Can Ferne McCann and Sam Faiers rebuild their friendship? Ferne publicly apologises for voice note scandal

Ferne McCann broke down in tears as she publicly apologised for the voice note scandal. Ferne who is pregnant with her second child spoke to This Morning presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on Wednesday's episode.

The TV personality said she and wanted to take the opportunity to "publicly apologise again to those affected" adding "it wasn't my finest hour, it was a difficult time of my life."

In September 2022 an anonymous Instagram account named Lady Whistledown leaked voice notes from Ferne allegedly speaking about former TOWIE (The Only Way is Essex) co-star Sam Faiers.

In the vile clips Ferne can be heard describing Sam as “ fat c*** with big thighs" and a "narcissistic b****.” 

Despite knowing each other since being kids the pair haven’t been close for many years. After both starring on popular ITV reality show TOWIE they each went on to have spin off shows about parenthood. Sam had the Mummy Diaries and later Ferne began filming First Time Mum.

This caused tension between the two mums. A source said: “Sam felt like Ferne was trying to emulate her success by launching a rival programme – and it made things awkward.”

The pair put on brave faces when they have had to socialise together. Ferne is best friends with Sam’s sister Billie so they had to spend time together at Billie’s hen do and the run-up to her wedding. 

Sam also reportedly warned Ferne not to date ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins. Arthur was sentenced to 20 years in prison after throwing acid in a club in London and injuring over 16 people. He is also the father of Ferne's daughter Sunday.

But it was the voice notes scandal that was the final nail in the coffin. Both Sam, Billie and their mum Suzie have all distanced themselves from Ferne and unfollowed her on social media. The scandal is now part of a criminal investigation and Ferne’s apology may have been too little too late.