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 legend on that show – especially years after quitting.
Ampika Pickston. That's all.
Love or hate her, the woman was exceptional television between 2015 and 2017 – her rows with Dawn Ward still live rent free in our heads.
Despite not appearing on the ITVBe reality series for six years, Ampika has remained very active on social media and has continued to hit headlines, most recently this weekend when she announced her return to the series in the most fabulous way imaginable. The only thing more fabulous would've been an exclusive return interview with Closer online – but, hey, next time.
Yes, that's our Ampika riding on the the RHOCheshire float at Manchester Pride last weekend, and yes, this does mean the #dramz queen is a Real Housewife once again.
The cast of the RHOCheshire stunned fans when they appeared on their very own float at Manchester Pride last weekend and were spotted filming in around the city alongside not one, not two, but three returning Housewives: Ester Dee, Tanya Bardsley, and Ampika.
All we can say is we have never experienced such painful FOMO.
As it turns out, the RHOCheshire team – which also includes regular cast members, Lystra Adams, Rachel Lugo, Nicole Sealey and Lauren Simon – have been busy filming a Manchester Pride special, which is expected to air ahead of series 17 later this year.
And it seems many of the Housewives were thrilled to welcome Ampika back into the fold. Lystra posted, "She’s back !!! 👏🏾 I’m extremely over the moon and can’t wait for you guys to see 🎬 the pride 🌈 special thank you so much for coming back to celebrate with us love you 🫶🏾♥️🌈."
While Ester wrote, "I am so happy that Our Legend of Housewives is back 🎥 The Iconic @ampikapickston1. It has been seven years since we first film together. It feels like good old days are back! She’s not changed a bit. By chance we met, by choice we become friends ❤️💜🧡💛💚💙💃💃."
The best post, however, came from Ampika herself who promised "drama and tears" from the upcoming special, "Well what a day !!! So much happiness & ❤️…… which ended in drama and tears 😭 this evening (not mine though ). GOSH welcome back to @rhocheshire @itvxofficial. If you're looking for tiaras, tears and tantrums you have come to the right place honey 🍯 pie."
As far as we can tell, Ampika has gone and done a Tanya and Ester and returned for this one-off special alone, but obviously all our fingers and toes are crossed for a series return now that we know that there's a possibility.
Who is Ampika Pickston?
Ampika Pickston 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.
What is Ampika Pickston doing now?
Ampika hit headlines recently for marrying a man 33 years her senior. Ampika is engaged to billionaire West Ham United owner, David Sullivan, 73, 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.
How old is Ampika Pickston?
The reality star was born on 23 July 1981, making her 42 years old.
When did Ampika Pickston join RHOCheshire?
Ampika was one of the OG members of the cast alongside Dawn Ward, Lauren Simon, Leanne Brown, Magali Gorré and Tanya Bardsley. She joined in 2015.
When did Ampika Pickston quit the RHOCheshire?
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.”
Has Ampika Pickston returned to the RHOCheshire?
Yes. Well, she definitey returned for the Manchester Pride special, which just finished filming. No word yet as to whether she will be making an indefinite return for series 17 of the ITVBe series.
Who is Ampika Pickston married to?
Ampika ia engaged to billionaire West Ham United owner, David Sullivan.