Binky Felstead EXCLUSIVE: Star says it feels ‘different’ being back on Made In Chelsea as one of the ‘oldies’ and that she’s leaving the drama to the younger cast (who she hasn’t actually met!)
Made In Chelsea fans were left delighted when Binky Felstead announced she was returning to the show for its imminent 19th season.
And the OG star – who appeared on the series from its very first episode in 2011 until she quit to have a baby two years ago – has told MailOnline that coming back to the fold ‘feels different’ this time.
She said: ‘It’s nice and exciting to be back. It’s like coming back to your family really. Lots of the same producers, camera guys, mic guys…
Coming home: Made In Chelsea fans were left delighted when Binky Felstead announced she was returning to the show for its imminent 19th season. And the OG star has told MailOnline that coming back to the fold ‘feels different’ this time
‘But I was nervous on the first day of filming. I think that soon enough though I forgot the cameras were there, just like I used to.’
Binky was Just 21 when the show started, and appeared in scenes mostly alongside Ollie Locke (also retuning with her) and Cheska Hull (who now lives on the south coast).
Now 29, Binky has a daughter – two-year-old India – and Ollie, 32, is planning a wedding to his fiancé Gareth.
Binky believes being on the show this time around is a very separate experience for her and Ollie.
New generation: ‘It’s a different show for us oldies,’ she said. ‘I haven’t watched it since I left and don’t really know the newer younger cast. But the drama really just surrounds them and I’m so happy not to have to get involved with that’
MIC OG: Binky appeared on the series from its very first episode in 2011 until she quit to have a baby two years ago
‘It’s a different show for us oldies,’ she said. ‘I haven’t watched it since I left and don’t really know the newer younger cast. But the drama really just surrounds them and I’m so happy not to have to get involved with that.
‘So sorry – no drama, no gossip from me!’
Binky will be heavily involved in helping Ollie and Gareth plan their wedding, and revealed it was the couple themselves who convinced her – as well as her mum Jane – to come back.
‘They turned up at my house with a bottle of champagne and said they were thinking of going back and would I too. They told me they didn’t want to do it without me.
Back together: Binky was Just 21 when the show started, and appeared in scenes mostly alongside Ollie Locke who is also retuning with her in 2020
‘Ollie and I come as a package really. We started the show together, have so many memories together. So he convinced me.
‘I think we are bringing lightness back to things with our silly, fun scenes.’
Binky admitted she had serious doubts however, when it came to ‘taking a backwards step’ and deciding what was best for her role as a mother.
Grown up: Binky believes being on the show this time around is a very separate experience
‘I was apprehensive about people thinking I was taking a step back. But when I got back to work on the show it just hasn’t felt like that – so why not?
‘Everyone knows I come from Made In Chelsea and that’s never going to change. And honestly I get messages daily from fans saying, ‘we want you back on screen!’
‘Also the reaction was incredible when it was announced we were returning. I think that no one likes change. I never like it really. And that’s part of the reason why Ollie and I wanted to come back together.’
Times have changed: Now 29, Binky has a daughter – two-year-old India – pictured with her mother Jane, who will also return to the series. India will not feature, however
With regards to India – who turns three in the summer – Binky can’t sing MIC’s praises enough.
‘They have been just great with me because India and my family come first,’ she said. ‘But this is not affecting my time with her.
‘The show have been very understanding and they let me pick my hours and my time. Because if they didn’t I’d have had to say sorry I can’t get involved. But the show understands totally.’
Made In Chelsea season 19 starts on Monday at 9PM on E4.