‘I thought I'd kill Phil in lockdown!'

The Real Housewives Of Cheshire star Tanya Bardsley on her struggles with homeschooling, overcoming her darkest days and living the high life

- GEMMA MCCARTNEY

Tanya Bardsley is quite simply hilarious. The outspoken star always brings the LOLs when talking to the camera on The Real Housewives Of Cheshire, and we’re happy to report that there isn’t a shortage of quick-witted and comical one-liners when we chat to her over a Zoom call.

During the interview she likens herself to Harry Potter villain Voldemort now that she’s ditched the Botox and makes references to “stumbling over” her shiny veneers. We must admit it’s refreshing to see that the pint-sized star doesn’t take herself too seriously.

The 39-year-old, who has sons Rocco, 11, Renz, seven, and three-year-old Ralphi with Burnley FC defender Phil Bardsley, 35, tells us she is at her wits’ end with homeschooling and explains that the fact she, Phil and Rocco all suffer from dyslexia has made it even harder.

“We’re parents and not teachers,” she tells us. “It’s like tasking me to build a house – I’m not a builder!”

Tanya also has a daughter from a previous relationship, 18-year-old Gabriella, who is following in her mum’s footsteps to pursue a modelling career. Gabriella has already landed a contract with top fashion website Boohoo, but she also works in a pub collecting glasses, which Tanya feels is important for “character building”.

As well as family life, there are a whole host of topics we’re keen to quiz the mum-of-four about, including her battle with depression and anxiety, quitting booze and her Real Housewives regrets.