Lisa Skinner explores the surprising presence of outspoken Christian faith among cast members of the upcoming Real Housewives of London, and suggests it is important for Christians to be part of celebrity culture.
It was an unusually sunny evening in Belfast, and I was catching up with a group of girlfriends from church at a friend’s house before we headed out to a Christian feminist lecture on Genesis and Gender. As we were getting ready to leave, I mentioned I’d need to slip away promptly after the talk, I had an early start, with a work trip to London the next morning.
“What’s taking you to London?” one of them asked. I explained that I’d be accompanying my boss to an event in a luxury fashion store in Mayfair, where scenes for the new Real Housewives of London series were being filmed.
She laughed, “I’m guessing not many people attending that event will be at a theology lecture tonight.”
“Funny you should say that,” I replied. “Three of the six housewives in the show openly profess faith in Christ.”
She was visibly surprised.
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The truth is Karen Loderick-Peace (formerly of The Real Housewives of Jersey), Amanda Cronin (a skincare entrepreneur), and Juliet Mayhew (interior designer and socialite) have all spoken publicly about their Christian faith. Karen regularly acknowledges God’s blessing and protection on her Instagram, and could be seen praying with her family around the dinner table during an episode of The Real Housewives of Jersey. Amanda came to faith following her divorce from energy Tycoon Mark Daeche, sharing how her relationship with God enabled her to forgive her ex-husband. And when it comes to her business, Amanda says: ‘‘I run a Christian company, and we’re what we call a kingdom business. Our finances are full kingdom.’’
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Then there’s Juliet, who is equally open about her faith, frequently posting Bible verses and reflections across her social media platforms. In a 2020 interview on a Christian talk show, Juliet shared candidly about her wedding night, revealing she was a virgin at 29 and felt unprepared for sex. Despite the experience, she affirmed her decision to wait and encourages others to pursue abstinence, urging both individuals and church leaders to uphold stronger boundaries. While some may question their choice to participate in a reality show, especially one shaped by drama-enhancing edits, it presents a powerful and unexpected platform to share their faith and witness for Christ.
There’s often an unspoken assumption that those living lives of glamour, beauty, and wealth must be spiritually lacking. Many of us come to depend on God through physical or financial need, but we would be naïve to think that prosperity guarantees peace, purpose, or joy. I recently caught part of a podcast featuring Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, where they spoke about the surprise people express at their faith and personal devotion. What Khloe went on to share about talking to God resonated with me. Whether we realise it or not, the world of the rich and famous, often dismissed as superficial, is a mission field in its own right, deserving of the same grace and gospel reach as any other.
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We may not always admire their lifestyles, or maybe, if we’re honest, we sometimes do. But God places people in specific spaces for a purpose. He positioned Esther in King Ahasuerus’ palace, where it was her beauty that initially won the king’s favour. God can use influence, even in unexpected places, for his glory. This Beauty Queen, who undertook 12 months of beauty treatments and caught the King’s eye, went on to help save an entire nation from destruction. How amazing that God can use even seemingly superficial systems to accomplish his sovereign plans.
Abraham Kuyper once declared, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’” If we truly take that to heart, then we must believe that God is just as active at a Mayfair cocktail party as He is in a Sunday morning church service. Let’s embrace that truth, celebrating his presence in every corner of life and praying for those called to live and witness in all spheres of life, including the so-called high life.
Perhaps, like Esther, Karen, Amanda, and Juliet have been placed in positions of influence ‘for such a time as this.’ With that in mind, may we as fellow believers be stirred to pray for these housewives, and even the Kardashians, as they seek to live out their faith while navigating the pressures of life in the reality TV spotlight. May God grant them the wisdom and courage to respond faithfully to the opportunities he has set before them.
(The Real Housewives of London is set to premiere exclusively on Hayu in late 2025.)
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