After revealing that “2013 would be the year” she marries her fiancé Frank Lampard, Christine Bleakley has told her inner circle that she doesn’t want the footballer’s ex, Elen Rivas, to know her wedding plans.
Dancing On Ice host Christine, 33, who got engaged to Chelsea midfielder Frank in June 2011, recently said: “I want it to be easy, so [the wedding will take place] probably here or in Ireland.”
But a source close to Christine reveals an ongoing feud with Elen – mum of Frank’s two daughters, Luna, seven, and Isla, five – is one of the factors in her decision to have a low-key ceremony.
“Christine’s told pals it’ll be a small, private wedding with family and close friends. Frank’s daughters, who she adores, will be flower girls, but she says she’s determined not to let Elen spoil her big day.”
An insider says: “Christine’s told pals it’ll be a small, private wedding with family and close friends. Frank’s daughters, who she adores, will be flower girls, but she says she’s determined not to let Elen spoil her big day.”
Elen, 37, has been involved in a series of spats with Christine and Frank, memorably lashing out at the couple on Twitter on Christmas Day 2011, accusing them of blocking her from her girls, with Christine then responding by retweeting a friend’s comment saying: “Looks like someone is up to their old tricks again, telling lies!”
Elen has also criticised Frank about his rumoured move to America to play for US team LA Galaxy. Last week, we reported how she’s said to have told him the girls would be “crushed” if he made the move, as he’d be away from them.
A source says: “Christine’s asked pals to keep the wedding date private so nothing goes wrong. Relations with Elen are at an all-time low and she wants to be sure her wedding is all about her and Frank. She’s fed up with the situation, but knows Elen will always be in her life so she knows she has to grin and bear it.”
But Elen has told pals she’d never use the girls in a war with her ex-fiancé Frank, 34, who she split with in 2008 after seven years.
A source says: “Elen has been saying her daughters were meant to be her flower girls at her wedding to Frank, so it’s so painful.
She’s said: ‘He won’t tell me any details. I want to see my daughters looking beautiful – it’s not about Frank.’”
But pals say Christine is forging ahead with her intimate wedding. A source says: “She’s saying she wants a traditional do, probably in the spring. She’s looking at venues in her hometown of Newtownards, Northern Ireland.”
Insiders add that Christine has started planning a hen party in Dubai, so she’s “tanned and well-rested” for the ceremony. A pal adds: “She says her dress will be vintage. She’s excited and has said: ‘I’m becoming a stepmum and wife on the same day! The girls are as important to me as Frank is.’”