The Real Housewives of Cheshire tell all

That’s according to Seema Malhotra and Stacey Forsey, two of the stars of The Real Housewives of Cheshire.

Set in some of Cheshire’s most affluent suburbs like Wilmslow and Alderley Edge, the reality TV show follows eight rich, glamorous women as they party, shop and ultimately argue their way through life.

Launched in 2015, the seventh series has just got under way on ITVBe on Mondays at 10pm.

“We are all friends, but all the arguments and the fights are really real and it’s really full-on,” said Stacey, an artist and mother-of-two.

“It’s weird and hard to watch sometimes. It can be stressful and it’s not an easy job. You’ve got to know when to say sorry and know when to move on and hope that the other person who is involved in the discussion or the argument or whatever does the same thing.”

In a previous series Stacey locked horns with Tanya Bardsley, wife of Stoke footballer Phil, which culminated in an explosive final episode at Peckforton Castle.

Host, Brian Dowling, asked the girls about the highs and lows of the series and they were less than complimentary.

Stacey said: “That was horrific for me. I’ll be really honest, I struggled with that for months because I’d never had a conversation like that with anyone in my life. It was awful. People probably think we’re all bonkers.

“Tanya and I are good friends again now and we’ve moved on.”

Seema added: “You get so caught in the moment that you forget the cameras are there.”

Both Seema, from Hale and Stacey, from Prestbury, joined the show in the third series.

They currently star alongside original cast members Tanya, who lives in Wilmslow; Dawn Ward, wife of ex-footballer Ashley from Great Warford and Lauren Simon from Hale.

The rest of the cast are Czech-born Ester Dohnalova, who lives in Macclesfield, property developer Rachel Lugo from Alderley Edge and model and singer Nermina Pieters-Mekic, wife of Stoke footballer Erik Pieters.

Seema studied fashion and design at the University of Salford and runs fashion label Forever Unique with her husband of 25 years Sandeep. The couple have two grown-up sons.

Stacey, who was born in Salford, has a degree in event and hospitality management, and as well as hosting charity events she’s also an artist. Stacey is married to ex-Sports Direct boss Dave Forsey and they have two children.

They joined the show in Series Three but told Weekend how they could have been part of the original cast.

Seema said: “I’ve known the girls for a long time. My children went to school with Dawn’s children and I went to school with Lauren, so I’ve got a lot of history with most of them. I was asked to join in the first series but it wasn’t the right time because of my fashion business.

“I don’t get to watch a lot of television and I didn’t quite know what the show was about, but in Series 3 when I was approached again, it was the right time for me. I think it’s an amazing platform to be on and at the same time you get to hang out with eight amazing girls.

“It definitely opens doors and I’ll be forever grateful to the show for what it’s brought to my life.”

Stacey, who also has her own lifestyle product range selling candles, cushions and T-shirts, said: “I’ve lived in Prestbury for 11 years and hold charity events in my house such as ladies lunches, so I knew everyone too. Everybody knows everybody in Cheshire.

“Word went round that there was a TV show starting and I was asked to join but I wasn’t ready in series one either.

“It’s fun and an adventure in life and I’m grateful for the profile the show has given me. Everyone has their reasons for joining the show. The show helps build a profile and helps with our charity work and our businesses.”

So what can we expect from Seema, Stacey and Co throughout the rest of this series?

Stacey said: “Well I put my foot in it and it’s very cringeworthy for me and I hope people relate to it. There are inspirational stories, new businesses and an amazing trip we all go on which is fantastic.”

Seema said: “To date it’s the best series, it’s jam-packed. I can’t believe this journey we’ve been on.”

So what do they think makes RHOC such a success?

Seema said: “I think it’s people’s guilty pleasure. Everyone loves to watch everyone having a good argument. Everyone is different. There’s some really bonkers, outrageous scenes and lots of glamour but the arguments and fights are all relatable and I think people can relate to us all.

“Different people watch the show, from young kids to solicitors and I think you can laugh with us, you probably scream at us too!”

The women, who are often mistaken for each other when they’re spotted in the street, say they couldn’t do the show without the support of their families.

Seema said: “My boys are 22 and 19 and at an age where they understand. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be doing it. After a long day filming and all the drama you go home and need the support of family. My husband and boys are in the show a lot more this series. In fact my husband gets recognised in the street more than me – he’s more popular than I am and I’m the housewife!”

Stacey, said: “My husband is amazing. He’s supported me since day one. He knows I’m ambitious and want a career. I never would have done it if I didn’t have children who understood what I’m doing, they’re great.”