Binky Felstead on life Beyond Chelsea: As she prepares to open up like never before on ‘raw’ new show, how she overcame TV heartbreak to become the ‘happiest she’s ever been’ – and why she no longer watches MIC!
Reflecting upon Binky’s journey, it’s evident that her experiences, both heartbreaking and joyful, have shaped her into the remarkable woman she is today. From the romantic twists and turns documented on MIC to the arrival of her precious daughter India, who undeniably saved her, Binky’s tale is a testament to resilience, growth, and the transformative power of love – human and maternal alike.
As one of Made In Chelsea’s original stars, Binky Felstead grew up in the spotlight.
At the tender age of 20, she became a part of the popular E4 series, where viewers followed her journey through tumultuous relationships and complicated friendships. Eventually, she chose to step away from the show to devote herself to parenthood.
Currently 36 years old and a blissfully married mother of three, Binky is more content than ever before as she readies herself to debut her latest venture, Beyond Chelsea. This upcoming show will bring her together with her former Made in Chelsea co-stars Rosie Fortescue and Lucy Watson once again.
It’s clear how happy she is when she invites me into her home, a cosy family abode in South West London where she lives with husband Max Darnton, daughter India, seven, and their sons, three-year-old Wolfie and Wilder, 18 months.
As I reflect upon my days on Made In Chelsea, I can’t help but feel as though it belongs to another era in my life entirely. You see, by the time the cameras were rolling, I was already expecting India – a beautiful addition that came into my world when I was just 26 years old. My departure from the show happened during this transformative period of my life, pushing me to mature and grow at an accelerated pace.
After leaving Made in Chelsea, I’ve often been asked, “when can we expect the original cast reunited again?”, so last October, I proposed this idea to Channel 4.
This phase represents a new chapter in our lives, following our appearances on reality TV during our early twenties. Some of us have tied the knot, started families, while others have ventured into independent businesses. We find ourselves at varying points in life’s journey.
For avid Made in Chelsea enthusiasts, it might prove intriguing to catch a glimpse of our lives beyond reality TV and the public spotlight – showing behind-the-scenes footage of campaign shoots, business conferences, and collaborations with various brands.
As a lifestyle connoisseur, I must say, we’re stepping up our game by embracing a more authentic and candid approach. Instead of the polished sets you might be used to, we’re now offering an unfiltered glimpse into our everyday lives – captured right in our homes with a more organic filming style that wasn’t part of the picture before.
Because I now have three children, it’s no longer possible for me to visit filming locations for extended periods to capture the making of Made In Chelsea as I once did.
‘Beyond Chelsea appears to offer something entirely novel and invigorating. It seems as though it might transcend the boundaries of being simply a spin-off from Made in Chelsea, potentially growing into something much more substantial.’
Looking back at her initial appearance on reality TV, she confesses that there are moments when she feels a bit awkward remembering her clothing choices and behavior.
She chuckles, saying, “It’s quite extraordinary! Few can claim to have lived their twenties under such scrutiny, with every mistake, disagreement, or moment exposed for public view.
Regardless, she maintains that she has no regrets. However, she acknowledges: “Indeed, I made some decisions in my twenties that might seem dubious now, but isn’t that what most people do? Unfortunately, some of those questionable moments were caught on film.
Although a fresh batch of stars has taken over Made In Chelsea, none of the initial cast are present anymore. Nevertheless, Binky confessed that she hasn’t felt drawn to catch up with the show.
She clarifies, “I hold no ill feelings towards it, but I find it challenging to connect as I’m now married and a parent.
Those who shared our childhood experiences are likely to understand and connect with us better at this stage, if my interpretation is correct.
Binky seems to have a significant role as a mother these days, and alongside her partner Max, they seem to embody the idyllic image of a modern-day fairy tale family.
Her romantic odyssey, extensively chronicled on MIC, was anything but straightforward, and she openly acknowledges that she encountered some doubtful connections along the way.
A significant plot point in the story revolved around her tumultuous love affair with co-star Alex Mytton, a man who repeatedly broke her trust by being unfaithful on multiple occasions.
Following their permanent separation from Alex, she started dating Josh ‘JP’ Patterson. The pair decided to leave the show in season 13, having announced they were expecting a baby girl together.
Their relationship was not meant to be, however, and they split 15 months after India was born.
Indeed, Binky maintains that she has no lingering ill feelings towards her past relationships, casually stating: “I get along well with all of them. There’s no animosity. No one holds a grudge against me or anyone else.
In the previous year, JP alleged that the producers had been harshly depicting him on the program, which he believed was the cause of their poisonous dynamic between them.
He’s one of many MIC stars who have come to hit out at the show for its editing.
Yet Binky has made peace with her time on the programme.
She mentions: “In essence, generating drama was somewhat integral back then, considering our agreement. We were all quite young at the time.
‘I try not to regret things in life. I try and learn from mistakes rather than regret them.’
It’s true that without Binky’s romantic history she wouldn’t be the woman she is today.
Prior to having India, I was clueless about my actions and lacked any sense of responsibility, as she admits. I often express that India rescued me; she was my guardian angel for me.
In my own journey, I was shattered when parting ways with JP, but that heartache paved the way for me to encounter my extraordinary partner, Max. We tied the knot in the year 2021.
‘He’s really special,’ Binky gushes. ‘I’m so grateful and lucky to have met someone like him.
In that particular situation, as a devoted single parent, he felt an extraordinary connection with India, which he continues to cherish. I am incredibly grateful to have encountered such a remarkable individual in my life.
As a completely besotted parent, there’s no denying that my little ones are the very essence of my existence, my ultimate treasure. Never have I known such profound happiness as I do now.
Binky’s story stands as an exceptionally optimistic narrative amidst the realm of reality television, which is often criticized for its negative aspects and the challenges associated with fame that numerous individuals have addressed.
In this era when numerous individuals swiftly gain popularity through brief appearances on programs such as Love Island and Big Brother, what words of wisdom does Binky have for the upcoming generation of reality TV celebrities?
She asserts confidence: “Just be authentic,” she says. “Use your unique qualities for positive impact and stay true to who you are. If you have a large following on social media, I believe it comes with a duty to share positivity and good deeds.
It’s an approach that’s certainly benefited Binky and her Beyond Chelsea co-stars.
Beyond Chelsea airs on Tuesday, October 29 at 10pm on E4.
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2024-10-26 15:34