BEYOND THE VEIL
My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding scandals: From dress wars, jail time and ‘grabbing’ 14-year-olds – where are the cast now?
Watch the video below of the moment Cheyenne, a 14-year-old was "grabbed" by her future husband
THE most expensive gypsy wedding is said to have cost £250,000.
Louise Durant, 21, said "I do" to Billy Maguire, 22, at the famous Dorchester Hotel in London, in December.
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The bride had 12 bridesmaids who matched her in all-white designer dresses of their own, complete with fur draped over their shoulders, a lavish three-course meal, before jetting off for a honeymoon that lasted nearly a month.
This isn't the first time parties problem the traveller community have made headlines, as My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding shocked the nation with every single episode that aired.
From controversial scenes of “grabbing”, to jaw-dropping wedding dresses, and strong community rules, lots happened off screen too.
The show first aired on Channel 4 with a one-off episode in 2010 but it was so groundbreaking that it ran for five years followed, along with spin-offs and a US version.
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But what happened to the stars of the show?
Paddy Doherty
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The show was centered around Paddy and his family, so it’s no surprise that he went on to be the biggest success story from the reality show having appeared in series eight of Celebrity Big Brother in 2011, which he won.
The Irish personality then took part in a two-part television documentary, When Paddy Met Sally, a year later, alongside former Speaker of The House of Commons, Sally Bercow, in a Wife Swap-style reality show.
But following several successful TV appearances, Paddy’s life took an unexpected turn when he experienced several health issues and tragic deaths of those closest to him.
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In 2014, the CBB winner lost his 22-month-old great nephew David McDonagh when he was run over and killed by a van.
Three years later, Paddy’s nephew - talented boxer Tom Doherty - died aged 17 after a car crash.
And in the same year, his own father Simon also slipped away - leaving him head of the family.
In 2018, Paddy’s mother Queenie died from dementia and he turned to alcohol saying he was “unable to handle it”.
And a year later, the TV gypsy revealed exclusively to The Sun that he was battling prostate cancer.
Paddy, who was 60 years old at the time, spent seven months in agony, adding: “The pain got so bad that I actually thought about taking my own life on two occasions. But I just couldn’t do that to my family - and instead I just drank myself into oblivion.”
After high-powered steroids didn’t treat the cancer, Paddy underwent two operations; one to remove his prostrate and the other to rectify blood loss.
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A couple of years later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Paddy contracted Covid which left him chronically ill and struggling to breathe in hospital.
Then a year later, in April 2022, Paddy shared on social media that he had suffered a heart attack.
Paddy vowed to give up drinking alcohol and embark on a healthier lifestyle.
In a video posted to his official Instagram account last month, Paddy, who had just returned from a run, said: “Everyone takes fitness for granted...the brain can do everything but the body can’t do it. That’s what’s called getting old.
“I’ve only ran a few mile, but it’s knocked the stuffing right out of me.”
Thelma Madine
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When the gypsy girls attended dances or got married, there was only one dress shop they went to for an outfit - Nico, owned by Thelma Madine’s, and she quickly made a name for herself as the Queen of over-the-top dresses.
After the Channel 4 show ended, Thelma starred in her spin-off show, Thelma’s Gypsy Girls.
But, shortly after filming concluded, she became involved in a court case with former head designer, Leanne Phillips.
Leanne claimed she was unfairly dismissed after a shouting match between her and Thelma ended in her calling Thelma a “horrible b***h”.
Despite the row, the court favoured Leanne and argued the decision to sack her had been “unreasonable” and based on personal, not business reasons.
Leanne went on to set up her own dress shop, Leanne Alexandra, and it wasn’t long before she was being sued by Thelma for “copying” one of her most famous designs.
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Thelma also claimed Leanne had robbed designs and asked Leanne to pay £20,000 in damages, as well as £90,000 in legal costs.
Despite winning the court case in 2017, the ordeal was painful for Thelma, who even compared it to her time in prison in 2001 following a case of benefit fraud.
Since then, Thelma has kept a rather low profile until her daughter’s wedding earlier this year.
Now 73, Thelma is said to have made three custom wedding dresses worth £32,000 for her daughter’s big day.
She, alongside 22 staff members, spent over 300 hours making a dress for the ceremony, the evening party, and another for comfort later in the evening.
Danielle Mason & Tony Giles
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Danielle starred in season two of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding when she married cage-fighter, Tony Giles.
The glamour and page 3 model is the younger sister of EastEnders actress Jessie Wallace and is not originally from the traveller community.
Instead, she lived the high life jetting off across the world and reportedly earning as much as £10,000 per modelling shoot.
Danielle met Tony in 2010 and fell pregnant with his child the same year. Their relationship caused a stir in the community as they had a child out of wedlock - something that is frowned upon in traveller culture.
