'We go big at Christmas - we love it'

As Peter and Emily Andre gear up for a busy festive period, they reflect on their 10-year marriage, close family bonds and their hopes for the new year

- SHELLEY SPADONI

Surrounded by trees, tinsel and one very excited brood, Peter Andre is looking forward to a magical, bustling family Christmas with his wife, NHS doctor Emily, and their blended family.

It's been another exciting and successful year for the Andres, albeit not without its challenges. But amid all the ups and downs of the past twelve months, Pete says one person has been his constant.

"Emily has been my absolute rock through any tough times and the good," he says. "She's my partner in crime. We laugh so much."

Emily adds, "You know, it's funny, Pete's name in Greek actually means rock. And he is literally my rock, in every way."

Pete's grownup children - Princess, 18, and Junior, 20 - have had a particularly memorable year. Junior has continued with his music and moved in with his girlfriend Jasmine, while his sister Princess launched her hit reality show, The Princess Diaries.

"They're great kids," Pete smiles. "For me, it's important that they stay humble, and they really are."

Princess's fly-on-the-wall series, which Junior regularly appears in, has been renewed for another two seasons thanks to impressive viewing figures, and proud dad Pete says, "I just want them to shine, to show people what they are made of and to be happy."

Pete and Emily celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in July, and reflecting on their happy marriage, he says, "Will we make it to 70 years of marriage like my mum and dad? Probably not, as I'm too old! But Emily's someone I could easily see myself being married to for 70 years.

"We might disagree on the thermostat, but we've never had a serious argument in 10 years. We're solid. When things feel negative and a bit harsh, you realise the love you've got."