BILLIE FAIERS TALKS OF HER WHIRLWIND YEAR
REALITY STAR BILLIE FAIERS TELLS US NELLY AND ARTHUR ARE GROWING UP FAST AND REVEALS WHY MANNERS ARE SO IMPORTANT
This year has certainly been a big one for the Shepherd family. Back in March, Billie and Greg exchanged their vows in the Maldives in front of family, friends and OK! magazine. ‘It was the best day of my life. It was like a fairy tale – all the stress and tears were worth it,’ Billie, 29, told us at the time.
Since then, their lives have been a whirlwind of holidays, showbiz launches and kids’ parties – all caught on camera for the latest series of The Mummy Diaries.
When we catch up with Billie, she defends her decision to allow Nelly, five, and Arthur, two, to appear on their reality show, and tells us why she and her sister Sam would like to fall pregnant together...
We were sad to see the final episode of
The Mummy Diaries – why do you think it has been such a success?
A lot of mums appreciate that we’re very real. I get DMS that say: ‘Thank you for sharing this, it makes me feel normal.’ Sam and I don’t hide it if our kids have a tantrum. We think the bedtime routine is boring but people love to see it. They think, I wonder how they do it? And they take on board the advice. The other day, I was at the station and this girl said: ‘I’m pregnant with twins. I’m watching your show trying to get tips.’ That’s very rewarding.
We saw Nelly finally sleeping in her own bed after five and a half years – that must be a relief…
For the last 14 nights, Nelly has slept in her own bed, thank God. It’s a real milestone as she hasn’t slept in her bed since she was a baby. Last weekend, she picked a book at the toy store and said: ‘I want you to read to me before I go to sleep in my bed!’
How’s Arthur doing?
We’re going through the terrible twos. But I’ve potty trained him now, although he still wears nappies to bed. He’s really good when he’s with me but he kicks off big time with Greg. It’s because he’s not consistent with him. I’m not the strictest mum. But I’m a stickler for manners and being happy and friendly. I always say to Nelly: ‘Leave the attitude at the door please, young lady.’
Now Nelly is at primary school, are you more conscious about her being on TV? I’m happy with our decision to put Nelly on TV but I’m more careful now because she’s at primary school. If she were to say: ‘Mum, I don’t want the cameras here,’ I’d tell the crew: ‘Okay, don’t worry, carry on filming me
and Greg.’ I’m led by her but she doesn’t rule the roost. If she wasn’t in the mood I would say no. Sometimes she says: ‘Mummy, are the filmers coming today?’
How did you react to trolls who were unimpressed when Nelly was pictured with a Christian Dior handbag?
Nelly is at an age where she’s getting into fashion but she doesn’t have designer handbags like trolls have suggested. She likes to express her own style and that’s why my collaboration with Capsule Chix is good as it encourages kids to style their dolls in different ways to express their individuality.
Could we be hearing the pitter patter of tiny feet soon?
I haven’t ruled out having another baby but with work it’s probably not the right time. But towards the end of next year I might be ready. Sam and I always said we would love to be pregnant together and now we have two each, it would be good to have one at the same time. Effectively we didn’t go out together for four and a half years because one of us was always pregnant!
You and Sam are in great shape. How do you do it?
Sam gets up at 5.30am, before her kids, and has a personal trainer come to the house, but I don’t! I do weight lifting between 9am and 10am, but I’ve not had a chance for the past two weeks because of filming. When I train, I eat better and feel more motivated. What’s bizarre is how I was much bigger before I had Nelly and Arthur. I look back at photos and I’m much curvier. But I was always partying and I wasn’t as educated about food.
Is there any part of your body you would like to change?
Since having Arthur, my stomach has been hard to tone and it’s not as tight or as flat as when I’m properly training. Before I had kids, I was a size 10-12 and now I’m an 8-10. The last time I weighed myself, I was just under 9st but I’m only 5ft 4in.
How has life changed since you got married in the Maldives? It’s mad that I’m now a Shepherd. It feels really grown up but it’s the final missing piece of the jigsaw. But I need to practise my new signature. When Greg saw it he said: ‘You seriously need to work on that.’ I would love to see Sam get married next. CAPSULE CHIX ULTIMIX IS THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE MOOSE TOYS’ UK FAMILY AND IS AVAILABLE NOW IN ARGOS, SMYTHS, THE ENTERTAINER, AMAZON AND VERY WITH AN RRP OF £49.99.