Peter Andre and wife Emily open up on why this will be an emotional Christmas with all five kids

When singer Peter Andre and his NHS doctor wife Emily invite us for an exclusive photo shoot, we get a sneak peek into their warm, bustling family home, decked out in festive decorations. The couple, who are parents to eight-month-old Arabella, Millie, 10, and Theo, eight - Peter also has two kids from his previous marriage, Princess, 17, and Junior, 19 - happily multitask between chatting, making tea for the crew, and cuddling their little one.

The couple, who celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary next year, opened up about their anticipation for some quality family time after a busy year, their mixed feelings about the holiday season, and thoughts on expanding their family. When we compliment the pair on their beautiful, inviting home, Peter confesses he loves it - as well as their community-oriented neighbourhood in Surrey.

Peter and Emily, you have such a beautiful home…

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Peter: Ah, thank you. We’re feeling very Christmassy, too! We love where we live. We’re in the ‘last village before London’ and there’s a real community feel. Everyone knows everyone here. When I’m away, Emily has friends and neighbours she can call on.

Emily: As for the house, the decor is quite simple and that’s what we like. With five children, you have to think practical! Although we have just got a new pale grey sofa – I don’t know what we were thinking!

Peter: This year, because we had Belle [Arabella] and I have been filming overseas a lot, we thought it would be nice to ask this company, Flair & Foliage, to come in and do the decorations. It’s gorgeous – they’ve done a whole display at the front door, and the lights come on in the evening.

Emily: Last night, I had all the younger kids in their matching Christmas PJs, we had dinner in front of the TV and watched Home Alone 2. So cute!

Does this Christmas feel special, as it’s Belle’s first?

Peter: Absolutely. And my nephew, my sister’s son from Australia, is coming for his first-ever British Christmas. It’s very different to a hot Aussie one – he won’t know what’s hit him! There’s something very special about Christmas in England. And we know this time of year isn’t easy for everyone. People are missing loved ones.

What’s Christmas like in the Andre household?

Emily: We incorporate traditions from my childhood. We all open our stockings in our bed (which luckily is massive!), then have a full English breakfast. We open our gifts throughout the day – there’s no present-opening frenzy. There are so many of us, we want to appreciate every gift and the thought behind it. We get out for a walk, and watch the King’s speech. We have our meal
at about four, watch a classic Christmas movie and someone inevitably falls asleep on the sofa – usually me!

Peter: I didn’t celebrate Christmas until I had children, as my family were Jehovah’s Witnesses, so now I live it through my children.

Who gets stuck into the cooking?

Emily: Pete’s a really good cook, but tends to cook what he grew up with, while roast dinners are my forte. I delegate the roast potatoes to him, and he’ll help me with the turkey – the trickiest part to get right.

What are the kids hoping to find under the tree?

Emily: They’ve written their lists for Santa, but we don’t do anything extravagant. We try to teach them the value of everything. Like, this pair of trainers you want? I have to work for this many hours to earn the money for them, and they’re like, “Oh, really?!” They’re very sweet and so grateful for everything.

Will Princess and Junior be with you this year?

Peter: Yes, we’ll all be together. With those two, it’s more about trying to prize them away from their partners! But I think their other halves will be with their own families on Christmas Day. We love their partners, so everyone is welcome anyway! Belle will be nearly nine months old by Christmas Day. She’s sitting up and has just sprouted her first tooth. She’s constantly saying, “Dada!” Us dads think it’s because we’re cool, but Emily tells me that’s always the word they say first. This is the first time I’ve had so much time off to spend with one of my children before work took back over – it’s been so special.

Peter, this time of year must also be tough, as it’s when you lost your brother…

Peter: Yes, 12 years ago, on 16 December, I lost my brother Andrew to cancer, so this is always a bittersweet time. But it’s going to be more sweet this year as we have Belle. Millie and Theo are excited, too – they’ve got their advent calendars going and it’s all so beautiful.

Are you planning on seeing both sets of parents?
Peter: Emily will see her family, and I’ll be going to see mine in Australia soon. My mum’s not very well, and it’s really hard being away from her. Then, with a newborn, you feel guilty leaving the baby. But this is so important right now. Dad loves sitting, chatting, playing a game of backgammon. I’ll cherish every moment with them.

How is your mum doing, Peter?
Peter: It’s tough. She’s not great. Someone said to me, “For your parents to get to that age (late eighties and nineties), they’ve dodged a lot of bullets.” So we should be grateful. It’s wonderful that we still have them, but it doesn’t make it any easier to think of the inevitable over the next few years. Mum’s health declines at a rate that’s hard to predict. That’s why I need to visit.

