Lucy Mecklenburgh says having a lockdown baby helped her relationship 💕

She welcomed a baby with Ryan Thomas in March!

Author: Claire HigneyPublished 10th Dec 2020

When Lucy Mecklenburgh talks about her gorgeous nine-month-old baby boy, Roman, her eyes light up and a huge grin spreads across her face. Speaking to Closer magazine, Lucy gushed, "I love Roman so much and can’t wait to see him in the mornings,” she says. “He’s growing so fast and wriggling around. He’s a big healthy boy!”

But the experience has been very different to the one she and her fiancé, actor Ryan Thomas, envisaged. Less than three weeks after Roman was born in March, the country was plunged into lockdown and, like all new parents, Lucy and Ryan had to stay at home for the next few months, missing out on support from their family and friends.

But while the former TOWIE star admits there were challenges, she says the experience also gave them precious family time together.

“It was tough at times,” says Lucy, 29. “We had a lot less support than we would have done under normal circumstances, but we had daily FaceTime calls with family and I’d send pictures of Roman via WhatsApp.

“And we were there for all of Roman’s milestones. It’s not often that you don’t have other distractions, like work, so Ryan and I were together all the time. We became a really good team because there was no one to come round and hold the baby while we cooked or cleaned. It definitely brought us closer as a family.”

Lucy admits she did worry at first about Roman missing out on socialising with other babies during the lockdown. She says, “I did have those panics at the beginning that he couldn’t go to parties or baby groups, and I wondered if he’d develop quicker if he had that social interaction. But it helped to know that other mums felt the same.”

Lucy says the support from other new mums, including her former TOWIE co-star Lydia Bright, who had her daughter, Loretta, in February, has been crucial. “I have a lot of friends with babies, Lydia being one of them. We’ve had very different experiences, and in a way, it helps to know that not everyone’s the same."

She added, “There are good days and bad days and support is key. My friends and I would WhatsApp each other if we were having a rubbish day and remind each other that tomorrow would be better. And it always was.”

First-time mum Lucy also relied on the online community to help her cope with tricky days. “Instagram has been amazing,” she says. “When I used to do night feeds, I’d post something at 3am and have chats with other mums, and we’d share funny stories to keep each other going.

“Sleep deprivation was the hardest bit, but then you have those amazing moments. There’s no other love like it.”

“I think it’s very important to make time for each other now Roman goes to bed at 7pm, otherwise it can start to feel like Groundhog Day,” she says. “On Fridays we make a conscious effort to cook a meal. I’ll put on a bit of make-up and we’ll eat together at the table and have a glass of wine, and then maybe watch a film. It makes a difference.”

Read the full interview in this week's Closer magazine!

Get the best celeb interviews in Closer magazine each week

Scroll through to see which other celebs have welcomed babies in 2020:

Robbie and Ayda Williams

Singer Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda announced the birth of their fourth child, their second via a surrogate. Confirming the birth of Beau Benedict Enthoven Williams on Valentine's Day, Ayda shared a cute photo online.

Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden

Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz has announced she's welcomed a baby girl into the world with her Good Charlotte guitarist husband Benji Madden. The 47-year-old revealed they'd called their daughter Raddix in January.

Jack Fincham

Love Island 2018 winner Jack Fincham shocked his fans in January, revealing he'd become a dad to a beautiful baby girl called Blossom.
Despite not being in a relationship, Jack went on to reveal the mother of his child is a close friend called Casey Ranger.

Casey Bachelor

Reality star Casey Bachelor welcomed her second child with fiancé Dane Goodson in January. The former Celebrity Big Brother star welcomed a baby girl!

Michelle McManus

Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus welcomed her first child into the world in January 2020 - an adorable baby boy called Harry John Nimmo.

Izzy Warner

Gogglebox star Izzy Warner welcomed her second child into the world in February, a beautiful baby girl. Izzy decided to call her baby girl Bessie Rose.

Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova

Singer Enrique Iglesias and his Tennis ace wife Anna Kournikova welcomed their third child into the world in early 2020.

Lucy-Jo Hudson

Coronation Street and Hollyoaks actress Lucy-Jo Hudson welcomed a baby boy into the world with her partner Lewis Devine in February

Lydia Bright

Former TOWIE star Lydia Bright gave birth to her daughter in February, telling fans on Instagram, ,'My darling girl has arrived. I am so overwhelmed with love, she is absolutely perfect.' (sic)

Ola and James Jordan

Former Strictly Come Dancing couple Ola and James Jordan welcomed their first child into the world in February, a healthy baby girl!

Lady Nadia Essex

Former Celeb Go Dating star Lady Nadia Essex welcomed a baby boy into the world in March.

Lucy Mecklenburgh and Ryan Thomas

After announcing their engagement last year, Lucy Mecklenburgh and Ryan Thomas welcomed their first child together in March, a baby boy called Roman Ravello Thomas.

Malika Haqq

Khloé Kardashian's best friend Malika Haqq announced the birth of her first baby with ex-boyfriend O.T. Genasis in March 2020, sharing a photo of his hand on her Instagram alongside the caption, 'Ace Flores 3.14.2020.'

Ali Bastian

Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian welcomed her first baby with husband David O'Mahony, after they tied the knot one year ago. Announcing the happy news on Instagram, Ali shared a photo of her daughter's tiny hand with the caption, 'She's here! We welcomed our beautiful baby girl into the world last week - words cannot describe how much we love her already. We have climbed whole heartedly into the most beautiful of new parent bubbles and are enjoying some quiet family time. Mum and baby are doing brilliantly.'

Melissa Suffield

Ex-EastEnders actress Melissa Suffield announced in March 2020 that she'd welcomed her first child! Taking to Instagram Melissa wrote, 'River Jefferson Carter-Robinson 16.03.2020 What a perfect little human we appear to have made. We could not be more obsessed with you ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜..' She announced her pregnancy in September 2019, three months after announcing her engagement to fiancé Robert Brendan!

Ashley and Francesca Banjo

Diversity star Ashley Banjo and his wife Ashley and Francesca welcomed their second child into the world in March 2020, a baby boy called Micah Grace Banjo.

Ronan and Storm Keating

Boyzone star Ronan Keating and his wife Storm welcomed their second child in March 2020, an adorable baby girl called Coco Knox Keating.

Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fiancée Carrie Symonds welcomed a baby boy into the world on Wednesday 29th April 2020.

Millie Mackintosh and Hugo Taylor

Former Made In Chelsea stars Millie Mackintosh and Hugo Taylor welcomed their first child into the world in May, a baby girl!

Sheridan Smith

Sheridan Smith announced that she'd welcomed a baby boy with her fiancé Jamie Horn in May 2020, but is yet to reveal his name.

Rupert Grint

Former Harry Potter star Rupert Grint welcomed a baby girl with his partner Georgia Groome, best known as the star of Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. A statement read, 'Rupert Grint and Georgia Groome are delighted to confirm the birth of their baby girl. We would please ask that you respect their privacy at this very special time.'

Danielle Armstrong and Tom Edney

TOWIE star Danielle Armstrong and her childhood sweetheart Tom Edney welcomed a baby girl called Orla Mae on 26th May at 4.30pm.

Aston Merrygold and Sarah Richards

JLS singer Aston Merrygold and fiancée Sarah Richards welcomed their second child into the world at the beginning of June. The couple welcomed a baby boy called Macaulay Shay Merrygold.

Krept and Sasha Ellese

British rapper Krept and his girlfriend Sasha Ellese welcomed a baby girl called Nala into the world in June 2020!

Michelle Williams and Thomas Kail

American actress Michelle Williams welcomed her second child in June 2020, her first with new husband Thomas Kail.

