Latest news with #LydiaBright
The Sun
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Lydia Bright shares message of support from mum Debbie after James Argent's ex Nicolline slammed Towie star & her family
LYDIA Bright has admitted it's been a "whirlwind week" after James Argent's ex Nicoline slammed the Towie star and her family. Yesterday James' ex-girlfriend Nicoline Artursson hit out at his "controlling ex" for causing major issues with their ill-fated relationship. 5 5 5 In an 800-word statement, Nicoline finally spoke in depth about the domestic abuse she suffered at the hands of James, 37, last month. The Swedish beauty. 32, queen was injured after being pushed down steps outside the home they shared in Spain. He was arrested and spent several hours in police cells before admitting a charge of domestic violence in court. Nicoline has claimed former Towie star Lydia - who dated Arg on/off between 2007 to 2016 - was an unwelcome, interfering presence during their year together. Earlier today, Lydia, 34, took to Instagram to share a card that she received from her parents Debbie Douglas and Dave Bright. The message read: "We are so proud of you. Keep your face to the sun and keep shining. Mummy and Daddy." In front of the card, it said: "Keep shining bright." Lydia captioned it: "After a whirlwind week, this is exactly what I needed, a slow morning. "Banana pancakes, Disney on the sofa and a catch up with mum and dad." She also shared a photo of a sunflower that her mum bought her and said it's "a burst of sunshine, positivity and happiness." Lydia's supportive message from her parents comes just hours after James' ex Nicoline issued a social media statement. The model said: "I felt there were too many people in our relationship: me, my boyfriend and his ex. 'Three's a crowd', they say. 'I asked so many times if we could be just the two of us, but the answer was a strong NO. 'I experienced what I can only describe as targeted emotional distress which he allowed to continue.' Nicoline continued: 'After being together for one year my boyfriend finally promised me that he would have boundaries. 'He would put a stop to all that had been going on for months. 'But he didn't. Instead he broke the promise and her controlling behaviour continued. The rest is history.' Domestic abuse - how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence. Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship: Emotional abuse - Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to Threats and intimidation - Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse - This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten. Sexual abuse - Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent. If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers: Remember, you are not alone. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime. Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse. Argent and Lydia's love story started off screen nearly two decades ago when they were teens and their drama-filled romance made legendary TV on the ITVBe show - gripping viewers with its constant twists and turns. They split in 2012, and Argent was accused of calling her a "sl*t" in text messages after learning she'd slept with someone else following their separation. Despite this, they have maintained a close friendship and Lydia views Argent as an uncle to her daughter, Loretta, five. She has stuck by her ex and close friend following his arrest and insists he's not a violent man. A friend who knows both Lydia and Arg very well tells The Sun: 'When it comes to what happened with Arg and Nicoline, Lydia would never condone violence and has made that very clear to James, but she doesn't think that he is a violent man and she knows he deeply regrets the events of that night. "She has stuck by him, even though she doesn't agree with his actions - just as his other mates like Mark Wright have." Lydia was also there for Argent when his weight ballooned to nearly 30 stone amid drug and food addiction. Nicoline Artursson's statement in full It's now been a month. I still can't believe it. My fractures on my body have finally healed but I'm wounded inside. I've been quiet long enough. Silence protects no one - and it almost destroyed me. What started as a love story sadly turned into something else. Behind the pictures, promises and the plans for a life together - the beautiful days - changed into something into sadness with emotional manipulation and eventually physical harm. I loved deeply, believed in our future and stood by someone I thought would protect me and instead I was left alone and harmed in ways I never imagined. I was not only failed by him but deeply affected by the presence of unresolved ties to his past. Yes I posted an Instagram story with a simple yes or no question about if your ex should be a part of your present relationship. I felt there were too many people in our relationship: me, my boyfriend and his ex. 