrace her natural look.
Speaking of Nelly, she’s such a natural in front of the camera. Do you see her becoming a big star?
So any people ask me this, but I don’t really know. Nelly is great on camera, but she’s just a normal little girl away from it. I’d never push it upon her, but if it was something she wanted to do I’d support her and give her advice.
Is it hard having the cameras in your home when filming?
There are days, like everyone with their jobs, when I think,
“I can’t be bothered.” But most of the time it’s not intrusive and it feels natural. We’re so used to it I guess we forget they are there.
Greg has gathered quite a following since filming started. Do you think fame has gone to his head?
No! We both like to joke about it, but the thing that makes me really laugh is that back in the TOWIE days he was like, “I’ll never do that.” Now he’s loving it and enjoying his newfound fame. It’s great for me that he’s completely on board with it, because it makes everything so much easier.
You put the kids through a digital detox earlier this year. Have you stuck to it?
Yeah, they don’t have ipads during the week any more. We have a Baby Annabell with a blue Babygro on and even Arthur gets involved. It’s so nice to see.
Karmel Doughty
Billie is an ambassador for Baby Annabell, available from Smyths Toys Superstores or see baby-annabell.com/en