They’ve become the UK’s most successful reality-star siblings, carving out multi-million pound fortunes since shooting to fame on TOWIE in 2010.
But Sam and Billie Faiers’ 12-year joint reign came to an end last week following Sam’s announcement that she is set to quit their long-running show The Mummy Diaries.
Announcing her intention to step back from the cameras after nine series, Sam, 30 – who shares son Paul, five, and three-year-old daughter, Rosie, with her long-term partner, Paul Knightly – said, “After many months of consideration, I’ve decided that now feels like the right time to step away and to focus on new adventures.”
Revealing that her sister, 31, would go on to star in a spin-off show with husband Greg Shepherd called Billie And Greg: The Family Diaries with their two children, Nelly, six, and Arthur, four, the former Celebrity Big Brother star added, “There’s no family more entertaining than the Shepherds, so I can’t wait to sit back as a viewer for a change and watch the fun play out while I have a few adventures of my own away from the cameras.”
The news comes just weeks after Closer revealed the sisters have grown apart since Sam uprooted from her native Essex at the start of lockdown and relocated to a £2.5m mansion in Surrey – carving out a new circle of friends including Ashley Cole’s partner, Sharon Canu, which left Billie feeling “cut off”.
And while Billie, 31 – who was previously seen on the show describing the move as “selfish” – is said to be supportive of her sister’s decision to quit and last week posted photos of the pair having fun together as they prepared for a day at Royal Ascot races, insiders say it’s left her feeling worried that it could drive a bigger wedge between them.
A source says, “While Billie respected and understood Sam’s reasons for taking a step back, it was upsetting for her, given she didn’t want it to end and was already feeling a bit neglected.
“After Sam’s move they were no longer able to just pop over for a cuppa when they wanted to see each other, Billie felt as if the show was the one thing keeping them together. And now that’s coming to an end, she’s worried they could grow further apart.”
Sam admitted that her decision was based on not wanting her kids to be filmed as they grow older, “I always said when the children start school I would reassess the situation. And this wasn’t an easy decision to make by all means, but I’ve decided to take a break from it all.”
And pals say Sam’s protectiveness over her kids has created an added element of tension. The source says, “While Billie and Sam have always been very close, it’s only natural that they have some different opinions and views on how to raise kids.
“While Sam insists she respects Billie’s decision to keep her kids in the spotlight, her view was seen by Billie as maybe a bit critical of the way she’s doing things, which has created a new element of tension between them.”
After revealing Billie felt left-out of her sister’s new life in Surrey, insiders told Closer how the pair’s mutual pals, including their childhood BFF, Ferne McCann, 30, and Sam’s former CBB co-star, Luisa Zissman, 33, had also been left feeling neglected following Sam’s move.
But pals say they have now stepped in to mediate between the pair, and have urged Billie to focus on the positives of no longer working side-by-side with her sister.
Check out: a look through Sam Faiers and Paul Knightley's Herfordshire home
Sam Faiers House - SLIDER
1 of 29From Essex...
Sam bought a modest three bed home in 2012, becoming a first-time home buyer at just 21. The TOWIE star reportedly paid £400,000 for her first property.
2 of 29... To Herfordshire
Viewers of The Mummy Diaries will remember things got a little tense between Sam and her family when she revealed she was moving out of Essex. Luckily, Sam's mum and sister, Billie eventually supported her when she found her dream home in Hertfordshire - costing the reality star a cool £2.9 million.
3 of 29Entrance Hall
It's safe to say that the family have enough space in this HUGE hallway. How adorable is baby Paul hurtling through the grand front door towards big Paul?
4 of 29Entrance Hall
With an exterior that gives Buckingham Palace a run for it's money, it's only right that the entrance hall is sprawling, right? Swipe to see it in all it's glory at Christmas.
5 of 29Entrance Hall at Christmas
We don't know what's better - Sam's perfect outfit, or the amazing Christmas decor lining the bannister... oh, who are we kidding? The decadent xmas foliage wins every time.
6 of 29Kitchen
Have you ever seen a more pristine kitchen? Add some crumbs on the surfaces, a pile of washing and an unfolded ironing board and ours could be the same kitchen, right?
7 of 29Kitchen
Sam and Paul's kitchen is gorgeous - and how cute is this display of framed photos? Again, add some envelopes and papers to the side and this could, COULD be our kitchen.
8 of 29Orangery
Helloooo orangery! Rule no. 1 of mahooosive houses: no luxurious home is complete without a orangery. How else can you enjoy the evening summer sun from inside?