'Three's a crowd', they say. I asked so many times if we could be just the two of us, but the answer was a strong NO. I experienced what I can only describe as targeted emotional distress which he allowed to continue. The ex and her family put us through so much misery and false accusations, I won't go into details. They had no reason whatsoever to do what they did to us, but for some reason they wouldn't let go and let us enjoy our love. Everybody knows that real friends support you and want to see you happy. So I posted a story on Instagram. After being together for one year my boyfriend finally promised me that he would have boundaries. He would put a stop to all that had been going on for months. But he didn't. Instead he broke the promise and her controlling behaviour continued. The rest is history. I was brutally thrown out of our new home in the middle of the night wearing only my pyjamas. I opened the door to let him in and only minutes after I found myself laying down on the stairs outside our house. My clothes and belongings were being thrown out from the balcony down on me. I was injured. Thanks to incredible neighbours who heard and saw what happened and acted, I got help. They called police, brought me to safety and ensured the incident was taken seriously. A gentleman does not abuse you and end up in jail and call you the love of his life. A gentleman does not blame you for his actions. A gentleman will confide in his partner, family and close circle of friends, keeping them close and safe. A gentleman chooses you always and leaves the past in the past - including exes. Life is to be lived together and not to please people who want to take advantage of you. At the end of the day, fame can only do so much - it's all about being strong and growing together. Life is simply not a reality TV show, life is real. I have tried to understand why. I have cried so many tears thinking about the way he chose to hurt me. He said he loved me and I believed him and here we are. There is now a legal record of what happened. Violence has no excuse - no matter how much love preceded it. To those who questioned me for staying as long as I did: I stayed because I believed in love. I believed he and we could grow, could heal, could choose peace. But love doesn't survive in chaos. And it cannot survive where violence lives. To every woman reading this: if you've ever questioned your worth, your safety or your sanity in a relationship - this is your sign. You deserved to be loved with care and integrity. And you are not alone. To the men: real strength is protection. Real love is safe. Be the kind of man who lifts women up - not one who breaks them down, neither by violence or silence. To the future: never say never. I will get the little family I've always dreamed of and have my dream wedding to symbolise and celebrate true love in front of my dear family and friends. I'm healing now. Slowly, bravely and unapologetically. I will rise and I will use my voice - not for vengeance but for truth. For every woman who's been silenced by someone who said 'I love you' and then proved otherwise. This is not just my story. It's a reminder: abuse - whether emotional, psychological or physical - has no place in love. 5 5
The Sun
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
James Argent's ex Nicoline Artursson slams his ‘controlling ex' and says ‘there was one too many in relationship'
JAMES Argent's ex-girlfriend Nicoline Artursson has hit out at his "controlling ex" for causing major issues with their ill-fated relationship. In an 800-word statement, Nicoline finally spoke in depth about the domestic abuse she suffered at the hands of Argent last month. 5 5 5 The Swedish beauty queen was injured after being pushed down steps outside the home they shared in Spain. He was arrested and spent several hours in police cells before admitting a charge of domestic violence in court. Now, Nicoline has claimed former Towie star Lydia Bright was an unwelcome, interfering presence during their year together. She said: 'I felt there were too many people in our relationship: me, my boyfriend and his ex. 'Three's a crowd', they say. 'I asked so many times if we could be just the two of us, but the answer was a strong NO. 'I experienced what I can only describe as targeted emotional distress which he allowed to continue.' Nicoline continued: 'After being together for one year my boyfriend finally promised me that he would have boundaries. 'He would put a stop to all that had been going on for months. 'But he didn't. Instead he broke the promise and her controlling behaviour continued. The rest is history.' Argent and Lydia's love story started off screen nearly two decades ago when they were teens and their drama-filled romance made legendary TV on the ITVBe show - gripping viewers with its constant twists and turns. Domestic abuse - how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence. Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship: Emotional abuse - Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to Threats and intimidation - Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse - This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten. Sexual abuse - Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent. If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers: The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night Men who are being abused can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or ManKind on 0182 3334 244 Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring Galop on 0800 999 5428 If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999 Remember, you are not alone. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime. Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse. They split in 2012, and Argent was accused of calling her a "sl*t" in text messages after learning she'd slept with someone else following their separation. Despite this, they have maintained a close friendship and Lydia views Argent as an uncle to her daughter, Loretta, five. She has stuck by her ex and close friend following his arrest and insists he's not a violent man. A friend who knows both Lydia and Arg very well tells The Sun: 'When it comes to what happened with Arg and Nicoline, Lydia would never condone violence and has made that very clear to James, but she doesn't think that he is a violent man and she knows he deeply regrets the events of that night. "She has stuck by him, even though she doesn't agree with his actions - just as his other mates like Mark Wright have." Lydia was also there for Argent when his weight ballooned to nearly 30 stone amid drug and food addiction. 5 5 Nicoline Artursson's statement in full It's now been a month. I still can't believe it. My fractures on my body have finally healed but I'm wounded inside. I've been quiet long enough. Silence protects no one - and it almost destroyed me. What started as a love story sadly turned into something else. Behind the pictures, promises and the plans for a life together - the beautiful days - changed into something into sadness with emotional manipulation and eventually physical harm. I loved deeply, believed in our future and stood by someone I thought would protect me and instead I was left alone and harmed in ways I never imagined. I was not only failed by him but deeply affected by the presence of unresolved ties to his past. Yes I posted an Instagram story with a simple yes or no question about if your ex should be a part of your present relationship. I felt there were too many people in our relationship: me, my boyfriend and his ex. 'Three's a crowd', they say. I asked so many times if we could be just the two of us, but the answer was a strong NO. I experienced what I can only describe as targeted emotional distress which he allowed to continue. The ex and her family put us through so much misery and false accusations, I won't go into details. They had no reason whatsoever to do what they did to us, but for some reason they wouldn't let go and let us enjoy our love. Everybody knows that real friends support you and want to see you happy. So I posted a story on Instagram. After being together for one year my boyfriend finally promised me that he would have boundaries. He would put a stop to all that had been going on for months. But he didn't. Instead he broke the promise and her controlling behaviour continued. The rest is history. I was brutally thrown out of our new home in the middle of the night wearing only my pyjamas. I opened the door to let him in and only minutes after I found myself laying down on the stairs outside our house. My clothes and belongings were being thrown out from the balcony down on me. I was injured. Thanks to incredible neighbours who heard and saw what happened and acted, I got help. They called police, brought me to safety and ensured the incident was taken seriously. A gentleman does not abuse you and end up in jail and call you the love of his life. A gentleman does not blame you for his actions. A gentleman will confide in his partner, family and close circle of friends, keeping them close and safe. A gentleman chooses you always and leaves the past in the past - including exes. Life is to be lived together and not to please people who want to take advantage of you. At the end of the day, fame can only do so much - it's all about being strong and growing together. Life is simply not a reality TV show, life is real. I have tried to understand why. I have cried so many tears thinking about the way he chose to hurt me. He said he loved me and I believed him and here we are. There is now a legal record of what happened. Violence has no excuse - no matter how much love preceded it. To those who questioned me for staying as long as I did: I stayed because I believed in love. I believed he and we could grow, could heal, could choose peace. But love doesn't survive in chaos. And it cannot survive where violence lives. To every woman reading this: if you've ever questioned your worth, your safety or your sanity in a relationship - this is your sign. You deserved to be loved with care and integrity. And you are not alone. To the men: real strength is protection. Real love is safe. Be the kind of man who lifts women up - not one who breaks them down, neither by violence or silence. To the future: never say never. I will get the little family I've always dreamed of and have my dream wedding to symbolise and celebrate true love in front of my dear family and friends. I'm healing now. Slowly, bravely and unapologetically. I will rise and I will use my voice - not for vengeance but for truth. For every woman who's been silenced by someone who said 'I love you' and then proved otherwise. This is not just my story. It's a reminder: abuse - whether emotional, psychological or physical - has no place in love.
The Sun
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
James Argent's ex girlfriend Nicoline Artursson breaks silence on shock attack with emotional statement
