Many fabulous females have swanned in and out of Real Housewives of Cheshire HQ (we're imagining that to be some lavish mansion in Alderley Edge) over the years, but it takes a certain level of icon to make your name the stuff of legend on that show – especially years after quitting.
Ampika Pickston. That's all.
Okay, maybe Dawn Ward and Tanya Bardsley. Urgh, don't make us choose.
Love or hate her, the woman was exceptional television between 2015 and 2017 – her rows with Dawn still live rent free in our heads.
Despite not appearing on the ITVBe reality series for six years, Ampika made a spectacular comeback to the show for the Manchester Pride special in 2023 (which for some reason aired at the start of 2024) and has remained a 'guest Housewife' ever since, a la Tanya, Ester Dee and Hanna Kinsella (and, well, a multitude of returning Housewives thanks to the iconic ten-year anniversary series).
Despite being out of action for the majority of series 17 and all of series 18 so far, show bosses have officially confirmed that Ampika will be back as a 'guest' for the milestone series, revealing all on Instagram.
Sharing a stunning snap of Ampika and fellow series one OG Magali Gorré sipping champagne, bosses revealed, 'It’s raining OGs! 😩 Both Magali & Ampika are also making a return to The Real Housewives of Cheshire Series 18 for it’s ICONIC 10 Year Anniversary and we cannot wait for you guys to see all of the fun & fabulousness that they got up to!'
They've also brought back Dawn, Tanya and Leanne Brown, too, btw – no big deal.
WE'RE JOKING. BIG DEAL.
Who is Ampika Pickston?
Ampika is a reality star, model and business owner. She appeared on The Real Housewives of Cheshire between 2015 and 2017 and returned for the Manchester Pride special in August 2023. She has remained a 'guest Housewife' since.
What is Ampika Pickston doing now?
Ampika is engaged to billionaire West Ham United owner, David Sullivan, 76 (33 years her senior), a Welsh business mogul and former pornographer, who once owned half the UK’s adult entertainment industry. She recently returned to The Real Housewives of Cheshire to film the Manchester Pride special and has remained a 'guest' ever since.
She is set to return for the ten-year anniversary series alongside fellow series one OGs Leanne Brown, Magali Gorré and Dawn Ward.
How old is Ampika Pickston?
The reality star was born on 23 July 1981, making her 43 years old.
Where is Ampika Pickston from?
She is from Oldham, Lancashire, but grew up in Shaw. Ampika's mother is from Thailand.
When did Ampika Pickston join The Real Housewives of Cheshire?
Ampika was one of the OG members of the cast alongside Dawn, Lauren, Leanne, Magali and Tanya. She joined in 2015.
When did Ampika Pickston quit The Real Housewives of Cheshire?
She quit the series in 2017. According to The Sun, she threatened to quit after being called a 'lap dancer', a 'slag' and a 'prostitute' by one of her co-stars in a furious row. She confirmed her departure from the show via X (formerly Twitter) in 2017, writing, 'The crown became too small and throne wasn’t high enough thank you for all your support you will be seeing more of me next trust me #secret.'
Who is Ampika Pickston married to?
Ampika ia engaged to billionaire West Ham United owner, David Sullivan.