The last time we spoke to Pussycat Dolls star Kimberly Wyatt and hubby Max Rogers they were in a baby bubble, having just welcomed their third child, Ford Senna (known as Senna).
Fast-forward two years and we’re pleased to report the couple – both 39 and also parents to Willow, seven, and Maple, four – are still dizzy with happiness.
When we catch up at their home in Surrey, Kimberly sounds perky despite feeling “knackered” from her training for Dancing On Ice.
The American singer – who has been paired with Mark Hanretty on the ITV contest – can’t wait to get going on the live shows but admits she was “reluctant” to sign up at first.
And like the rest of us, British model Max is looking forward to seeing his wife wow on the ice. “When Kim goes into this mode, it’s one of the reasons why I love her,” he says.
Here, the couple talk all things family and reveal they’re planning a star-studded joint 40th birthday celebration. Trust us, you’ll want an invitation…
Hi both! Last time we spoke, you’d just welcomed Senna. What’s life been like since then?
Kim: We tried to take it all in our stride. It was a real tough thing to go from what was supposed to be a Pussycat Dolls world tour to lockdown. We danced through it though!
Max: I did a lot of modelling from home in our newly built studio. Kim is now our in-house photographer [laughs]. We definitely added a few lines to our CVs.
What was it like having a young baby in tow through all of that?
Kim: In some ways it was amazing as it felt like the first maternity leave I’d ever had! We definitely became a tighter unit.
Max: We’re very fortunate. Lockdown came just as our family was completed.
Did it ever feel like it was getting on top of you?
Both: Yeah!
Kim: There was a time where I’d just had enough of the monotony… getting up, cooking, cleaning, taking care of kids, homeschooling, changing nappies. It was all too much. I had to acknowledge it was all falling apart, take a moment for myself and do what I could to pull through. There were some tough moments.
How do the kids get along?
Kim: I think three is a good number. The girls were either at each other’s throats or best friends but now Senna is here it’s mixed things up. They adore him – it’s like he’s got three mums!
The last time we spoke you both talked about having procedures to prevent having more kids. Can you tell us more?
Kim: A big part of our dream as a family is sustainability – being able to grow our own food and create our own energy. When it came to being parents, I knew creating two humans meant we were replacing ourselves. By having more, we were adding to the population, so when Senna, the little surprise, came about it made me realise I – well, we – didn’t want to have any more children. I had my tubes clamped during my C-section.
Max: I decided before Kim gave birth that I’d get the snip. Kim carried our children, had three C-sections, and this was one thing
I could do to help our family planning, so I stuck to my guns.
You’re both 40 this year. How do you feel about that?
Kim: I’m so excited! I’ve spent my thirties being pregnant, having children, changing nappies, breastfeeding… 40 feels like a new lease of life. Hopefully, my forties will be epic.
Max: Honestly, I’ve never really kept track of my birthdays. I’m not really a birthday guy. We’ll do something together once Kim’s finished Dancing On Ice to celebrate the entire year.
Kim: A midlife crisis party!
That will be a star-studded occasion! Who’s on the guest list?
Kim: Zoe Hardman, Ashley Roberts, Abbey Clancy and Pete Crouch…
Max: The Dolls. We’ll try to get them to perform – they’ve gotta do it somewhere! Aston Merrygold and JB Gill are really good mates as well.
Sounds amazing! Is there anything you’ve discovered as you’ve got older?
Kim: Being able to build a sturdy foundation with people who care about you and vice versa is great. I haven’t had that in my life for a long time. Now that I have a family, there’s a reason for everything I do and that’s a really grounded place to be. I feel the most grounded I’ve ever felt. I don’t have to be anything I’m not. I don’t have to apologise for who I am.
Were you nervous about signing up for Dancing On Ice, Kimberly?
Kim: Yeah, I was incredibly reluctant to sign up for the show. But Covid meant my other work had been postponed, so there I was strapping on my figure skates, like, “OK, this is what we’ve gotta do!”
Are you worried about getting injured?
Kim: I’m definitely less of a daredevil than I used to be. My health is my wealth and the reason I’m able to support three children. They’re expensive little things! However, that doesn’t stop me putting in 100%.
Max: I’m not worried about her. She’s an athlete and she’s brilliant at what she does.
Max, there’s no Dancing On Ice “curse” like there is with Strictly. Are you relieved?
Max: [Laughs] Yeah, I’d have been snooping at every training session if it was Strictly. You’re thrust into an intimate environment for a long time, so if there’s any attraction, sparks could fly. With Kim, she’s been dancing her whole life. I think she’s immune to that kind of thing, so I don’t think it would be much of a challenge for us.
Kim: Also, you do modelling campaigns where you’re married to another woman with our children!
Max: That’s true! I wouldn’t have a leg to stand on, would I?
Are you looking forward to cheering Kimberly on, Max?
Max: Yeah. When Kim goes into this mode, it’s one of the reasons why I love her. She inspires me – it’s not often you get to be around excellence.
It’s lovely how you support each other…
Max: It’s not hard. Watching Kim dance is unbelievable.
Kim: I’m so grateful for Max. All I ever wanted was to find love, get married and have kids. I’ve got it all.
What’s it been like juggling training and parenthood?
Kim: I’m knackered! There are moments when all I want to do is sit down but there are baths to be had and something needs tidying. But knowing it’s such an incredible opportunity keeps me going.
What’s the latest on the Pussycat Dolls world tour?
Kim: I feel just as out of the loop as everyone else! It’s still up in the air. We worked hard to get the girls back together, so I’m staying hopeful!
What are relations like between you and the other girls at the moment?
Kim: I was the motivator for years. But at this point, I’ve done all I can. There’s nothing to talk about among us girls until they figure things out between Nicole [Scherzinger] and Robin [Antin, who is suing Nicole, claiming she is refusing to honour an agreement to join
the reunion tour unless certain business demands are met – which Nicole denies].
Are you in touch with Nicole?
Kim: I have a good relationship with Nicole. I feel it’s very important that women support other women. I’ve known Nicole for many years now and I can’t wait to be with her and all of the girls on stage again.
Finally, what are your hopes for the year ahead?
Kim: [Sighs] A holiday…
Max: Get me on a plane!