Nicoline Artursson has broken her silence after ex-boyfriend James Argent's shock attack on her - and revealed the 'real reason' for his violent outburst. Former Towie star Arg, 37, turned on model Nicoline, 32, while they were at their home in Spain last month. 5 5 5 He was arrested and spent several hours in police cells before admitting a charge of domestic violence in court. Now Nicoline has spoken out in a statement - confessing: 'My fractures on my body have finally healed but I'm wounded inside.' Recalling the traumatic experience, she said: 'I was brutally thrown out of our new home in the middle of the night wearing only my pyjamas. 'I opened the door to let him in and only minutes after I found myself laying down on the stairs outside our house. My clothes and belongings were being thrown out from the balcony down on me. I was injured.' Nicoline also placed the blame for Arg's violence with constant clashes over his ex-girlfriend Lydia Bright. Shortly before the attack, while in a new relationship. And Nicoline claimed she and Arg often clashed over Lydia's involvement in their romance. She said: 'I felt there were too many people in our relationship: me, my boyfriend and his ex. 'Three's a crowd', they say. 'I asked so many times if we could be just the two of us, but the answer was a strong NO. Watch James Argent shamelessly dance on stage before holding fan 'meet & greets' on return to Spain after attack on ex 'I experienced what I can only describe as targeted emotional distress which he allowed to continue.' Nicoline continued: 'After being together for one year my boyfriend finally promised me that he would have boundaries. 'He would put a stop to all that had been going on for months. 'But he didn't. Instead he broke the promise and her controlling behaviour continued. The rest is history.' 5 Nicoline Artursson's statement in full It's now been a month. I still can't believe it. My fractures on my body have finally healed but I'm wounded inside. I've been quiet long enough. Silence protects no one - and it almost destroyed me. What started as a love story sadly turned into something else. Behind the pictures, promises and the plans for a life together - the beautiful days - changed into something into sadness with emotional manipulation and eventually physical harm. I loved deeply, believed in our future and stood by someone I thought would protect me and instead I was left alone and harmed in ways I never imagined. I was not only failed by him but deeply affected by the presence of unresolved ties to his past. Yes I posted an Instagram story with a simple yes or no question about if your ex should be a part of your present relationship. I felt there were too many people in our relationship: me, my boyfriend and his ex. 'Three's a crowd', they say. I asked so many times if we could be just the two of us, but the answer was a strong NO. I experienced what I can only describe as targeted emotional distress which he allowed to continue. The ex and her family put us through so much misery and false accusations, I won't go into details. They had no reason whatsoever to do what they did to us, but for some reason they wouldn't let go and let us enjoy our love. Everybody knows that real friends support you and want to see you happy. So I posted a story on Instagram. After being together for one year my boyfriend finally promised me that he would have boundaries. He would put a stop to all that had been going on for months. But he didn't. Instead he broke the promise and her controlling behaviour continued. The rest is history. I was brutally thrown out of our new home in the middle of the night wearing only my pyjamas. I opened the door to let him in and only minutes after I found myself laying down on the stairs outside our house. My clothes and belongings were being thrown out from the balcony down on me. I was injured. Thanks to incredible neighbours who heard and saw what happened and acted, I got help. They called police, brought me to safety and ensured the incident was taken seriously. A gentleman does not abuse you and end up in jail and call you the love of his life. A gentleman does not blame you for his actions. A gentleman will confide in his partner, family and close circle of friends, keeping them close and safe. A gentleman chooses you always and leaves the past in the past - including exes. Life is to be lived together and not to please people who want to take advantage of you. At the end of the day, fame can only do so much - it's all about being strong and growing together. Life is simply not a reality TV show, life is real. I have tried to understand why. I have cried so many tears thinking about the way he chose to hurt me. He said he loved me and I believed him and here we are. There is now a legal record of what happened. Violence has no excuse - no matter how much love preceded it. To those who questioned me for staying as long as I did: I stayed because I believed in love. I believed he and we could grow, could heal, could choose peace. But love doesn't survive in chaos. And it cannot survive where violence lives. To every woman reading this: if you've ever questioned your worth, your safety or your sanity in a relationship - this is your sign. You deserved to be loved with care and integrity. And you are not alone. To the men: real strength is protection. Real love is safe. Be the kind of man who lifts women up - not one who breaks them down, neither by violence or silence. To the future: never say never. I will get the little family I've always dreamed of and have my dream wedding to symbolise and celebrate true love in front of my dear family and friends. I'm healing now. Slowly, bravely and unapologetically. I will rise and I will use my voice - not for vengeance but for truth. For every woman who's been silenced by someone who said 'I love you' and then proved otherwise. This is not just my story. It's a reminder: abuse - whether emotional, psychological or physical - has no place in love.
