She shot to fame on TOWIE, then had audiences gripped with the relatable and entertaining ups and downs of her home life as she and her husband navigated parenting three young children in the hit ITVBe series, The Family Diaries. But Billie Shepherd, sister to fellow TV star Sam Faiers, shocked her army of fans when she announced last September that the upcoming sixth series of The Family Diaries would be her last.
Here, Billie, 35, who has children Nelly, 10, Arthur, seven, and two-year-old Margot, with businessman Greg, reveals what she’s been up to since calling it a day. She also tells us about the challenges of parenting in the age of social media – and opens up exclusively to OK! about how she and Greg, who turns 40 this week, still keep the spark in their marriage alive
Hi, Billie! You’re a busy lady, so does the juggle ever seem impossible?
Some days it feels like I’m spinning 100 plates! But I try to take a step back and remind myself that I’m doing my best. Greg and I have a good routine and we’re always there supporting each other.
What sort of parents are you?
Fun, but firm when we need to be. We parent a little differently but we’re always on the same page. We just want to give our kids the best upbringing possible and make sure they feel loved, supported and encouraged.
Do you ever regret calling time on your fly-on-the-wall show?
Not at all. It was the most amazing and wonderful journey, and we’ve got the best home movies ever from it. It just felt like the right time for us as a family to move on.
Are you and Greg aware of still making time for each other?
We try. Mum helps us out as she’s around the corner, so we get the odd date night. If we aren’t able to go out, we’ll make the most of our time at home, even if it’s just dinner and a glass of wine once the kids are in bed.
Greg recently bought four houses at auction, that sounds exciting!
It’s such an exciting new project for us. It’s a new business venture that we’re working on together, and with everything we’ve learned from the house build, we feel like we’re really getting into it now.
How do you come together as a family?
We try to sit down together at dinner time, phones away, and chat about our day. We also love movie nights, games, or even just bedtime stories as a way to connect.
Do you set screen time rules for the kids?
We do – the kids can use their screens for homework, or watch YouTube videos but after 6pm, it’s screens off. We try to set limits, but it’s about balance too. I try to make sure my children still experience a proper childhood – being outside, using their imagination, just like we did growing up.
Do you worry about what kids today exposed to online?
Sometimes. The world feels so different from when we were kids. Nelly loves looking at horse riding accounts on my Instagram and Arthur’s just started a YouTube channel with his cousin Paul, just a bit of fun, but it’s important to be aware of what they watch and keep an open line of communication.
We’re lucky, Arthur loves playing football and Nelly loves horse riding. We try to go on little family adventures, even if it’s just a walk to the park or a trip to a farm. My kids are full of energy, so getting them outside is so important.
How was your own childhood?
My favourite memories are simple things – playing outside with my sister, holidays and birthday parties. We always made time to sit down together for dinner as a family, no matter how busy life got. It was a time to chat, laugh and hear about each other’s days. Mum made sure we had those moments, it was all about connection. I try to carry on that tradition.
What did your own parents teach you?
To be polite, kind and treat people with respect. Manners cost nothing, but mean everything. I’ve carried that with me.
What are the funniest moments you’ve experienced as a mum?
When the kids get to around two, the things they come out with are hilarious – the little one-liners and random comments. It’s so funny when you suddenly hear your voice in them. They say things exactly how you do.
Can you tell us about the GoGo squeeZ campaign you’re involved with?
It’s all about helping families make life fun, simple, and slightly less stressful. GoGo squeeZ is a lifesaver when it comes to easy, nutritious snacks for kids, but they’re also going deeper with their GoGo SqueeZ The Day report, with insights into the role nutrition plays in kids’ happiness, energy, and development. They’ve teamed up with experts like Dr Zoe Williams to break it down into simple, practical tips.
Meanwhile, TOWIE is back, where you first found fame. What does it mean to you now?
I have the best memories. It was such a fun time, and it gave me so many amazing opportunities, so I’ll forever be grateful. It’s amazing to see how far everyone has come. I might even dip in and out of the new series, out of curiosity!
I’m developing a few new business ideas, but I’d love to do something new on TV. There are some fun projects on the way!
Billie has teamed up with GoGo squeeZ, the kids fruit smoothie snack, to support better nutrition for children. For expert tips and advice, download the SqueeZ The
