Leanne Brown may have returned to The Real Housewives of Cheshire, but the show is just a small part of what has turned out to be a journey of discovery. Here, she talks about life in Cheshire, her wellness journey, and why she was encouraged to return to the cast of the hit show.
Life before the Real Housewives of Cheshire
Before Real Housewives of Cheshire was a glint in a producer’s eye, how would you sum up what your life was like?
Before joining The Real Housewives of Cheshire, life was very much focused on my family. I was a mum and a wife, and my world revolved around raising my children and supporting Wes in his football career. I took great pride in being a full-time mum, as I truly believe it’s the hardest and most rewarding job in the world.
While I loved being there for my family, I also knew that I needed something outside of those roles to fulfil my own passions and ambitions. I felt that there was more I wanted to achieve for myself, and that led me to start thinking about other opportunities. I wanted to create something that was mine, something that reflected who I am as an individual.
That’s when I decided to launch my own business, a kids’ clothing range called Kiss Frogs. It was my first real dive into the world of business, and while it didn’t take off as I had hoped, it taught me invaluable lessons. I had very little knowledge at the time, so it was a huge learning curve, but it gave me a glimpse of what it’s like to build a business from scratch. It was all part of my growth journey, and the experience has shaped how I approach new opportunities.
When the chance to join The Real Housewives of Cheshire came along, I thought it would be a great platform to showcase my clothing range and reach a wider audience. It gave me exposure and a new way to bring my business to the forefront, while also giving me the chance to define myself beyond being a mum and a wife.
Did you need convincing to be involved in the show?
To be honest, I did feel a little apprehensive at first. However, what helped to ease my mind was the fact that almost all the other girls joining the show were people I already knew, and I had positive relationships with them. That familiarity really helped, as I knew I wouldn’t be going into it completely blind. Their support made a huge difference and helped me feel more comfortable about stepping into the unknown.
Ultimately, I decided to take the leap. I felt it was a unique opportunity, and the chance to show a different side of myself and my business was something I couldn’t pass up. It was a big step, but in the end, I’m glad I took it.
What do you remember when filming first started rolling?
It was all so new, and having cameras following me around felt strange. It took some time to get used to, especially the interviews. Hearing my own voice was a big thing for me, I wasn’t used to it at all! I think that was the hardest part in the beginning.
However, the funny thing is, my voice has actually become an integral part of what I do now, particularly with the guided meditations in my retreats and online. I often get told how calming and relaxing my voice can be, which is quite a contrast to the reunion series when I was screaming obscenities! It’s funny how things evolve, and I’ve definitely grown more comfortable in front of the camera since then.
How do you reflect on your time on the show – and what storylines did you love being involved in?
I’ve always said I don’t have any regrets about being on the show. My time on The Real Housewives of Cheshire really sparked a shift in me. It pushed me to go on a self-discovery journey to understand myself better and figure out what I truly wanted out of life. It was an eye-opening experience, and I’m grateful for the growth it brought me.
As for storylines, there were a few standout moments I’ll always remember. One of the best had to be my 40th birthday celebration. It was a Studio 54 theme, and we had some truly jaw-dropping costumes. I loved Ampika’s dramatic entrance in her birthday suit, trying to steal the limelight, but honestly, when I look at my outfit now, I was giving her a run for her money! It was a night full of fun and fabulous fashion.
Another unforgettable moment was when Ampika kindly invited me on her private jet to Paris Fashion Week. It was such a generous and thoughtful gesture, and something I’ll always look back on fondly.
And of course, Tanya bringing little Ralphie into the world was a beautiful moment to witness. We had the best time together, and we brought out the inner child in each other. There’s always fun when Tanya’s around!
Oh, and I can’t forget the Gibraltar monkey experience! That was definitely one for the books… she will never live that one down! Don’t come between Tanya and a Chanel bag.
Did appearing in the show completely change your public profile?
Yes, absolutely! In terms of recognition, my life certainly shifted. I got a taste of being in the public eye and being surrounded by high-profile people. Being with Wes and attending various events, games, and finals opened doors to experiences I hadn’t had before. The “footballers’ wives” (WAG) culture was just starting to take off back then, with Victoria Beckham’s relationship in the spotlight, and the press were loving it. While we didn’t receive the same kind of attention, I still had the experience of being papped.
The recognition itself was manageable, and I never encountered anyone who was truly negative or unpleasant to me in person. Of course, social media attracted its fair share of trolls, but I quickly learned that you can’t be everyone’s cup of tea. That’s just part of the package when you’re on TV, and I’ve come to accept it as part of the experience.
What has it been like to return as a guest housewife to mark the show’s 10th anniversary?
It’s actually been lovely seeing both the old and new ladies, as well as the crew who work on the show. They’ve all been so wonderful and supportive, making the experience even more enjoyable. Also it’s been good to not be in the thick of the drama!
A new career direction and Cheshire
I have to be honest and say I know you more through your wellness career rather than the show. Was there a particular moment that made you look within and learn more about yourself?
For me, it was a gradual shift, but giving birth to Lola was a huge turning point. I used Hypnobirthing and it was incredible. It created an awareness in me of the power we have as mind and body, and that really stuck with me. I’ve always been open to spirituality and have tried different therapies, like crystal healing and reiki, which were great, but as time went on, especially through the show, I began looking at my life in a completely different way.
I’ve spoken before about having a shopping addiction – I would just buy things and collect things. Over time, I realised this was my way of trying to fill a void, something inside me that couldn’t be filled with material things. That’s when I really had to look at myself and the people in my life, including my relationships. I started craving more depth and connection, but I was looking for validation from others at first. Now, I understand that it was about seeing myself, knowing my own worth, and that’s been a deep, ongoing process.
Was it a natural step to launch a coaching business?