The Sun
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Why Lydia Bright refuses to end bizarre friendship with ex James Argent – despite beauty queen assault and social swipe
HE cheated on her multiple times, sent her abusive messages and at one point she told him: 'I despise you". Yet to the confusion of millions of Towie fans who have followed their journey from lovers, to enemies, and now the best of friends, Lydia Bright is sticking by James Argent after he violently assaulted his Swedish girlfriend Nicoline Artursson. 12 12 12 A friend who knows both Lydia and Arg very well tells The Sun: 'When it comes to what happened with Arg and Nicoline, Lydia would never condone violence and has made that very clear to James, but she doesn't think that he is a violent man and she knows he deeply regrets the events of that night. "She has stuck by him, even though she doesn't agree with his actions - just as his other mates like Mark Wright have." Caught in the crossfire Lydia found herself publicly dragged into the fallout when a deleted instagram post from Nicoline, shared in the hours before the assault, appeared to take aim at her. Nicoline's social media message - deleted after she posted it to her 32,000 followers around 10:44pm on May 4 - read: 'Is it OK if your boyfriend is talking and hanging out with their ex and the family daily and liking their Instagram posts? The post continued: 'Then your partner blames you for seeing it, now the ex is supposedly their 'best friend'. If you're in a serious relationship you've got to respect your partner and leave the past in the past.' Hours after she deleted the message, disgraced James got into an explosive row with Nicoline and pushed her down some stairs at her apartment in La Cala de Mijas on the Costa del Sol. Quickly arrested and brought to court, Argent received a six-month suspended prison sentence for domestic abuse and was banned from contacting Nicoline. He pleaded guilty to 'mistreating' the former Miss Sweden, who was taken to hospital with horrific injuries. But while many would forgive Lydia for running a mile from her friendship with Arg after this latest scandal, she has remained loyal because, as those in her inner circle tell the Sun, the pair are "more than just mates, they're like family." Why Lydia stayed loyal A pal reveals: 'James and Lydia went through a lot when they were young and in a relationship but despite all the drama - they have stayed the closest of friends. Horrific injuries James Argent inflicted on his beauty queen girlfriend revealed as star avoids jail for horror attack 'There have been rocky moments, but they've both grown up together and there's a bond between them that can't be broken. 'They think of themselves as being kids on Towie, young and silly. Now they're adults and support each other. 'James is very much seen as part of her extended family and is very close to her mum, Debbie, and sister Romana. Their families are very tight knit." Indeed, Lydia becoming a mum to her daughter Loretta, five, who she shares with her ex, Lee Cronin, has only brought her closer with James - who is said to be 'like an uncle' to the little girl. Our insider adds: 'James was thrilled when Lydia became a mum and loves to spend time with her little girl Loretta – he absolutely dotes on her and loves treating her. He wants children one day and is very paternal, like an uncle." His darkest hours Lydia has also been Arg's rock at every testing time in his life including his long battle with obesity and drug addiction. When he revealed that he feared eating himself to death as his weight skyrocketed to 27st during his lowest ebb, later enduring several stints in rehab, Lydia was always there for him. 'Lydia's been a constant to James during his struggles with his weight and when he was losing himself to drugs," says a pal. 'She's only ever wanted the best for James and when he's been at rock bottom, she's always been there to lift him back up. "She sees the best in him - and knows what he's really like as a person and says he has a very good heart." Of course, those in James and Lydia's orbit often thought the childhood sweethearts would one day find their way back to each other romantically. 'There was a time when people thought James wanted Lydia back - it's obvious he does think about what their life could have been like if they stayed together. 'But that ship has sailed - James values the friendship so highly, it's the same for her. 'They speak regularly and see each other as much as they can - it's the same with James with Lydia's family. He'll pop in for a cuppa with Debbie and she sees him like a surrogate son.' The list of women he cheated with Arg and Lydia's love story started off screen nearly two decades ago when they were teens and their drama-filled romance made legendary TV on the ITVBe show - gripping viewers with its constant twists and turns. Both were OG cast members and viewers were completely gripped by their love story. During one iconic episode he bought her Mr Darcy for Christmas - a pet 'micro' pig which ended up growing to full size. At one point, the couple were engaged and planned to move in together but were hit by a series of cheating scandals and fall outs - in one scene Arg had to read a list of people he'd cheated with. He admitted kissing Amy Childs and bedding Gemma Collins and Lydia, on the same day, on a jaunt to Marbella. Even after multiple breakups (Arg's addictions were blamed for their many woes), they managed to maintain a friendship spanning 18 years. 12 Fat jibes But there's been a dark side to their union. James was accused of sending vile messages to Lydia, calling her a "sl*t" for sleeping with someone else, after their breakup in 2012. He was later exposed for sending Gemma a series of abusive fat-shaming texts -reportedly referring to her as a "fat joke of a woman," saying she had "more rolls than Greggs." As late as 2020, Gemma revealed Arg had called her a "hippo" and a "fat f**k" when she shared screenshots of the vile abuse on Instagram. Arg and Lydia's relationship timeline The Towie pair go way back with their bond spanning 18 years and ups and downs 2008: James and Lydia begin dating he was 20 and she was just 18. 