THEY sashayed their way on to our TV screens in January clocking up half-a-million viewers, and now the Real Housewives of Cheshire are back.

So what can we expect in this much-awaited second series? Carla Flynn talks to Leanne Brown – one of the stars of the show.

“WELL, there will definitely be fireworks and drama that’s for sure. But I think viewers will also be surprised by the change in dynamics in the group. It’s a lot different from the last series,” says Leanne, wife of Sunderland and former Manchester United centre back, Wes Brown, who are planning to move to Mobberley from Prestbury.

The last series saw several clashes of heads and personalities as viewers followed the lives of six glamorous, rich, feisty friends - WAGS Leanne, Dawn Ward, Tanya Bardsley and Magali Gorré and salon owner Ampika Pickston and housewife Lauren Simon- as they as they partied, indulged and pampered themselves.

The ITVbe reality show mirrors the successful US franchise and is the first British version.

So how did ‘Cheshire’ housewives come about and how did Leanne land a starring role?

“The producers chose Cheshire because we’re more down to earth here," explained Leanne. "We’re friendlier up north and not as pretentious. I think they’re a bit more impersonal in London and the humour is good up here too. Plus, the real wow factor is the countryside. There are so many beautiful parts of Cheshire and because it’s more affordable to live here, the houses are bigger and more impressive.

“I was invited to take part through Dawn. She was approached and put my name forward too. With Wes nearing the end of his career, I thought it would be a good time for me to do something for me. Dawn and I have been friends for 13 years and I’ve known Tanya for six years. The only one I didn’t know before the series started was Lauren. Lauren is... what shall we say?... a tinker. She is in her own bubble and very quirky but the more I have got to know her the more I’ve grown to love her.”

The last series ended with Lauren and husband Paul being thrown out of Dawn Ward’s house party after a verbal spat with the host. Leanne admits the spat was 'quite awful’ but says everything was resolved before the new filming began.

That took place over three months this summer and the women are seen at various bars, restaurants and venues around the Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Knutsford area including Mottram Hall, a polo event in Chester and the girls' favourite restaurant Piccolino's in Knutsford.

“I was far more relaxed with the filming this time round,” said Leanne, mum to Halle, 12, Lilia, eight and Lola, four.

“I knew what to expect and it was far less daunting. I was quite sensitive in the last series, but not this one. You need to develop a thick skin.

“The show is not scripted at all. The arguments and the fights are real. These are genuine off the cuff scenes between six women and anything can happen – especially after couple of glasses of champagne!”

With no acting background, Leanne said the hardest part was talking straight to camera.

“I was fine talking to the other girls in front of the camera but as soon as it was me getting interviewed one-on-one I found that difficult.

“Some of the others didn’t have a filter. Tanya just says what she thinks! I was a bit more guarded although I’m far more relaxed in the new series.”

The women were filmed up to four times a week going about their business – birthday parties, beauty sessions, general girly catch-ups.

So how does Leanne feel now that she’s the one in the limelight as well as her footballer husband?

“I don’t mind it. I found it bizarre at first when someone came up to me and asked for a picture and I immediately looked for Wes but they said they wanted a picture with me! I’m usually the one taking the picture of fans with Wes. Everyone had been so lovely though and supportive and I’ve had no bother going out and about!

“I watched the first episode with the girls at a press event, but I will probably watch the rest of the series at home with family or friends. Everyone says it’s much better than the first series and I agree!”

And as well as a successful TV role, Leanne is also set to launch of her own young girls’ range of clothing called Kiss Frogs.

“It’s a loungy, sporty, comfortable type of clothing that Halle likes wearing but I struggled to find it in the shops. There’s not much for girls that age outside Top Shop and I saw a gap in the market," she said.

So is she following in Victoria Beckham’s footsteps?

Leanne laughed: “I’m not sure I’m quite on that level but who knows! I might expand into other children’s ranges in the future.”

Northwich Guardian: The other Real Housewives of Cheshire

The Real Housewives of Cheshire returns for a second series tonight on ITVbe at 10pm