DfE appoints TOWIE stars as fostering ambassadors

Debbie Douglas, and her daughter Lydia Bright, who both feature in the show were asked by children's minister Edward Timpson to join existing ambassador and celebrity chef Lorraine Pascale in encouraging foster carers from a broader variety of backgrounds to step up to the task.

Debbie, 54, and her partner Dave Bright have fostered more than 250 children over the past 22 years, while also raising four biological children, including Lydia.

"Debbie is an inspiration to many, not least the hundreds of children she has taken in," Timpson said.

"I’m delighted that she and Lydia have agreed to come on board as fostering ambassadors. I know that together we can encourage more people from a wide variety of backgrounds to open their hearts and homes to children waiting to be fostered."

In the role, Debbie and Lydia will use their first-hand experience to encourage people to consider becoming foster carers, and dispel some of the myths that make some people believe they would not be suitable, such as work arrangements or relationship status.

Douglas said: "It is an honour to be asked to become a fostering ambassador, and I can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to working with the Department for Education to encourage more people to think about fostering children.

"I have such an incredible family, with so many children and young people. It hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t change it for the world."

Lydia Bright said: "I’m so honoured to be asked to be a fostering ambassador alongside my Mum. Fostering has had such a huge impact on my life – I’d love for others to experience that."