It's been 12 years since Ollie Locke first burst onto our screens as a fresh-faced reality star on Made In Chelsea- and a lot has changed.
Ollie's days of partying in SW3 are long gone after welcoming his adorable twins, son Apollo Magnus Obi and daughter Cosima Emily Bex, via surrogate with husband Gareth.
"We have grown up," the 36-year-old tells us as we catch up at the Fuse press event. "We were out a lot and it was good fun, but it is a different fun now."
Fatherhood has clearly changed Ollie's life for the better, but it hasn't been smooth sailing for him. He and Gareth, 34, spent three years trying for a family and there were many highs and lows along the way.
Their first surrogate heartbreakingly experienced two miscarriages after undergoing embryo transfers in Mexico and Cyprus. And after embarking on IVF with their second surrogate, she too sadly suffered a miscarriage.
But in July, the couple were delighted to announce the arrival of their little ones, with Ollie saying, "They are the best thing to ever happen to us."
Here, Ollie opens up about sleepless nights, carving out quality time with Gareth and why they won't have more children...
[https://cdn.magzter.com/1583506613/1700549637/articles/uiJJxEoHj1700831024368/0495455000.jpg]
Hi, Ollie! How is fatherhood treating you?
We have got some help [with a nanny]. It has helped us an awful lot because it turns out having twins is a lot! There's no maternity and paternity with work, so we've had to have a bit of help. We are exhausted, but it's wonderful. We have both waited such a long time and we were lucky to get two.
How are you finding the sleepless nights?
The sleepless nights have been interesting! I will openly say about two weeks ago I was holding Cosima and I was crying relentlessly. I have never loved anything yet hated it so much that is the reality of parenting. It is not easy, but it's just heaven.
What has been a surprise to you?
Instagram is a wonderful place for people helping you out always ask for help. You get wonderful messages from people which fill you with hope. And sharing experiences is important.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Snot suckers are pretty gross. We were having a Sunday roast and she [Cosima] got blocked up, we didn't have the snot suckers. Gareth put his mouth over and sucked it out and instead of spitting it in a napkin, he swallowed it. It is just revolting. They have been snotty, but the snot suckers have been a dream.
[https://cdn.magzter.com/1583506613/1700549637/articles/uiJJxEoHj1700831024368/0050540115.jpg]
Have they reached any milestones recently?
She smiled for the first time last week. He [Apollo] hasn't smiled yet, but we are waiting for that.
How did you pick their names?
I have always loved the name Apollo. He has a strong name, Apollo Magnus Obi, which is completely ridiculous. She is Cosima Emily after our dear friend, and Bex is her middle name after our surrogate.
Can you remind us how you foun...
Ollie's days of partying in SW3 are long gone after welcoming his adorable twins, son Apollo Magnus Obi and daughter Cosima Emily Bex, via surrogate with husband Gareth.
"We have grown up," the 36-year-old tells us as we catch up at the Fuse press event. "We were out a lot and it was good fun, but it is a different fun now."
Fatherhood has clearly changed Ollie's life for the better, but it hasn't been smooth sailing for him. He and Gareth, 34, spent three years trying for a family and there were many highs and lows along the way.
Their first surrogate heartbreakingly experienced two miscarriages after undergoing embryo transfers in Mexico and Cyprus. And after embarking on IVF with their second surrogate, she too sadly suffered a miscarriage.
But in July, the couple were delighted to announce the arrival of their little ones, with Ollie saying, "They are the best thing to ever happen to us."
Here, Ollie opens up about sleepless nights, carving out quality time with Gareth and why they won't have more children...
[https://cdn.magzter.com/1583506613/1700549637/articles/uiJJxEoHj1700831024368/0495455000.jpg]
Hi, Ollie! How is fatherhood treating you?
We have got some help [with a nanny]. It has helped us an awful lot because it turns out having twins is a lot! There's no maternity and paternity with work, so we've had to have a bit of help. We are exhausted, but it's wonderful. We have both waited such a long time and we were lucky to get two.
How are you finding the sleepless nights?
The sleepless nights have been interesting! I will openly say about two weeks ago I was holding Cosima and I was crying relentlessly. I have never loved anything yet hated it so much that is the reality of parenting. It is not easy, but it's just heaven.
What has been a surprise to you?
Instagram is a wonderful place for people helping you out always ask for help. You get wonderful messages from people which fill you with hope. And sharing experiences is important.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Snot suckers are pretty gross. We were having a Sunday roast and she [Cosima] got blocked up, we didn't have the snot suckers. Gareth put his mouth over and sucked it out and instead of spitting it in a napkin, he swallowed it. It is just revolting. They have been snotty, but the snot suckers have been a dream.
[https://cdn.magzter.com/1583506613/1700549637/articles/uiJJxEoHj1700831024368/0050540115.jpg]
Have they reached any milestones recently?
She smiled for the first time last week. He [Apollo] hasn't smiled yet, but we are waiting for that.
How did you pick their names?
I have always loved the name Apollo. He has a strong name, Apollo Magnus Obi, which is completely ridiculous. She is Cosima Emily after our dear friend, and Bex is her middle name after our surrogate.
Can you remind us how you foun...
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New UK (Digital) - 1 Issue, November 27, 2023