Ferne McCann: 'I know who I am now – being a parent definitely teaches you that'
Reality show Ferne McCann: First Time Mum is back for a second series, following the life of the former The Only Way Is Essex star as she brings up her daughter alone. Georgia Humphreys finds out more.
In the first series of First Time Mum, we saw the early stages of Ferne McCann learning to be a mother to daughter Sunday.
The 28-year-old reality star – who appeared in The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) from 2013 to 2016 – promises the ITVBe show is completely different this time round, as she's "well into the swing of motherhood now".
Brentwood-born McCann, who welcomed Sunday to the world in November 2017, has been through a lot; her ex-boyfriend, and Sunday's father, Arthur Collins was arrested while she was pregnant, over his involvement in a nightclub acid attack. In December 2017, he was convicted of five counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and nine counts of actual bodily harm, and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
But McCann says her "life has moved on so much" since those tough times, and she seems to have a very positive outlook on her situation as a single mum.
Ahead of her return to our screens, we spoke to the TV personality about being a role model for other parents, handling life in the public eye and the world of dating...
On what to expect this series...
"You'll see Sunday developing and growing up very fast, reaching her milestones, and much more of me and juggling my working life with being a mum. And then you will definitely see me dating as a single parent; I feel like that's what everyone's really interested in!"
On her love life...
"I've not got to the stage where I'm totally serious on someone. If that was the case, I'd have to think about introducing them into Sunday's life. I've definitely got to be more wise to who I date. You can't just frivolously date anymore, or pop out on a date. A night out has to be planned.
"I don't know if I'd go into a relationship thinking, 'Oh God, this is going to be like a father figure for Sunday'. I'd just be more savvy to who I'm dating."
On Sunday turning one...
"It really wasn't as overwhelming as what I imagined. I think my style of parenting is quite laid back. I was so, so excited – but I wasn't overwhelmed by it. I really wanted to welcome that day with big open arms and just celebrate it; first year of motherhood. I know some mums are like, 'Oh I don't want my baby to turn one', but I just love all the milestones."
On letting cameras into her life...
"A show like First Time Mum, it is my real life. I want it to be as true to life as possible, and I've always wanted to be open.
"It is quite daunting because you're like, 'My God, are people going to judge me?'. It's very exposing. But at the same time, I think if you're honest, that makes you more relatable and it starts conversations, whether people like you or not."
On the challenges of being a single mum...
"Not having that extra pair of hands to help in the nights when Sunday is teething, or if she's poorly... Them nights can be long, when it's just me and her.
"It's hard not to compare myself to friends when they have had babies and they're in relationships. Or if I see that family unit, it does make me feel a little bit sad; that can be quite tough as well.
"But my life is just so happy being a single parent, it's really, really positive and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'd really struggle to let someone in to mine and Sunday's little life."
On being a role model...
"I get loads of messages from people saying, 'The show is so relatable'. Whatever situation you're in, whether you're unexpectedly a single parent or whether you planned to be a single parent, I absolutely love receiving messages that I've helped people, because that's so humbling. It gives me a reason to do the show."
On her time on TOWIE...
"It's definitely a chapter in my life that has now closed, but it was so much fun. I got to work with my friends all the time and I feel like I've done so much growing up since then. I just feel like since having a baby, I feel like an adult now."
On being in the public eye...
"When you're on a show like TOWIE, it doesn't make it OK, but you sign up to be criticised. People love to hate you on TOWIE, and the trolls are out in full force. Whereas this [First Time Mum] is my genuine life. That was scripted reality, whereas this is fly-on-the-wall documentary style. So people are more commenting on my parenting styles; it's not necessarily trolling. But I've definitely got a thick skin. I think that comes with age as well."
On feeling more confident...
"I know who I am now – being a parent definitely teaches you that. It's definitely sorted out my priorities and made me realise what's important and what isn't, who I can trust, who I want to spend my time with, what I want to be doing. I'm 30 next year, so I feel in a really good place."
On whether Sunday will follow her into TV...
"She definitely loves her music and likes to have a dance. She absolutely loves Ariana Grande, she opens her mouth really wide as if she's trying to hit the big notes, it's so funny. I feel like I've got a little singer in the making.
"I don't know if I'm going to be a 'momager', or push her. I just want her to be kind and go to school and be good, and she can do whatever she wants."
Ferne McCann: First Time Mum returns to ITVBe on Wednesday, February 6.
