Former reality star Lucy Mecklenburgh wore her heart on her sleeve as she packed up her old life for a fresh start up north, as a source claims it’s a ‘bittersweet’ chapter for her

Lucy Mecklenburgh revealed a moment of raw emotion when she took to Instagram and broke down in tears. Opening up about her big move from the home in Essex she has lived in for 11 years, the former TOWIE favourite explained she and her fiancé Ryan Thomas have relocated with their two children to Manchester, where Ryan is from. Describing it as “one of the most emotional weeks of my life”, Lucy, 33, was in floods of tears as she spoke of packing up the “memory filled” family home over the half-term holidays, as they embark on a fresh start in the north.

Lucy has son, Roman, who is about to turn five, and daughter, Lilah, two, with actor Ryan, 40. Ryan also has a daughter, Scarlett, 16, from his relationship with his former Coronation Street co-star, Tina O’Brien. Lucy purchased the house as a single woman and a source tells new that, although she knows why the big move had to happen, it’s a “bittersweet” chapter for the reality star, according to OK!.

“Lucy has huge memories of that house – she renovated it from scratch,” the source said. “She had her babies there so she’s very emotional. They’ve got this big move to Manchester and the emotions are running high. She’s been very tearful about it. It’s a new chapter, but it’s also stressful for her. Her heart is in that house, as she made it such a home.”

Taking framed photos down from the walls of her daughter’s bedroom and packing furniture away, Lucy was sobbing. “One of the most emotional weeks of my life,” she said in the narrated video. “I really didn’t expect to get so emotional, but I moved out of my home of 11 years this week.

“That’s how we spent our half-term – actually the kids had the best time. We had mixed emotions because we outgrew this house so long ago, we’ve made the big move to Manchester and we’re really happy. But there are so many memories I have hung on to in this house.”

She added, “I went from being single, it was my first big renovation project, it was my first real home since moving out of my parents’, I guess. I brought both my babies back from hospital here and honestly there’s something about that, that I could never get rid of this house. So we just made it work over the years, but it definitely wasn’t big enough, we didn’t have enough bedrooms, enough storage.”

The 33-year-old struggled to leave the home which she moved into as a single woman and left as a mum-of-two (Image: INSTAGRAM)

Through her tears, she confessed that she and Ryan had definitely made the right decision and it was “time to go”, before adding, “Seeing the rooms empty is just the bit that made me cry.” Our source explained, “She’s torn. Part of her is ready to move on and part of her is completely heartbroken at giving something up that holds so many special memories for her. She did love where she was, but she also knows she needs this fresh start – for her relationship and for the kids. It’s a bittersweet moment.”

Lucy, who has always been open about the ups and downs of parenting, also gave some tips for anyone else navigating a house move with young children. She explained that she had tried to involve her kids as much as possible, in order to create one last memory in their old home. “Give them little jobs,” she said. “We upped the screen time, definitely, and get family and friends to help.”

To add to an already challenging time, some of Lucy’s followers made critical comments about the video she posted on Instagram. “Someone’s a bit entitled. Not enough room for two kids and two adults? You could fit an entire street in that house,” said one, while another wrote, “House looks massive. Perhaps you have too much unnecessary stuff.” But many fans swiftly jumped to Lucy’s defence, saying that the disapproving commenters were merely “jealous”.

Lucy’s husband Ryan also shares daughter Scarlette with his ex Tina O’Brien (Image: Instagram/ @ryanthomas84)

“What the hell is with all the negative comments? She’s visibly upset on the video and people are still being cruel! Who wouldn’t move to a bigger house if they could afford to? Pure jealousy and bitter people,” said one. “Why do people write mean comments? Everything is relative. Good luck, lovely Lucy,” wrote another.

Lucy’s and Ryan’s decision to relocate comes after a torrid year for Lucy on the health front. Last February, she revealed she had been diagnosed with endometriosis, a condition when cells similar to those in the lining of the uterus grow in other parts of the body.

Alongside a snap of her bloated stomach, she shared, ”The joys of endometriosis and adenomyosis. I’m actually fed up of trying to cover the bloating I get 80% of the time. I’ve tried every Spanx, every supplement, eating well and exercising does hugely help. But the anxiety of spring/summer approaching and wearing swimwear and summer clothes in general is really getting to me.”