She surprised viewers as well as her fellow housewives when she came out and revealed the news she’s fallen in love with a girl for the first time, during The Real Housewives Of Cheshire reunion show in November 2022..
But Lystra Adams admits she was far more apprehensive of opening up to her 21-year-old daughter, Jasmine, than sharing her news with audiences at home.
The reality TV star, who joined the ITV2 show two years ago, met her girlfriend, Ashley, several months ago at
an event, and admits she’s been taken aback by the reaction to her sexuality.
“My social media has been going mad with kind messages,” Lystra, 45, tells Closer. “The other housewives have been so supportive, including Sheena [Lynch], and Rachel [Lugo]. But the person whose opinion mattered most was my daughter’s. It’s something new for her and for me, as I’d never been in a relationship with a woman. I’d already introduced Ashley as a friend but when it came to telling my daughter that we’re now a couple, I was panicking about her response, and I felt so anxious. I was really building it up, and all she said was, ‘Oh, I know, I kinda guessed, and it’s fine’. It was hilarious but a huge relief.”
And Lystra admits she can see her new relationship going the distance. “I’ve only ever dated men, but we just connected on a deeper level and would spend hours talking. She’s the complete opposite to me, she doesn’t drink and is vegan, but it just works. We’ve already spoken about marriage. If I’m back on the next series of Real Housewives, I’d love for her to be part of the show.”
Meanwhile, since joining the show as a pal of Tanya Bardsley, Lystra has gained attention for her striking looks and sizzling curves, and she admits surgery has helped give her an incredible hourglass figure. “I’ve had a couple of enhancements. My butt is the subject of a lot of conversation and has its own talking point,” she laughs.
“I had a big bum before, but I’ve since had butt injections [where filler is injected into areas of the bum] and had some in my hips to give extra curves. I’ve had a tummy tuck after giving birth because I had loose skin, and I’ve had my boobs done twice as my first set of implants turned hard. I saw it as a mummy makeover. They’re so huge, I don’t even wear a bra, but I think I’m around a 32F now. I haven’t messed around with my face, I’ve had a little bit of lip filler here and there, but nothing in the past two years, and I’ve never had Botox. I’m lucky as I have good cheekbones and great skin.”
And Lystra admits she finds the attention flattering. “I’m all about curves! Most of my clothes are so tight they don’t have room for anyone else. I’m not afraid to show my figure off, why pay all that money and then hide it – that’s never going to happen with me. If you’ve got it flaunt it, and if you’ve paid for it, then flaunt it even more!” she laughs.
“I realise my bum is so big you can hardly miss it. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it. Sometimes, I’m in Tesco or M&S and I can notice the stares following me. It can be nice, but other times I do feel like, ‘Oh god, give it a rest’. I’m a huge advocate of having surgery to make you feel good, but only if you can afford it, and you’ve done your research, because with far too many people it goes the other way. On the flip side, I don’t like people who’ve had work done and then say that they haven’t – just be honest.”
In the past, Lystra turned heads for a completely different reason. Before shooting to fame and having surgery she spent years working as a Naomi Campbell lookalike, after members of the public regularly mistook her for the famous supermodel. And she admits she’d love to meet her doppelgänger.
“When I first came to England from Montserrat, I had no idea who Naomi Campbell was. I remember walking down the street and a woman stopped to say, ‘Oh my god, you look just the same as Naomi’. After I looked up who she was, I emailed a few lookalike agencies and it all started from there. I’d turn up to events and do my diva-ness with security all around me. People would really believe it was her.”
She laughs before adding, “Since I’ve had surgery, I don’t think we look alike. Naomi doesn’t have an ass and boobs like mine, but she still has an incredible body. I love her and would love to meet her one day!”
My view on...
My lavish lifestyle
“If I’m upset, then I shop. It always makes me feel better and I love retail therapy. Designer items are expensive, but they’re an investment because they last and go up in value. I love Chanel and Hermès bags and Rolex watches.”
The other housewives
“I absolutely love Tanya, and am gutted she left the show, I keep trying to persuade her to come back. She was my rock when I first went in there and we really bonded. I get along really well with Sheena and I least get along with Nicole Sealey.”
My TV career
“I’d love to do I’m A Celeb, although knowing me, I’d be out of there quicker than Olivia Attwood! Celebrity Gogglebox would be fun to do too.”