‘I’ve got a big gob but I hate arguing!’
Dawn Ward talks making new friends, the reason her views can get her into trouble and the latest on Gemma and Arg
She’s one of the legends of The Real Housewives Of Cheshire, a glam but no-nonsense WAG who’s been on the mega popular ITVBE fly-on-the-wall show since the start. And so with the new series back on our screens, we caught up with the fabulous Dawn Ward to find out what’s in store. Dawn, who’s married to former Derby FC striker Ashley, is currently self-isolating with
11 other people in her huge mansion, including their four daughters Darby, 24, Taylor, 22, Charlie, 12, and Aston, 10.
“It’s a mad house. With my younger children, it’s been quite challenging being around them a lot, noticing their manners aren’t as good as I thought they were!” she tells us when we call her up for a chinwag. “So, I’ve been doing Dawn Ward’s manners training!” Sounds intense!
Here, the 46-year-old tells us all about her life in quarantine, spills the tea on new Housewife Nicole Sealey and gives us an update on her close pal Gemma Collins and her on/off boyfriend James ‘Arg’ Argent…
So Dawn, what can we expect from this series?
It’s been a really good series, actually. The dynamics have changed quite a bit. There’s drama, tears and lots of fun, which is typical of us lot. It’s been really nice getting to know Nicole, the new Housewife.
You’re a fan, then?
She’s really lovely. She’s my kind of person – business orientated, independent, smart and very fair.
Did you know Nicole before the show?
I didn’t actually, which is really bizarre, because I thought I knew everybody in Cheshire! And Ashley used to play football with her partner Joe!
We hear some new alliances have formed among the ladies…
It’s funny how friendships pan out. There are some new relationships and there’s some upset between certain friends you probably wouldn’t expect.
We’re intrigued! Last series we saw your mother-in-law Maureen battling Alzheimer’s. How is she doing?
Maureen sometimes goes to an amazing home to receive respite care, but they went into lockdown earlier than the rest of the country while she was there, so we weren’t able to get her home. In that time, unfortunately, five out of 11 of the people there contracted coronavirus and one lady sadly passed away. So it’s terrifying for us at the moment. It’s worrying because there’s nothing we can do.
Are you able to speak to her?
We’ve been on Facetime and the home has been amazing in keeping us updated on things.
It’s like a ticking time bomb. You’re waiting for that call to say she’s got it. But Maureen’s fine. And I can’t wait for this all to be over, if anything, just to get Maureen back here.
And so you can get on with planning Darby’s wedding! Will we see you shopping for dresses this series?
You might do! I bawled my eyes out – it was so emotional. The wedding dress I loved was not what I expected.
Aw! So, there’s 11 of you selfisolating together. Has your co-star Ester Dee moved out?
Ester has, and I’ll always be friends with her. And we’re great. She’s in a much better place, so the plan worked.
Were you shocked Leilani Dowding isn’t returning to the show?
Who’s that?
Leilani?
I’m only kidding. I’m not shocked. I don’t wish anything bad, but she just didn’t like me. It’s a tough
show to be on and you’ve got to have genuine friendships and I don’t think it was quite right. If I saw her I’d be very polite to her.
Do you ever feel down after a row on the show?
Yeah, of course. Nobody likes to argue, including me – believe it or not. I’ve got a big gob and I’m quite a strong character, but
I’m the same as everyone else, I’m quite sensitive. I get upset later on in the series – I’ve shed a few tears in the past 11 seasons! One thing the show has taught me is how amazing my family are.
Will we be seeing you in the next series of The GC’S show,
Diva Forever?
Funnily enough, she Facetimed me yesterday and I didn’t realise it was being filmed. I looked like a bloke, I could have killed her! I had no make-up on – I was mortified. I speak to Gemma every day, she’s like one of our family.
What’s going on with her and Arg?
We don’t speak about Arg, to be honest. But I think she’s very much single.
Finally, are you hoping to be a part of The Real Housewives Of Cheshire for the foreseeable?
It’s been a big part of my life. It’s been really good for me and my family. Sometimes I think, “Is this my last season?” But then I always say I’ll be the first one to be wheeled into a nursing home!
The Real Housewives Of Cheshire, Mondays, 9pm on ITVBE