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Two rumoured cast members of the upcoming ‘Real Housewives of Jersey’ series have hit back at criticism of the show and those appearing in it, urging people to "be kind."
Commissioned by ITVBe and produced by Monkey Kingdom, the ‘structured reality’ show began filming on the island last month.
The producers are the leading independent makers of UK TV shows, with a showreel including the award-winning Made In Chelsea and the Real Housewives of Cheshire.
But news of the show’s arrival in the island has drawn mixed reactions.
Pictured: Deputy Jeremy Maçon shared his scepticism in The Times last month.
Some have speculated that the intrigue of the ‘Real Housewives’ lifestyle will draw visitors to Jersey, stimulating tourism and hospitality.
Meanwhile, Deputy Jeremy Maçon expressed concerns that the selected cast members would not demonstrate an “understanding of [Jersey’s] unique heritage and culture.”
Others have expressed concerns that the show would paint a falsely affluent picture of the island, glossing over social issues and the struggles faced by those on lower incomes.
"Jersey is not a playground for the wealthy and to have it portrayed as such does an enormous disservice to the vast majority of islanders," Deputy Kirsten Morel said on Twitter.
Pictured: Filming of a ball recently took place at the Lido.
But, according to rumoured cast members Jasmine Rose Noel, who runs an art consultancy, and producer and former news anchor Brian Constantine, such criticism is wholly unfair.
Both declined to comment on their exact involvement in the show, citing contractual obligations to Express, but wanted to take the opportunity to respond to concerns from islanders that the show won’t be a true representation of what Jersey is like.
Jasmine accepted that the show isn’t likely to be an accurate reflection of Jersey, but maintained: “It’s not meant to be.”
“It’s just a fun, light-hearted show for people,” she said.
Pictured: The Lieutenant Governor attended the private exhibition.
Jasmine added that some had accused those appearing in the show of being “gold-diggers”, which she said wasn’t the case.
“The people I know who are involved are actually hard-working career women.”
She later added: “I really think people should just be kind, especially during this time.
“People have been commenting on Facebook, saying how they can’t afford their rent, but that doesn’t have anything to do with Real Housewives, does it?”
Brian was also keen to defend the show and spoke about the “positives” for the film and television industry, saying that “anything is good publicity for the island to grow the economy.”
Pictured: Brian Constantine and Margaret Thompson.
He added that there has been some local input, saying: “Jersey has talented local camera crews who’ve been getting footage of the beaches this summer.”
Jasmine represents local artist Oliver Killip, who has been described as ‘Jersey’s Banksy’ due to his irreverent style and is also rumoured to be a Real Housewives cast member.
The pair hosted an “invitation-only” private exhibition for Oliver’s work – which included a performance by local Voice star Moya – on 14 and 15 August.
A handful of the cast attended, according to Jasmine.
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Pictured: Moya performed at the private exhibition.
This included local PT business owner and mental health advocate Cameron Elliot, who joined Jasmine and Brian during recent filming of a ball at the Lido, Havre des Pas.
Other cast members include Margaret Thompson, of Thompson Estates, and Jersey Style Awards founder Dr Tessa Hartmann and her family, which includes singer Tallia Storm.
Another cast member is Hedi Green, a sports massage and natural medicine therapist, skydiver, and mother of local artist Abi Overland.
Pictured: Jersey Style Awards founder Dr Tessa Hartmann is due to appear.
Abi told Express: “I’m not formally on the show myself although I may possibly appear on it from time to time.”
More filming has been going on this week, with a number of local homeowners in St. John and St. Lawrence receiving letters warning that drones would be flying overhead to shoot the homes of neighbours.
Speaking about the show’s launch, its commissioner Paul Mortimer, Head of Digital Channels and Acquisitions ITV, said: “Having become one of ITVBe's biggest hits, The Real Housewives of Cheshire will soon have a sister show under the ITVBe umbrella."
Pictured: Jersey estate agent Margaret Thompson - seen here with President Donald Trump - is set to appear in the series.
“The Real Housewives of Jersey promises an equally fabulous cast in another aspirational location. We're thrilled to welcome these ladies into the ITVBe family and know our audience will look forward to getting to know each of them over the course of their debut series," he added.
Monkey Kingdom Executive Producer Mike Swindells added: “Everyone at Monkey is incredibly excited to build on the Housewives franchise and bring The Real Housewives of Jersey to ITVBe.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to introduce the world to brand new Housewives and to see how their lives unfold in one of the most unique locations in the UK. We can’t wait to experience all the island has to offer!”
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