As for her relationship with Tony, Danielle’s choice of work was apparently one of the main reasons why their relationship was tumultuous; a marriage, a split, a second proposal, and then another break-up.
Danielle told The Sun: “It was the glamour modelling that drove us apart because he was quite jealous.”
The couple had two children during their relationship.
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In 2021, Danielle started dating ex-convict Ben Hatchett, who had previously served time in Broadmoor Hospital, a facility that treats men detained under the Mental Health Act and has also been home to several infamous criminals including Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe and London gangster, Ronnie Kray.
Ben was convicted for knife crimes he committed as a teenager and was sent to Broadmoor after he attempted to escape from hospital aged 21.
He was then moved to Ashworth high-security prison and was later released in 2020, where he launched a YouTube podcast and began a career as a bare-knuckle boxer.
As for how Danielle met Ben, it was when he interviewed her for his podcast. Explaining why she fell for him, Danielle told : “He's passionate about anti-knife crime. He wants to make a positive difference in the world and he is very passionate about inspiring the younger generation.
“We got a really strong connection, he's caring and protective towards me. It's definitely love.”
But their relationship didn’t last long, as Danielle admitted to The Sun: “It lasted for five months and all I can say is that it was a mistake.”
As for Danielle’s current relationship, she is engaged to landscape gardener Lee Dopson, after meeting him in her local Co-op.
And she is working as a cleaning expert posting tips and tricks on social media, and occasionally presenting on TV and radio.
Josie McFayden & Swanley Smith
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Irish traveller Josie McFayden was the first woman on the show to get married, aged 16.
She celebrated an extravagant nuptial with English traveller Swanley Smith who she met only a few months prior.
And it wasn’t long before they were expecting their first child together.
In one episode of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, Josie was five months pregnant and was talking about what she was most looking forward to in the upcoming years.
Swanley joked: “There’s only one day in the future that I’m really looking forward to - divorce.”
Unsurprisingly, their marriage didn’t last long, as two years after saying ‘I do’ in front of 6.5 million viewers, the couple split.
Josie and Swanley were known for blazing rows and vicious arguments, and their separation was confirmed when Josie threatened to burn her five-stone wedding dress.
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Appearing on This Morning shortly after her divorce was announced, Josie, who was 18 at the time, addressed her fury: “No, I would never burn it, my mummy and my daddy got me that dress and that something they didn't know was going to not work out, it's not their fault, it's not the dress's fault, it's Swanley's fault.
“At the time I was really angry with Swanley.”
If she thought she left all the drama behind when she divorced Swanley, she was wrong, because in 2019, Josie and her relatives were accused of attacking an eight-month pregnant partially blind woman, Margaret Doyle, and her sister Eileen, in a nail bar.
A court heard how some attackers stamped on Margaret's head and stomach while one shouted: "Go on, kick the baby out of her."
Josie’s mum, Josie Doherty, her daughter Barbara McFadyen, son Isaac McFadyen and their cousin Charlie Collins were also accused of attacking the sisters.
Kingston Crown Court heard how both families were part of the travelling community and involved in a long-standing feud.
All five denied violent disorder.
Now, Josie shares life updates on social media, and is in a relationship according to her Facebook page, and has six children.
Joan Furey & Patrick Ward
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Whilst Josie was the first bride on the show, Joan’s wedding was arguably the most memorable.
In 2009, she arrived at the church in a Cinderella-style carriage donning a dress with a whalebone corset, seven layers of net skirts sprinkled with hundreds of heart-shaped Swarovski crystals, and a 20ft train, to marry 22-year-old Irish traveller and part-time labourer, Patrick Ward.
Joan vowed to never divorce her groom, but one year later, Joan and Patrick split when she was eight months pregnant.
According to Joan, Patrick was “controlling and jealous”.
Looking back, Joan in 2012 that “the wedding should not have gone ahead” and admitted she “didn’t love Patrick”.
She said she “had doubts during the six months of our engagement”, which she claims was “evident on the show”.
“I thought I loved him, but…I just convinced myself because he loved me so obsessively and had pursued me so persistently. I thought anyone who loves you that much has to be worth a chance, but he was not the nice boy I thought he was. He turned into something else, something nasty, jealous and controlling.”
A closer look at gypsy traditions
HERE we take a look at some of the traditions many gypsies follow...
Family-Centric Living: The family is the cornerstone of Romani life, with extended families often living close to one another. Elders are highly respected and play a crucial role in decision-making and maintaining cultural traditions.
Nomadic Heritage: Many Gypsy communities maintain a semi-nomadic lifestyle, moving seasonally to find work or attend cultural gatherings. This tradition is deeply rooted in their history and identity.
Distinctive Décor: Romani homes, whether they are caravans or fixed abodes, are often brightly decorated with vibrant colours and intricate patterns. These decorations reflect their rich cultural heritage and love for beauty.