Dermot O'Leary and Dee Koppang

X Factor host Dermot O'Leary and his wife Dee Koppang welcomed a baby boy called Kasper Koppang O'Leary on 23rd June 2020!


Dermot told fans on Instagram, 'Welcome to the world baby Koppang O'Leary... We're delighted to announce that we've had a baby! A little boy born on Tuesday 23rd June 2020 (Sankthansaften / Midsummer for you Norwegians) at 8.19am, weighing in at 6lb 13oz. Enjoying the cuddles in the newborn bubble... cats yet to be 100% convinced. Lots of love, Dermot & Dee x ❤️'. (sic)

Usain Bolt and Kasi Bennett

Olympic legend Usain Bolt and his girlfriend Kasi Bennett welcomed a baby girl into the world in May. The couple shared the most adorable photos of her in July, with Usain revealing they've decided to call her 'Olympia Lightning Bolt'.

Lauren Pope

TOWIE star Lauren Pope welcomed a baby girl called Raine Anais Keterman on 11th July! Sharing a cute photo on Instagram, Lauren wrote, 'Our little lady has arrived! Raine Anais Keterman 11/7/20 💗 You really are so perfect little Raine, thank you for choosing me to be your Mummy. We love you so, so much 🥰'. (sic)

Tameka Empson

After keeping her pregnancy private, EastEnders actress Tameka Empson revealed on Loose Women in July that she welcomed a baby boy during lockdown!

Claire Cooper and Emmett J. Scanlan

Former Hollyoaks couple Claire Cooper and Emmett J. Scanlan welcomed a baby boy into the world in July! The pair announced the birth of their first child on Instagram, with Claire revealing she endured a 40 hour labour and an emergency c-section.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel

After keeping their pregnancy out of the spotlight, in July 2020, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel welcomed their second child into the world, a baby boy!

Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews

Married couple Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews welcomed their second child into the world in July, a baby girl!

Win Wilson

Singer Ciara and her husband Russell Wilson welcomed their first baby together on 23rd July! Announcing the happy news on Instagram, Ciara revealed her baby's unique name, 'Happy Birthday WIN!!! Mommy & Daddy Love You! Win Harrison Wilson 7.23.2020 8lbs 1 oz. ❤️ 👶🏽'

Cara Delahoyde Massey and Nathan Massey

Love Island couple Cara and Nathan announced the birth of their daughter on 28th July 2020! Cara wrote, 'She's here and home 🤱🏻 We are both want to say a massive Thankyou to all the amazing ladies who looked after us @darent_valley_hospital over the last few days 💕 Thankyou for all your messages that have kept me going ✨.'


Nathan posted a video message as a tribute to his wife, praising her for being so brave. He wrote, 'Welcome to the world our little princess !!!! 💓 can't wait to spend our lives together !!! @cara_delahoyde your a legend , delivered our baby safe and sound !!! What a trooper you are !!! Hats off to all the pregnant women I salute you x 💓💓💓💓 I would like to thank all the staff and midwifes at darenth Valley Hospital can't thank you guys enough ! Your all un sung hero's 💓💓💓 @nhswebsite.'

Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger

Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger welcomed their first child into the world in August, a baby girl called Lyla Maria Schwarzenegger Pratt.

Lea Michele and Zandy Reich

Glee actress Lea Michele and her husband Zandy Reich welcomed their first child into the world in August.

Sam and Briony Aston

Coronation Street actor Sam Aston (AKA Chesney Brown) become a dad for the first time in August 2020 when his wife Briony gave birth to a baby boy called Sonny!

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom announced the birth of their first child together in August 2020, revealing they'd welcomed a baby girl called Daisy Dove Bloom.

Ed Sheeran and Cherry Seaborn

Ed Sheeran and his wife Cherry Seaborn welcomed their first child into the world in 2020, a baby girl called Lyra Antarctica Seaborn Sheeran.

