Culture clashes have never looked this chic — or sounded so sophisticated.
Following a one-year hiatus, Bravo’s “Ladies of London” returns Monday night. And unlike last year’s lackluster debut, Season 2 kicks off with a major bang — as the power struggle between American transplants Marissa Hermer and Juliet Angus takes center stage.
“Juliet doesn’t want to piggyback off Marissa anymore,” says castmate Annabelle Neilson. “I do believe it’s about the power struggle. It’s what happens when one has a bit more access than the other.”
While all of the “Ladies” have an “in” where British society is concerned, Angus’ growing friendship with born-and-bred Londoner Caroline Stanbury has irked former bestie Hermer, which hasn’t gone unnoticed by the women.
“They were close, but Juliet has found her footing in London and doesn’t need to be under Marissa’s wing,” full-time newbie Julie Montagu explains. “Marissa and Julie’s friendship is one to watch.”
Though Hermer and Angus’ relationship is definitely on the rocks, one set of BFFs whom viewers will find themselves rooting for is Neilson and Montagu. As a longtime friend of Montagu’s husband Luke — better known as the heir to the Earl of Sandwich — Neilson and the bubbly blonde grew close over time.
“She is absolutely bonkers in the most perfect kind of way,” Neilson gushes. Following her tragic horseback-riding accident which left her with a broken back in Season 1, Alexander McQueen’s lifelong pal admits that Montagu has always stayed by her side.
View video“Over the past year, me and Jules have become quite close,” Neilson discloses in Monday’s premiere episode. “When I had my accident, she was there. She didn’t just come down one time.”
Though Neilson hasn’t gotten back on a horse since the incident, her friendship has kept Montagu plenty occupied, despite the mother of four’s hectic schedule. As the wife of Viscount Hinchingbrooke, American-born model Montagu is living a real-life Cinderella story.
“We basically met through mutual friends at a work party,” Montagu shares. “I had no idea that Luke had a title.”
But the Illinois native soon learned that her future husband was nearly 400th in line to the throne after he whipped out a gold credit card on one of their first dates.
“I looked at his card and said, ‘Why does your credit card say Viss-count Hinchingbrooke,” she explains, thinking “Viscount” (his official title) is pronounced the same as “discount.”
“He then told me to never say that in front of my parents.”
Four kids later, Montagu and her noble are still going strong. And despite the royal ties, don’t expect this lady-in-waiting to hail a car service anytime soon.
“I never take taxis, let alone any form of public transportation,” Montagu dishes. “I cycle everywhere — to my yoga classes, when I drop my kids off — I’m always on my bike.”
As for Montagu’s adventure in reality TV, she admits that it’s been quite a ride.
“We are all so completely different, but this is an extraordinary group of people,” Montagu says. “With this journey, I’ve found friendships and have learned to deal with others who may not be like me. We’re a sisterhood.”
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