Ashley James Faced Financial Struggles During Made in Chelsea Filming
Ashley James recently shared her struggles during her time on the reality show Made in Chelsea. The 38-year-old TV personality revealed the financial challenges she faced while filming for the E4 series.
Ashley James’ Financial Struggles During Made in Chelsea Filming
Joining Made in Chelsea, Ashley began her journey as an extra and later became a main cast member. However, her earnings were considerably low at just £50 per filming session. Being on call prevented her from pursuing other job opportunities, leading to significant financial difficulties.
During her time on the show, Ashley struggled to pay rent and relied on her overdraft. “One of the things that motivated me to say ‘yes’ to Made in Chelsea was the idea that it would make me very rich,” she noted. “Yet, I was the poorest I’ve ever been when I was on that show.” The irony of her situation was not lost on her, as she found herself living in a friend’s childhood home while filming a show centered around wealthy individuals.
Career Progression Post-Made in Chelsea
Despite these challenges, Ashley has built a successful career in television after her time on Made in Chelsea. She secured a regular slot on ITV’s This Morning, among other projects. Yet, Ashley often wrestles with “mum guilt,” especially when it impacts her connection with her children.
- Children: Alfie (4 years old), Ada (2 years old)
- Partner: Tommy Andrews
Recently, Ashley disclosed how her busy schedule has affected her family life, particularly her son Alfie, who experiences separation anxiety when she is away. This prompted her to decline several lucrative jobs to prioritize quality time with her kids.
Balancing Work and Motherhood
Ashley expressed that she feels more fulfilled as a mother when she can pursue passion projects and take necessary breaks. “Being a working mum is challenging due to the burden of mum guilt,” she explained. Ashley highlighted the societal expectations placed on mothers to manage both work and home life, suggesting that this can lead to unrealistic standards and potential burnout.
While acknowledging the challenges, Ashley also affirmed that she identifies as a better mother when balancing her career and home life. “The reality is I could never be a stay-at-home mum,” she concluded, emphasizing her need for personal fulfillment through work.
