Made In Chelsea’s Lucy Watson has shared the detrimental impact reality TVcan have on mental health - even on constructed reality shows like MIC. The TV personality, who has since started her own vegan restaurant Tell Your Friends, has said that reality TV stars need to have a ‘thick skin’ to appear on ‘a platform in front of millions of people’. (She has also ruled out her return to the series.)
'It’s a tricky one,’ Lucy said, speaking to the MailOnline. ‘It puts you in a position where a lot of people wouldn’t be in terms of your mental health. You have to be thick skinned and know what you’re getting yourself into, as you are put onto a platform in front of millions of people.’
She added, 'Before you get onto these shows, I think there should be a warning about the fact that your life will change drastically and won’t necessarily be all positive. There are so many positives that come with it, but there are also a lot of negatives.'
The star also revealed that she has received death threats since appearing on the show, which she described as ‘overwhelming’. '[Viewers] think they know your life, and you get death threats and abusive messages every single day - It's really overwhelming,’ she said. And ruling out her return to Chelsea, the 28-year-old stated, ‘I wouldn’t return to the show as the cast seem a lot younger. That chapter has closed.'
Lucy, who is in a relationship with fellow reality star James Dunmore, added, 'If they were to do another show that would fit my life right now, I wouldn’t write it off. I started that show when I was 21 and was on the dating scene, but I’m 28 now and I’m in a committed relationship.’
Read more: Made In Chelsea couples you've probably forgotten about...
Made In Chelsea relationships stacked
1 of 91. Jamie Laing and Louise Thompson
Remember when Jamie and Louise dated (much to Spencer's dismay) in 2012. Louise then left Jamie for Spencer, causing a very traumatic love triangle indeed. Poor Jamie.
2 of 92. Binky Felstead and Jamie Laing
Binks may be loving life with baby India, but remember when she dated Jamie Laing?!? Yes, we forgot too. After years of friendship, the two found it difficult to transition to an actual relationship, so decided to call it a day.
3 of 93. Lucy Watson and Jamie Laing
Jamie and Lucy were together for a bit and would even walk their dogs together. Not one for holding back, Lucy Watson has called the show 'incestuous' and she 'no longer wants to waste time with people like Jamie and Proudlock'. BURN.
4 of 94. Lucy Watson and Proudlock
Ah yes, Lucy and Proudlock. They were the most swoon-worthy couple in SW3... oh, until Lucy found out that Proudlock was dating other women.
5 of 95. Ollie Locke and Chloe Green
Topshop Heiress Chloe Green joined the MIC lot in 2011 to date Ollie Locke. Ollie had previously dated Gabby who he broke up with to explore his feelings for men, only to then end up with another woman. It did not go down well...
6 of 96. Rosie Fortescue and Hugo Taylor
When Hugo was dating Millie Mackintosh in the show, he hooked up with her best friend Rosie. Millie then raised her glass to a party full of guests and said 'cheers to friendship'.
7 of 97. Spencer Matthews and Lucy Watson
Spenny took Lucy to Paris in 2013 and we almost believed he had given up his womanising ways. We were wrong and he admitted to cheating on Lucy with several women. Sigh.
8 of 98. Spencer Matthews and Louise Thompson
Louise joined the show as Spencer's (very despairing) girlfriend. Spencer being Spencer, couldn't stay faithful and resulted in a fair few teary scenes between the pair.
9 of 99. Alex Mytton and Binky Felstead
Binky and Alex were love's young dream (kinda) for two years until his constant cheating became unforgivable. It all worked out well though as she now has the cutest little baby girl with JP.