Ferne McCann has broken cover as she was snapped for the first time since the release of alleged leaked voice notes about Sam and Billie Faiers.
Former The Only Way Is Essex star Ferne, 32, has taken a step back from public life and avoided posting on social media since an Instagram account released a voice note, allegedly of the mum-of-one making calling Sam, 31, a 'fat c***' said to have been recorded shortly after she welcomed her third child.
Two separate voice notes were later released by the Instagram account – one allegedly calling Sam a 'narcissistic b***h' and another allegedly taking aim at Billie over the name of her son being the same as Ferne's jailed ex Arthur Collins.
Now, Ferne has been photographed for the first time since the alleged voice note leak, which the reality star is said to be working with police to uncover the identity of the person behind the anonymous Instagram account.
Ferne stepped out of a property makeup-free as she went to get into her car.
She had her brown locks tied back away from her face in a high bun and wore a pair of glasses over her eyes.
The reality star, who is mum to four-year-old Sunday, wore a grey crew neck jumper for the outing.
She appeared downcast as she made her way into the driver's seat of her black Porsche following the scandal.
Mum-of-one Ferne wore a dainty Van Cleef necklace around her neck and stud earrings as she was pictured alone.
It comes after Essex Police confirmed they had been in contact with Ferne over the voice notes to investigate the anonymous Instagram account behind the alleged leaks.
An Essex Police spokesperson told the Mirror: "We are investigating a report of malicious communication which was made to us in Brentwood on Thursday 29 September.
"We have spoken to the victim, a woman aged in her 30s, and our enquiries are ongoing."
Meanwhile, a source has told The Sun: "Ferne was visited by the police on Thursday night after having her life turned upside down by a fake account that has launched a malicious smear campaign against her.
"Officers spent a few hours with her and gave reassurances that they are prioritising this case, tracking the parties responsible.
"Having taken statements, the police are currently in the process of tracking the fake account’s whereabouts."
Ferne, Sam and Billie have not made a public comment about the alleged voice notes. But, Billie and Sam's mum Suzie Wells took to Instagram to slam the first 'vile' voice note after it was released.
She wrote: "So after a few days of hurt and upset I can no longer sit back and say nothing.
"This vile voice note has been circulating social media, and now Press articles calling it a 'Fued' [sic] which it is not. This has come as a complete shock to myself and my family.
"Ferne has always been a very close family friend to all of us for over the past 20 years. It appears this voice note was sent just weeks after Samantha gave birth back in May.
"Since this voice note has surfaced more have been sent - very upsetting nasty things. We are as shocked as you are! Nobody should ever speak about their friends like this ever!
"My girls are my absolute everything and I'll do anything to protect them. I don't have anything to say on the matter."