Emily, have you been enjoying maternity leave?

Emily: I’ve loved it. My job is full-on, so it’s rare to get this time at home. Millie and Theo are enjoying having me around, and it’s the simple things I don’t always get to do – like pick them up from school, sports days… It’s busy, but Belle’s such a good girl – she sleeps through, and wakes up just before 8am every morning. I try to be very honest and real on social media about parenting. People assume that, as a health professional, you wouldn’t ask for help, but I definitely do!

Peter’s away a lot with work – how do you cope?
Emily: I’m used to it to an extent, but Pete’s work isn’t nine to five, so he might have a few quiet weeks, then it’s really full-on. We miss him, but now Belle’s older, I’m in the flow. You just find a way. When he comes home, he’s very hands-on. We complement each other. Peter loves cooking and dislikes bath-time and nappies. I love bath-time and don’t mind nappies, but I can’t cope with vomit!

Have the kids been good with Belle?
Peter: They’re all very close, but Bista [Princess] is super close with Millie and really helpful with the baby, while Junior has a lovely connection with Theo. Ems and I aren’t “party parents” – we love being at home, cooking and hanging out with the kids. I’m more driven than ever with work, but I feel parent guilt like never before. Then I think, I’m doing this for their future as well, and I feel better again!

Emily: I thought the novelty would wear off with Millie and Theo, but it hasn’t. They fight over who can hold Belle. Their little faces when I pick them up from school with her... It’s another thing to argue over! It’s very cute.

Peter you’ve been very busy lately, haven’t you?
Peter: Wow, so busy. I’ve just got back from a gig in India. I’ve also been filming a drama set in Cyprus, Athens, England and New Zealand – I’ve been all over the place, so Emily’s had to do a lot of the Christmas prep alone. It’s a 10-part murder mystery on international release, so you’ll be able to watch it next summer. It’s very exciting. I’m headlining the New Year’s Day Parade in London, then I head out on tour with The Best Of Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons. My first feature film comes out next spring, too. Emily and I are also hoping to do a family podcast – we did a little teaser and people loved it. The kids’ different personalities really come out, and it’s something even Belle can be involved in!

You’re also putting out new music, aren’t you?
Peter: My first album since 2015, yes. I’m celebrating the 30th anniversary of Mysterious Girl next year, reimagining some of the songs, and throwing in a few new ones, including one from the upcoming film. I might get some old friends from the past to help me with it – that’s all I can say! I was 22 when I released that song and I’ll be 52 next year. It’s crazy. I filmed the video in Thailand where they filmed the The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio, and I’ve never been back since. It would be nice to go back next year, but honestly, I don’t think we’ll have time.

Do you have any big resolutions for 2025?
Peter: When I do have them, I start working on them before the new year. That’s how my brain works! Say I want to get back to full abs, I’d have to start now. I’m always training – I’m in shape but not as ripped. I have abs, they’re just hibernating. I probably will do that, just for fun, for when Mysterious Girl is 30 years old…

Emily: I really do need to do more exercise. Not for vanity, but to feel stronger. I don’t feel fully back to strength after giving birth – it takes a while. Oh, and going to bed earlier. I always stay up too late after the kids go down as I finally have some “me” time! I’d love to do some TV work connected to mental health, which is one of my main passions, and hopefully write another book. I have one for younger children out next summer. My books have been one of my proudest achievements.

Arabella turns one in April. Do you see yourself having any more children in the future?
Peter: Hell no! This is it! I always said I’d never be 50 and changing nappies, and yet here I am. But I’m done – we both are. Ems and I want to travel a bit when the kids get older – and maybe one of our children will give us grandchildren. We’re happy.

Emily: That’s a categorical no! I love them all so much, but I already feel I don’t have enough time for each one individually. I’m getting rid of baby things now. That’s how I know I’m done – I didn’t do that after Theo. Facebook Marketplace is my friend.

It’s your 10th wedding anniversary next year – do you have any special plans?

Peter: I love spending time alone with Ems but we’ve both decided we’d like to go away as a family, all of us. We’ve never spoken about renewing our vows. It’s a great idea, but I don’t think we would. If anything, I’d love to recreate our reception one day. Not now, though. But 10 years – what a milestone! My parents are going to be married 70 years next year, so we’ve got a way to go. I pray Mum’s going to make it for that.

Peter Andre is in The Best Of Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons, on tour around the UK from 14 January. Tickets are available from fourseasonsshow.com