It’s been a process of me finding my purpose. I always knew I wanted to empower others and feel empowered myself. A big part of that journey was when I travelled to Kenya and set up the charity One Woman at a Time with Jean Anderson. That trip was the first step in me seeing the world on a much larger scale, and I threw myself into organising events and fundraisers for the charity.
From there, I started learning more about meditation, the body, and the mind. I began hosting a live guided meditation night on an addiction channel on Facebook, and that naturally led me to start running retreats. What I realised on these retreats is that they were mainly women in midlife, which is when I knew I wanted to create a program specifically designed to support and guide them through this stage.
Having lived through this myself, with the dramatic lifestyle change I’ve experienced, as well as building my career in this field, I now want to help give women the courage and confidence to put themselves first. It’s something a lot of women struggle with, but I truly believe it’s so important for our well-being.
How do you like to put your clients at ease and do you help with all manner of issues?
At the retreats, a lot of the women come on their own, and I think it’s incredibly brave, but also so empowering. One of the main things that women struggle with is the feeling of loss, and that can manifest in so many different ways, loss of identity, the end of a relationship, leaving a long marriage, or the kids growing up and leaving home. What I do is help my clients understand themselves on a deeper level, so they can recognise what’s really holding them back.
I work with them to reconnect with themselves, to truly love every part of who they are. I use different modalities for this – life is so fast and busy, and first, it’s about learning how to calm the mind and regulate the nervous system. Once that’s in place, we begin the deeper exploration of who they are.
Putting my clients at ease is quite easy, whether they’re at a group retreat or having one-to-one sessions. They know they’re surrounded by like-minded women who are all on their own journey, but we are essentially all the same. We all experience different things, of course, but at the core, we share the same fundamental feelings. That shared experience really helps women feel comfortable and supported, knowing they’re not alone in what they’re going through.
When did you first meet Sophie Baines and what were your first impressions?
Sophie is a dear friend of Jess Cunningham, and together we started the Divine Feminine Retreats. Initially, Jess asked Sophie to be the chef for our first few retreats, and from the moment I met her, I just loved her. She’s also an Aquarian, and we immediately connected over some similar experiences in our past relationships. But what really inspired me was her story.
Sophie is absolutely incredible. She was diagnosed with a pancreatic tumour, and just 12 months later, she was diagnosed with secondary liver cancer. Against all odds, she healed herself naturally. Her journey is a testament to the power of nutrition and how food truly is medicine. Through her experience, she’s gained so much knowledge, and the pain she endured has been transformed into power. Sophie is such an inspiration, and I feel so lucky to have her as part of the retreat and as a friend.
Why did you go on to launch your Eat, Pray & Self-Love retreats?
Jess had started her own business and didn’t have the time to dedicate to the retreats we were running, so Sophie and I decided to rebrand and expand, catering for both men and women. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’ve met so many amazing people along the way who have had incredible breakthroughs from attending the retreats. We’ve hosted them regularly in the UK’s Lake District, as well as in Portugal and Mexico.
Sophie had her beautiful baby girl, Aryia, who’s almost 2 now, so the retreats have slowed down a little, but we’re excited to announce our next one in France from 15-20 June this year at the most beautiful French chateau. We still have a couple of spaces left, so if anyone is interested, they can check it out at eatprayandselflove.co.uk.
I’m also hosting my first midlife group retreat in North Yorkshire from 5-8 May, which I’m so excited about! It will include a number of staple practices we offer at all our retreats, such as sound healing and transformational breathwork, facilitated by amazing practitioners. I also incorporate light yoga and yin practices, alongside workshops that vary depending on the group. Of course, the food is always a highlight, with Sophie providing delicious, detoxifying plant-based meals throughout the retreat.
How do you feel when you look at your life today?
I feel extremely proud of how far I’ve come and the transitions I’ve overcome. My life has dramatically changed – not just in terms of career, but also financially. I’m not in the same position I was before, and no one really knows the extent of what we’ve been through. A lot of people like to assume and have an opinion, but the journey has stripped me right back to the core. There have been moments when it felt impossible to see the next step.
But the very word impossible itself spells I’M POSSIBLE, and I know that’s true. I’m determined to continue growing, sharing what I’ve learned with the world, and offering guidance and support however I can. I receive so many messages from people saying how my posts on social media, or even something they read in my journal, have helped them reflect and shift their mindset each day. Knowing that I’m making a difference in someone’s life is so comforting, and it makes it all worthwhile.
Do you still live in Cheshire?
Yes, I still live in Cheshire, and I absolutely love it here. It’s such a beautiful place, I’m definitely a country girl at heart. I grew up in a little village, and now I live in a house surrounded by fields. It’s peaceful and a bit off the beaten path, but still close enough to enjoy the restaurants because, let’s be honest, I love food! Manchester isn’t too far either. These days, I’m definitely more into lovely food and wine than a crazy party life. But honestly, nothing beats a BBQ on a beach, it’s the perfect way to unwind for me!
What comes next?
That’s a big question! I’ll definitely be continuing with the retreats and coaching, and I’m building lots of connections with businesses and networks. I truly believe everyone could use a little more zen in their lives, and I’m excited to keep spreading that message. I’m working on taking my midlife program online so that more people can access it, which is really exciting.
I’ll also be releasing my second journal soon, and I’ve even started writing a book! There are some really exciting things ahead. Alongside all of that, I’ve trained and registered as a travel agent, so I’ve been working with some incredible people in the travel industry, and the benefits are huge. It’s a lot to juggle, but I’m loving every minute of it. My vision board is certainly busy!
Oh, and I’ve still got Strictly on there, it’s one of my dreams! I wouldn’t rule out more TV work, but who knows what the future holds? I’m open to whatever comes my way and trust that the universe will guide me to exactly what’s meant for me.
