Billie Faiers: “It’s not the end of the world to have arguments in a relationship”

From her own In The Style collections to her long-running ITVX show The Family Diaries, Billie Faiers is a mum with a lot going on. And going from two children to three is a big change for any family, something Billie knows only too well following the birth of her daughter Margot who joined Nelly, 8 and Arthur, 6, last December.

"The first eight weeks were all a bit crazy," she tells us. "Obviously, with Arthur, he was always the baby. I think it was just a massive adjustment because, especially in those early days, I was just with Margot constantly. And there are things that they might want you to do and it's like: 'Mummy, can you make me some toast, please?' and I'm like, 'I can't I am feeding Margot' 'But I'm hungry'. Those kinds of things would set Arthur off, trying to understand that Mummy can't do everything when you ask me to because I'm looking after Margot," Billie says.

It's safe to say that the Shepherds' are continuing to find their feet as a family of five. "It's quite tough, doing a lot of work at home when you've got the kids there and now with a baby," Billie admits. "You're juggling all the time. And I think that's what has been such a massive change for us. Because we don't have the time we used to have to get certain things done like finishing the house off and stuff. I think sometimes you just have to try and not let all of that get to you because it can take over."

Splitting her attention between three young children is no mean feat either. "When I was pregnant, a lot of people would say, 'Oh you're so lucky because they're older now they're gonna help'," Billie remembers. "And you know, to an extent they can help, but actually, it's still hard to put in your time and attention because they're all different ages. They all want you for different things."

Perfecting the art of the well-known parenting juggle is a work in progress for Billie, something we can all no doubt relate to.

"When you become a mum, everything you do, ultimately is for your children. But I think that learning along the way how to juggle life and how to get that balance has been really a massive learning curve for me: knowing and judging what's really important and what's not," she says. "With children, ultimately, all they want is your attention. It's not all about things and going places and doing this or doing that. I know that's lovely but actually, kids just want your attention. And sometimes, for me, that's quite hard. One of them will ask me to come and play in the garden and I'm like 'Oh I'm meant to be cooking...' But the dinner can wait."

While fitting in time for herself is naturally tricky, it's something Billie is striving to do, changing her mindset and reframing her dreaded PT training sessions as some time to herself and a bit of self-care.

"I do think to be a better mum, sometimes you do need that little hour break to yourself. Or you do need the dinner with friends," Billie tells us. "Something I've been doing recently like with my friends as we're all such busy mums, is planning things, even if it's like two months in advance, it'll soon come round. And then like you have things to look forward to, which I think is important."

Viewers will get to see for themselves as Billie and her family adjust to the arrival of Margot in series four of Billie & Greg: The Family Diaries, currently airing on ITVX.

Admitting that it feels like she's been filming her life forever, Billie credits the reality series honestly for its success. "I do think that - especially in this day and age - people like to feel like they can relate to someone. And with our show, it's all or nothing. You can't hide certain elements of your life, you have to give it your all for the show to be a success."

That's not to say that Billie doesn't cringe at times when watching back the show. "There's been quite a lot of disagreements with me and Greg this series and it's like 'Oh no!' But that's life, isn't it? No one's perfect. We always figure it out in the end, but it does make you feel a little bit more normal. It's not the end of the world to have arguments and highs and lows in a relationship and actually in some way quite healthy, not to bottle it up."

Billie's advice for any expectant parents is simple. "For those first few months, take time out to just be with your baby and find your own way. Just lay around all day hugging your baby doing whatever you need to do. Don't feel like you've got to be anywhere or go anywhere," Billie advises. "Because now Margot's nearly six months, I literally can't cope with it! I sit in bed every night looking at my phone because it's just gone so quickly.

"If I could like click my fingers and just go back to those first few weeks, I would, because I think it's so precious. Just enjoy every second."

The brand-new series of Billie & Greg: The Family Diaries continues on Wednesdays at 9 pm on ITV Be, catch up on the series so far and watch all episodes on ITVX.

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