Samantha Faiers has shared how she felt 'so guilty' as she celebrated her 32nd birthday on New Year's Eve. It comes after the former The Only Way is Essex star said her first Christmas as a family-of-five was 'ruined' last week, leaving her 'so upset'.
Sam, who starred in the ITV2 reality show before its move to ITVBe from 2010 to 2014 alongside older sister Billie, took to Instagram days after Christmas Day to share how she was floored over the festive season, leaving her first Christmas with her baby son in tatters.
Sam and partner Paul Knightly welcomed their third child together, a baby boy who they named Edward, earlier this year. The couple, who have been together since meeting back in 2014, already shared son, Paul Jr, seven, and five-year-old daughter Rosie.
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But as she prepared to enjoy her first Christmas with Edward in tow, Sam was struck down by what she called the 'worst possible flu' She took to social media to reveal how her Christmas had played out. While sharing a photo of a beautiful table setting and candles. “Hey, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I’ve been quiet on here as I was struck down with the worst possible flu you can imagine," she typed over the image.
"After 8 days today I’m starting to feel a bit better. So upset it happened over my favourite week of the entire year. Anyway, I’m just so happy I’m on the mend." And Sam's return to health came just before she celebrated her 32nd birthday on New Year's Eve (Saturday).
However, the mum-of-three, who has since starred in her own reality show The Mummy Diaries, said she's been feeling "so guilty" as she revealed she also missed celebrating her son's seventh birthday due to the illness that also blighted her Christmas with her partner and young family.
Sam shared a video of her birthday gathering on her Instagram stories which showed her surrounded by her loved ones as she blew out candles on a chocolate and marshmallow cake. The reality star and businesswoman looked stunning in a black mini dress with a bardot neckline, which she paired with a pair of large, dazzling earrings and a novelty headband that said: "Sip sip hooray."
Posting a picture of a bunch of pink roses to her Instagram grid, Sam thanked friends and fans for their well wishes and shared how she's really been feeling. " Happy New Year. I just want to say thank you to my family, friends & followers for all your Birthday messages yesterday. Feeling incredibly grateful," she typed.
"Our Christmas didn’t exactly go to plan this year as myself, Paul & Edward all got poorly. (it didn’t feel like a normal flu it’s been pretty awful) It was also little Paul’s 7th Birthday on the 29th so we’re going to celebrate in a couple of weeks for him. I’ve felt so guilty over the past two weeks.
"Anyway I’m so excited about 2023. I can feel this is going to be a fantastic year. Don’t forget to write down new goals , push yourself out of your comfort zone and try to be super kind to yourself, look after you, make time for yourself & don’t forget to laugh."
Sam's ill health also saw her miss out on celebrating her niece's first Christmas. Sister Billie and her husband Greg Shepherd welcomed their thrid child into the world in early December. The couple, who also share daughter Nelly and son Arthur, welcomed their baby girl into the world on December 2 and just a couple of weeks later, Margot has celebrated her first Christmas.
Billie took to Instagram on Boxing Day to share a sweet image of Margot dressed for the special occasion. She could be seen laying in a white onesie with matching hat which had 'Baby's First Christmas' printed on. Billie shared how she had headed back to her old home as she enjoyed Christmas with mum, Suzie, and her newborn daughter.
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