Get the inside scoop: Amanda Cronin and Juliet Angus reveal all in 'The Real Housewives of London'

Reality TV rarely disappoints, especially when it features celebrities or offers a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous.

Being a fly-on-the-wall to see how they live, what they wear, the wheels they drive, who is in the close social circle and, of course, who they are beefing with, provides ample drama to boost ratings and generate social media buzz.

That is exactly why “The Real Housewives” franchise is one of the most popular offerings. Of course, there are many other shows with similar appeal, as the reality TV landscape is saturated with offerings.

In most instances, though, the behaviour of the cast proves that money can’t buy class (cough “The Real Housewives of Durban” and “The Real Housewives of Cape Town”).

I’ve lost track of the different iterations of the show, globally and in Africa. However, if you are a fan of the franchise, you will be pleased to know that “The Real Housewives of London” recently dropped on Bravo Africa. 

The six cast members at the heart of the show are: Juliet Angus, Amanda Cronin, Karen Loderick-Peace, Juliet Mayhew, Panthea Parker and Nessie Welschinger. 

Money is no object for these beauties, who always put their best foot forward. However, with a diverse mix of personalities, nationalities, and backgrounds, their gatherings frequently erupt into chaos and conflict.

In a chat with Cronin, 57, and Angus, 48, they were not shy to spill the tea on the show and their fellow cast members.

A former model turned beauty entrepreneur, Cronin was no stranger to the camera when she agreed to do the show. 

She said: “I had already done a TV show a few years ago, so I had a little bit of experience of being trailed with cameras and I felt I was a bit of a natural. It was a very successful documentary (“The Millionairess and Me”), and I enjoyed that experience. 

“Then it all got very serious for me. I launched my skincare line, and I moved into my new property in Belgravia, which is home to my clinic, my office, my event space, as well as being my home. I loved building my brand, but I wasn’t having enough fun.”

She added: “I take my work extremely seriously, but I think my work-life balance was out when this opportunity came along. It’s quite high-risk, but I knew it would help with my business and my profile, and I thought it might help with my dating! I felt like,  ‘What’s the worst that can happen?.

“Someone might notice me because I don’t have time to date, and I’m not really in the mood a lot of the time. I don’t do dating apps. I don’t go out that much, and even if you do go out, where are all the men? 

“Those hot CEOs who used to come through London, they’re just not there anymore. Those silver foxes are not around.”

Meanwhile, Angus wears the hats of social media influencer, global brand partner, stylist, and former fashion publicist. The mother of two was also in “Ladies of London”, so reality TV wasn’t out of her comfort zone either. 

She said: “As an American living in London, I have so many pinch-me moments that I feel like my life is a scene out of a movie, so I really wanted to be on a reality show where I could show people these moments that I’m so blessed and grateful for. 

“Even when I take a walk through Hyde Park with my dog, I feel like I’m in a scene from ‘Bridgerton’! I want to show people how beautiful and romantic it is to live in London, especially as an American.”

While the cultural differences and accents were a shock to her system, she’s adjusted since her move.

Catfights and chaos

The thing about reality shows and the group environment is that cliques form easily. 

Cronin shared: “I mean, we’re definitely not just housewives. Karen and I have brands; we’re serious businesswomen. Nessie has a company, and she’s an author, so I have super respect for her. 

“Juliet Angus is an influencer, and I know Juliet Mayhew does a bit of events, a bit of floristry, she’s obviously super busy with her kids, and I’m sure she’s doing her philanthropy.

“ Panthea is a housewife at the moment, but I have really high hopes for her. I know she’s going to start a business, and I know it’ll be fantastic, and I can’t wait to hype her up when she does.”

She laughed: “Well, I’m the oldest, so I do see myself in the kind of main role. I said to Karen, ‘You’re the queen of the show’, and she went, ‘No, you’re the queen of the show, because I’ve got a king’.”

Aside from getting advice from the “Housewives” of other franchises, Angus added, “Thankfully, Panthea knows some hairdressers I know, and hairdressers are like therapists. They know the juice and the gossip.

“ I got word from hairdressers that I would love Panthea, that she’s the real deal, and she got word that I’m the real deal, and that’s like getting your information from the Pope.”

She continued: “Juliet and Nessie are my friends. I’ve known Nessie for a couple of years; we did a car rally together. Juliet was my first neighbour in Chelsea, and when we met, I was like, ‘Oh, there’s another Juliet in my street, we must get rid of her somehow, ’ but she’s so sweet, I can’t say anything bad about her. 

“I had pilates with Karen recently. I’m just getting to know her; she can be hilarious. I like her personality, I like her opinions. She’s inspiring.”

While the feedback on their co-stars suggests they all get along like a house on fire, don’t be fooled. It is anything but. 

These ladies are feisty, opinionated and have no qualms about calling anyone out. Catfights and drama are the cornerstones of the genre. 

If this show is your viewing kryptonite - have at it!

∎ “The Real Housewives of London” airs on Bravo Africa (DStv channel 124) on Sundays at 7pm.