Kate Ferdinand, the 34-year-old former TOWIE star, reveals that her move to Dubai has triggered severe skin breakouts and boils, compounding her feelings of homesickness and adjustment struggles.
Skin Issues Linked to Dubai Life
Kate Ferdinand shares on the latest episode of her Blended podcast that her skin has deteriorated since relocating to Dubai in August last year. “My skin has been so bad since I’ve lived in Dubai,” she says. “I’ve had so many breakouts, I’ve normally got quite clear skin and I’ve been having boils under my neck.”
She suspects factors like the intense heat, weather, or UAE water quality—requiring filtered showers—contribute to these problems. “I don’t know if it’s the heat or the weather, I’m very insecure about it,” Kate adds.
Homesickness for UK and Family
Kate and husband Rio, 47, relocated with children Shae, 2, Cree, 5, and Rio’s daughter Tia, 14. Rio’s sons, Lorenz, 19, and Tate, 17, remain in the UK pursuing football careers.
Despite enjoying aspects of Dubai, Kate admits missing London and the UK deeply. “I feel like we’ve opened our eyes to a different world. But I love London, I love the UK,” she states. “I do feel happy in Dubai, but I’m just missing a part of me.”
Returning for Christmas highlighted her longing for home comforts, and goodbyes to visiting friends proved emotional. She misses her stepsons intensely, noting the family’s tight bond makes the separation challenging. “I miss the big boys a lot and I’m just struggling with that,” she confesses.
Positives Amid the Challenges
The family reports feeling safer in Dubai, with children thriving in an environment of outdoor freedom and diverse cultures. Kate highlights Rio’s improved presence: he handles school runs and prioritizes family time after stepping back from punditry.
“He’s been travelling a lot for the last three weeks, but the work-life balance is better,” she explains. “When he’s at home he’s at home and present.” Kate even misses England’s rain and cool air, envisioning a perfect blend of both worlds.
She emphasizes the move benefits younger children, stating, “I know this decision is right for my younger children and as a family we are settled there.” Recently, Kate has also discussed adjusting to a slower pace amid fatigue from motherhood and work.