9 of 29Orangery
With neighbours including Luisa Zissman, Sam's spacious orangery gives her all the room to host fabulous parties for her celeb pals. She hosted some of her closest friends and their partners for an exclusive Valentine's Day dinner in 2019.
10 of 29Living Room
Their living room is bigger than our house! Those French doors are something we'll be dreaming of for years to come... so elegant, so chic.
11 of 29Living Room
Back to their living room again, and this time with a view of their gigantic sofa and plush mantelpiece. If you're imagining that fireplace at Christmas, then swipe next.
12 of 29Living room
Now that is an impressive Christmas display on the mantelpiece! Just looking at the xmas decor is making us feel warm and cosy. TV on? Check. Cosy socks on? Check. Crackling fire? Check.
13 of 29Living room
We're obviously obsessed with this room. It's just so spacious (yet cosy at the same time) and the huge windows let so much natural light in. Ah, dreamy.
14 of 29Toy room
Yes, Paul and Rosie have a toy room. Yes, we are very jealous indeed. Sam and big Paul have even laid down a rug to protect those shiny wooden floors. Although, the white fabric is making us feel a little anxious.
15 of 29Toy room
Aww! Paul and his toys. Paul has an abundance of toys including a kitchen set, an emirates tin bucket and lots of little animal figurines. But the best toy is yet to come...
16 of 29Toy room
We're jealous of Paul's toy collection, and yes, that is a miniature hook & ladder fire engine. We'll just be contemplating if it might be acceptable for us to commute into work on one of these?
17 of 29Toy room
Even more toys! How tiny does baby Paul look in this snap? The little toddler ditches the cute sheep in favour of a supermarket trolley.
18 of 29Toy room
... And more toys. Never mind Mum and Dad's lush kitchen, baby Paul has one of his own, complete with cupboards, saucepans and a sink! Still nicer than ours, tbh.
19 of 29Upstairs landing
Now upstairs, with a landing this big business woman Sam has plenty of space to model outfits from her's and Paul's clothing label, All Bits London.
20 of 29Baby Paul's bedroom
Baby Paul's bedroom may not be quite as fun as his sprawling toy room, but wait until you see the safari makeover super-mum Sam gave it...
21 of 29Baby Paul's bedroom
Baby Paul's bedroom received a safari makeover - we know we would choose a slide out of bed over an average double bed any day.
22 of 29Baby Rosie's room
And it looks like Paul's little sister, Rosie has an animal theme in her bedroom, too. Who wouldn't want a life-size giraffe!?
23 of 29Baby Rosie's bedroom
Rosie's room is in the spacious loft conversion of Samantha's plush three story house. It looks like there could be a spare bedroom for any more children, too.
24 of 29Sam and Paul's bedroom
Sam and Paul's master bedroom has a minimal style throughout - but don't be fooled, this is no understated room. Just wait until you see the couple's walk-in wardrobe...
25 of 29Walk in wardrobe
Baby Paul plays in a Chanel shopping bag (because, why not?) in Big Paul and Sam's walk-in wardrobe. Daddy Paul's vast trainer collection line the walls.
26 of 29Garden
How big is their garden?! Sam and Paul's luscious green garden is the perfect spot for summer barbecues - and of course provides lots of room for the children to play.
27 of 29Garden
Talking of playing, there's an entire miniature village for the children to enjoy. Nelly and Arthur can even join Paul and Rosie in the Wendy house or relax on the kids-size deckchairs.
28 of 29Garden
And Sam's garden looks just as pretty under a blanket of snow. Despite the chilly weather, Sam proved that little Rosie can nap just about anywhere, as she snoozed in her pram.
29 of 29Garage
The Faiers' garage and car collection matches the grandeur of their interiors. Now that sure is one squeaky clean car.
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The source adds, “The girls have all assured Billie that this could be the start of a new relationship dynamic for her and Sam – bringing them even closer together by not having to mix business with pleasure. They really enjoyed catching up together last week.
“While Billie loved working with Sam, the pressure had led to some spats, which Ferne and Luisa have both reminded her will be eased now they’re not working together on screen – allowing them to strengthen their relationship.
“Billie dotes on Sam and just wants to ensure nothing breaks the close bond they’ve shared all these years and, while she’s admitted to feeling a bit sensitive about Sam’s move, she’s agreed to focus on the benefits that will come out of this for them.”
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