Communal Gatherings: Social gatherings are a significant part of Gypsy life. Celebrations, such as weddings and religious festivals, are grand affairs involving music, dance, and feasting, often stretching over several days.
Spiritual Practices: Many Gypsy families incorporate a blend of Christian beliefs and traditional spiritual practices. Homes may feature religious icons and amulets believed to offer protection and bring good fortune.
Craftsmanship and Artistry: Romani people are renowned for their craftsmanship, particularly in metalwork, woodwork, and textiles. These skills are often passed down through generations and are a source of both pride and livelihood.
Hospitality: Hospitality is a valued tradition. Guests are treated with great respect and generosity, often being offered the best food and drink available as a sign of honour and goodwill.
Sharing Stories: Storytelling is a vital part of Romani culture, preserving history, morals, and lessons through generations. Elders often share tales that are both entertaining and educational.
As for how Joan met Patrick, they were introduced to each other at a funeral in Ireland in 2006. She said he was “persistent” and “followed [her] around all night”, which she “was flattered” by.
Joan was “wooed” by Patrick over three years, but whenever they were together, they were always chaperoned.
Then Patrick proposed to Joan over the phone, before travelling to Manchester to ask her hand in marriage in person. Joan’s father had already agreed to the proposal.
But, unbeknown to My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding viewers, Joan had called the wedding off five weeks before the day, only to be talked around by Patrick.
Joan added that if she “broke off the engagement”, it would’ve caused a “huge scandal” as “no gypsy woman ever does that”.
To add to this, the wedding preparations and planning had been filmed for weeks, and she felt that she would “not only be humiliated within [her] community but also on national television”.
After splitting up with Patrick, she believes he returned home to Ireland and got married to another young traveller bride. She also believes he is unaware that their son is named Roman.
Cheyenne Pidgeley & John McFadyen
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Cheyenne Pidgeley, was just 14 when she first appeared on the show, in a very controversial scene. The traveller, from Hersham, Surrey, was held up against a wall by 17-year-old John McFadyen, who attempted to kiss her, in a tradition that is known in the Traveller community as ‘grabbing’.
"I'm standing out here, he got a hold of me, pushed me up the road, he was trying to get a kiss off me, and it's called grabbing," Cheyenne explained on the show. "It's not nice at all, but you just have to live with it, and keep trying to get him off you. That's about it, that's all you can do."
The courting technique shocked viewers, but the couple dated for a few months and then Cheyenne accepted John's proposal.
In March 2012, the pair got married in St Peter's Church in Hersham.
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Cheyenne was dressed in an extravagant white lace and crystal dress so wide that she struggled to squeeze through the front door of her family bungalow.
As with all traveller weddings, guests dressed to the nines, with one spotted decorating her electronic ankle tag with pink plastic gemstones.
Despite the wedding being a happy occasion for the whole community, Cheyenne’s mother, who had died of cancer a few months prior, was sorely missed. The couple honoured her by putting her photograph on the front of the Order of Service for the ceremony.
In 2018, Cheyenne and John’s relationship was put to the test when John, then 24, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for conspiracy to rob, after he and his brother, Isaac, threatened to take a toddler from his mother in a bungled robbery.
As for where the couple are now, judging by Cheyenne’s social media accounts, the couple are still together, and they have three daughters and a son. They also appear to live in a house, rather than a traditional trailer on a caravan park.
Sam Norton & Pat Lee
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17-year-old Sam, a non-traveller, married 20-year-old Pat in 2011, and fans of the show will remember her for her 20-stone pink dress which was covered in butterflies and fairy lights, which were illuminated for her first dance.
Sam had known Pat since childhood and described him as her “best mate” growing up. But despite this, Pat faced criticism for not choosing a girl from the traveller community to marry.
To marry Pat, Sam had to give up the life she was familiar with, and immerse herself in the traveller culture.
During an interview with The Mirror, Sam spoke about her new life in a caravan: “I enjoy it more than I did being in a house.”
She referenced the community and how if you’re unwell, somebody comes and “sees if you’re all right” and will help with cooking and cleaning.
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“If you were in a house, your neighbours wouldn't come in and do that for you, would they? Here they will shop and take care of you – just like your mum would,” she added.
Sam quit her job when she married Pat and became a homemaker, cleaning the floors of their home up to seven times a day to ensure they’re spotless.
She also explained the respect she’s gained being a married woman.
“[The lads] don’t come into trailers. If some of the lads come to speak to Pat, they will stand in the doorway, even if they chat for a long time they won't come in.
“Even nights out to the pub are different, adding that the men and women will often drink in different boozers and sit separately if they are in the same one.”
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Shortly after marrying on the TV show, the pair became minor celebs, making their red-carpet debut at the BAFTA TV Awards nominee's party, where they announced they were expecting their first child.
Sam revealed she had already been in contact with Thelma - who designed her wedding dress - about making a christening outfit for the baby.
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