2010: Both appear as original cast members on TOWIE, bringing their relationship into the spotlight and under public scrutiny for the first time. 2012: The couple end their relationship after five years after Arg allegedly relapses into his cocaine habit. Arg's party lifestyle was a huge source of contention, with most of their rows revolving around him keeping secrets from her and slipping back into his bad ways. Arg and Gemma Collins begin their romantic relationship in 2012, shortly after Arg's split from Lydia and she begins dating his 'rival' Tom Kilbey. December 2014: Arg checks himself into The Priory and is rumoured to be spending Christmas in Rehab. 2015: They rekindle their romance, with their renewed relationship featured on TOWIE 2016: James and Lydia split again, amid claims she caught him on a cocaine binge. 2017: Lydia discovers that James cheated on her, and it comes to light he slept with both her and Gemma Collins on the same day during a trip to Marbella. 2019: Despite their past, James and Lydia remain friends, with James stating they are "extremely close again" and have kept their renewed friendship "low-key and behind closed doors." 2021: James expresses fondness for Lydia, acknowledging her support and their enduring friendship. 2023: Lydia confirms that she and James remain good friends, emphasizing the strong bond they share Lydia also spoke about Arg controlling her during their time together saying: ''He could be so jealous and in the end it killed me. 'He was suffocating me and holding me back. He was insecure. He got so scared he was going to lose me he'd say, 'I can't let you do this and I can't let you do that'. 'He didn't even like me going out and every time I did, it was a drama.' 'Sad, lost and insecure' During one scene Lydia told him that she hated him saying: "I don't want us to ever be friends. I don't want you to speak to my friends and family. You made me hate you. When I look at you, I despise you." And she insisted he was 'sad, lost and insecure.' "We were getting a house, getting engaged, but nothing was ever enough for you,' she told him. "I tried to hold your hand through life, I gave you everything. "It's really sad because you give this front that you're this really happy person, loveable Arg but there's something in you that is so sad and lost and insecure.' Friends of the pair insist, however, that this is all water under the bridge and has only made the former couple's bond even stronger. 'Lydia and Arg have been through it all together. They have seen the best of each other, but also the worst of each other, but it's cemented an unbreakable bond between them. 'There is a deep love there that goes beyond any romantic relationship and they will always have each other's back. Lydia might not always agree with everything Arg does, and he has hurt her many times over the years, but she will always be there for, through thick and thin.'
BBC News
04-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Lydia Bright says foster children being failed by state
Reality TV personality Lydia Bright has called for more help for foster children when they leave care at 18 years old, saying they are being "failed" by the Only Way Is Essex (Towie) star grew up alongside foster siblings, and her parents have continued to foster for more than 30 years."You cannot just wash your hands with these vulnerable young adults at 18 and expect them to just go on and thrive in society," Bright told the BBC."They need the support, we're letting go of them too young and we're setting them up for failure." 'Can't let go' Bright has been guest editing the BBC Essex Breakfast Show throughout this said her parents had fostered ever since she could remember, describing it as "a massive part of my world".The 34-year-old questioned whether any 18-year-old could live independently and feared there was a risk these children could fall into gangs and crime."The state is these young adults' parents, and they are failing them," said Bright, who found fame on Towie in 2010."A lot of [foster carers] feel like at 18, their duty's done, and my mum's belief is that when you do have a foster child, they are with you for life - you can't let go." About 800 children were in foster care in Essex at the beginning of 2025, with 492 foster carers in the County Council cabinet member for children's services, John Spence, has said "foster care is under threat" due to the falling numbers of families coming a foster child turns 16 years old, the local council must write a "pathway plan" which helps them prepare for leaving care, including plans for health, education and financial 18, a foster child is no longer in the care system, although local authorities must provide support until they are 25, including assigning a personal adviser who stays in touch once.A foster child may stay with their foster family beyond 18 up to the age of 21 under a Staying Put arrangement, but Bright told presenter Sonia Watson the system needed changing."Foster carers can't afford to keep their child placement within the Staying Put scheme because the fees are reduced dramatically; you don't get the usual fee that you would get for the child," she said."Some people rely on that, it's their career, they rely on that to pay their bills – so it's not always available." BBC presenter and author Ashley John-Baptiste, who grew up in several care settings, echoed the concerns."You tell me one 18-year-old person who you would say is ready to live as a fully-fledged adult – it's just not possible, let alone when you're a looked-after child," he told BBC Essex."It's what they call it when you turn 18 – 'the care cliff' – because you get forms of support as a looked-after child and teenager, and the moment you turn 18, the vast majority of that support goes away." Support A Department for Education spokesperson said that the children's social care system it inherited was "failing to meet the needs of the country's most vulnerable children"."The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill marks the biggest overhaul of children's social care in a generation and is a key step towards delivering the government's mission to break the link between young people's background and their future success."They continued: "That's why, as part of our Plan for Change, key measures will include introducing new corporate parenting responsibilities on the government and providing stay close support for care leavers."Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council all said they were committed to supporting care leavers. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
