FAMILY MATTERS: 'PETE AND I GET ON EACH OTHER'S NERVES, BUT WE LAUGH EVERY DAY'

Presenter Abbey Clancy tells us her secret to a happy marriage and why she loves the chaos of family life

- SHELLEY SPADONI

Abbey Clancy, model, presenter and former Strictly champion is juggling a dizzying amount of plates. But she looks the epitome of glamour when we meet for a chat and the Liverpool native is as down-to-earth as it gets. The 38 year old, wife to former footballer Peter Crouch, 43, with whom she has four children, leads a busy life - but clearly loves every bit of it.

Here, Abbey, who has teamed up with IHG Hotels & Resorts to launch a NOMO (Night On My Own) package to help people recharge after the school holidays, tells us about the need for "me" time, keeping the spark alive with Peter and the joys of a kitchen disco...

Abbey, you look fabulous! We’re definitely into wearing our autumn wardrobe now though…

We are. But I love winter clothes so I don’t mind. My eldest daughter has to wear opaque tights for school so she nicks mine. I’m always like, “Get out of my drawer!”

You have quite the brood – they must keep you so busy...

We do. Sophia’s 13, Liberty is nine, Johnny’s six and Jack’s five. I had three under five at one stage, which was… fun! But they’re just growing up so fast. Sophia’s as tall as me now – she fits in my clothes. But I’m glad they’re all back to school because 10 weeks off for the summer? It’s a lot.

Are any of them following in their mum or dad’s footsteps?

We’re not pushy parents. Pete was pushed intensely by his parents growing up, so he’s very laid-back with ours. But they’re still young and like lots of stuff. Sophia’s an incredible tennis player. Very sporty, but she’s also gorgeous.

What would you say if she said she wanted to do Love Island when she’s 18?

Mmm, I do love watching it, but I’m not too sure. Not that there’s anything wrong with it but, no… I think that would be a definite no from her dad!

You and Pete are still so loved-up together – what is your secret?