Daisy May Cooper

This Country and Gogglebox star Daisy May Cooper gave birth to a baby boy in September!

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll

Northern Irish golfing star Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica Stoll welcomed a baby girl called Poppy into the world at the end of August!

Jax Jones

DJ Jax Jones delighted his fans in September by announcing his wife had given birth to a baby girl called Lawana! The 'All Day and Night' hit maker shared some adorable snaps of his daughter.

Penn Badgley and Domino Kirke

You actor Penn Badgley and his wife Domino Kirke welcomed their first child together after previously suffering two heartbreaking miscarriages.

Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow

Footballer Andy Carroll and former TOWIE star Billi Mucklow welcomed their third child together in September 2020, a baby girl called Marvel Mae.

Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid

Gigi and Zayn shared a photo of thier baby's tiny hand on Instagram in September 2020, with Gigi writing, 'Our girl joined us earth-side this weekend and she's already changed our world. So in love🥺💕.'

Amanda Seyfried

Mamma Mia! actress Amanda Seyfried welcomed her second child with her husband Thomas Sadoski in September, after keeping her pregnancy a secret from fans.


The actress gave birth to a baby boy!

Usher

Music legend Usher announced the birth of his baby girl on October 1st! The singer shared a cute photo revealing he's decided to call her Sovereign Bo Raymond with his girlfriend Jenn Goicoechea.

Nicki Minaj

American rapper Nicki Minaj welcomed her first child into the world with her husband Kenneth Petty at the end of September.

Mindy Kaling

American actress Mindy Kaling welcomed her second son in September! The 41-year-old announced her shock news during a live TV appearance in October, revealing she;s called him Spencer.

Michelle Hardwick and Kate Brooks

Emmerdale actress Michelle Hardwick welcomed a baby boy into the world called Teddy in October 2020, with her wife and the soap's producer Kate Brooks!

Camilla Thurlow and Jamie Jewitt

On October 27th 2020, series three stars Camilla Thurlow and Jamie Jewitt announced they'd welcomed a baby girl called Nell Sophia Jewitt.


Camilla wrote on Instagram, 'Nell Sophia Jewitt, 4:32am, 27th October, 6lb 5oz. There may be a thousand new photos on my camera roll, but none of them could ever do justice to the way you have lit up our lives 🥰'. (sic)

Noel Fielding and Lliana Bird

Bake Off host Noel Fielding and his partner Lliana Bird welcomed their second child in 2020. The couple welcomed a baby girl called Iggy.

Tom Parker and Kelsey Hardwick

Just weeks after announcing he's been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, The Wanted's Tom Parker and his wife Kelsey Hardwick welcomed their second child into the world, a baby boy called Bodhi.

Sam Mucklow and Shelby Tribble

TOWIE couple Sam Mucklow and Shelby Tribble welcomed their first child into the world in November, a baby boy after a very tough labour.

Victoria Baker-Harber

Made In Chelsea star Victoria Baker-Harber welcomed a baby girl called Gaia-Grace into the world at the start of November, after keeping her pregnancy under wraps.

Kirsty-Leigh Porter

Hollyoaks star Kirsty-Leigh Porter announced the birth of her rainbow baby in December via a post on Instagram, welcoming the little one with her fiancé Paul Barber.

Kate and Rio Ferdinand

Kate and Rio Ferdinand welcomed their first child together in December, announcing their lovely news on Christmas Eve with a super cute photo. The pair decided to call their son Cree.

Read more:

Lucy Mecklenburgh and Ryan Thomas share first photo of newborn son Roman

Ryan Thomas shares cute snap of Lucy Mecklenburgh cuddling his daughter Scarlett

How to listen to KISS:

Listen to KISS and all of the KISS Network stations on our free Rayo app, by hitting the play button on the bottom of your screen and on your smart speaker (‘Play KISS FM’). Plus KISSTORY R&B is now available on DAB nationally and KISS Fresh, KISS Dance via DAB+ in London.