ASHLEY James has been applauded by fans after admitting her trip to Lapland UK with two small children was “stressful”.
The TV star, 37, visited the outdoor Christmas experience with her partner Tommy Andrews and their kids Alfie, three, and one-year-old Ada for some festive fun.
But relating to parents up and down the UK, Ashley admitted that their visit to the event in Berkshire didn’t quite go according to plan.
Ashley, who has been tipped to become a host on This Morning, revealed the harsh reality of being a mum on social media while talking about their trip.
Alongside a beautiful collection of photographs, Ashley confessed that the day didn’t get off to the best start.
She wrote: “Wow, it’s been exactly 365 days since our last visit to Lapland and it’s made me feel all nostalgic about how much has changed in a year.
“We just got home and I swear it was even more magical this year than last!
“Alf was so engaged in all the activities and singing along and taking it all in! And Ada and Coco are always their mischievous selves. .”
But she added: “For transparency it was actually an incredibly stressful start to the day because Ada had a poo explosion just as we were leaving.
“Then we took a wrong exit on the motorway and ended up being late, so we missed the first little bit and I was stressing.
“But we all had the best time once we were in – it’s such a magical place and every single Elf is so good with the kiddies.”
Ashley and Tommy were also joined at Lapland UK by their friend Jasmine and her daughter Coco.
The immersive Christmas experience sits hidden in its own enchanted elven world in Swinley Forest.
The annual sold-out event is an immersive four-hour theatre experience created in a Hollywood film set, with a cast chosen as the best performers to bring an Elven world to life.
Human Folk are invited to step into the centre of this world to create memories to last a lifetime.
The globally adored event sold out in under three hours back in March in a ticket drop to rival Glastonbury Festival.
Due to its popularity, Lapland UK has now announced plans to open a second location in Manchester in 2025.
Ashley admitted: “We didn’t get out until after 7pm and we were worried the kiddies would be asleep before meeting Santa, but it all turned out ok and we put them straight from the car into bed.
“Do you remember how good that was as a child? I still remember pretending to be asleep so I could be carried upstairs and I knew if I stayed asleep I wouldn’t have to clean my teeth .”
Fans have welcomed Ashley’s truthful account of her visit, with one adding: “Beautiful photos of magical memories.”
Ashley has always been honest about the realities of being a mum since the birth of her two children.
On the whole, her stance is very much welcomed by other parents, although her honesty has also seen her fall foul of nasty keyboard warriors.
Speaking in November, Ashley said she was even reported to social services by trolls while pregnant with Ada.
“When I was pregnant with my daughter Ada, I experienced trolling to a different level,” she told the A Gentle Start: The Showercast by Timotei podcast.
“I basically was reported to social services for neglect and it all kind of came back to this online anonymous gossip website.
“I think at the time it really upset me, but actually I think quickly that sadness or fear was actually replaced by anger.
“I know how loved my children are and I know that I’m such a good mum, that’s weirdly one thing I’ve never ever doubted.”
Meanwhile, The Sun On Sunday exclusively revealed that Ashley has been screen testing for a hosting job on This Morning.
The opinionated star has become a regular commentator on the ITV daytime show and has now filmed with several different male presenters to try to be part of the rota.
It comes amid an expected shake up after Martin Frizell announced he was quitting as This Morning editor.
A TV source said: “She’s impressed producers with her well-researched arguments and has gone down well with viewers.
“The show is always looking to expand and nurture its on-screen talent.”
