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Lara Bingle 380x600 Being Lara Bingle. Are you still watching?

Lara

 

 

 

 

by EM RUSCIANO

Let us launch straight into episode 3 of Being Lara Bingle.

Lara rings her Mother Shazza to apologise for the unfortunate events that went down at the family dinner last week.

The week just passed had been a tough one for The Bingles. Four years since Lara’s father and Shazza’s husband, Graham passed away of liver and pancreatic cancer.

Shazza reminds Lara that her behaviour affects other people, Lara admits that she tries to laugh stressful events off and put up a brave front.

She concedes that yes, being nude in public doesn’t only affect her.

Being nude in public had a ripple (yes, I wanted to write nipple) effect on her entire family; being nude puts pressure on others, not just her. I expect Lara will be bathing/showering in a full length wetsuit from now on.

Shazza accepts Lara’s apology and suggests they go and visit Nanna Bingle together. I’m not going to lie – this prospect excited me! Then for some inexplicable reason we cut to a completely superfluous ear-candling session with Hermione (Lara’s BFF slash manager) administering the ear candle.

For one thing, I am not sure that either of these girls should be anywhere NEAR an open flame, given the amount of hair product their perfectly disheveled blonde hairdos obviously require. Also, hearing Hermione “joke” that “I’ve always wanted to set you on fire” – unsettled me a tad.

But where is Lara’s Bro, the enchanting Josh? Where indeed…

Are here he is, delicately informing Lara that her ex-fiance (Australian Cricketer Michael “Pup” Clark) is now married.

It transpired roughly like this:

“Oi, guess what I just heard on the radio? Your mate Clarky got hitched.”

Cue Lara jumping on Google to look for wedding photos.

“They’re on a horse, it looks dirty. They could have washed the horse.. Does he look happy?”

Strangely the camera then pans to a photo of Lara on a horse in the background. Perhaps to show us what a clean one looks like?

Josh: “She looks alright, she looks good”.

Lara: “JOSHUA!”

Josh: “Alright I’m outta here”.

Lara: “What? You’re just going to leave me here now”.

Josh: “I don’t care, call your friends or something”.

End Scene. [Post continues below gallery]

Lara Bingle outside the courtroom

Lara conceded that this turn of events did perhaps signal it was time for her to move on. Yep, a wedding will do that to any sort of future hope you may have for a romantic relationship with the groom.

Lara then fronts up to a Swisse vitamins launch party, where we were treated to a brief cameo by OUR DELTA! Lara admits that her eye gets twitchy when she has to talk about something stressful – I SO GET THAT! It seemed she handled the questions about Pup’s wedding with grace and dignity, her eye only noticeably twitching twice.

After the party with our Delta, there was more pouring over photos of Michael’s wedding…

I found myself screaming at the TV: “Stop it Lara, why are you torturing yourself? Whhhhhhy? Move on lady”.

But then I realised that I would totally be doing the same thing in her place.

I would have purchased every magazine available, I would have obsessively scoured the internet devouring any information available on the wedding and the woman. I may have even cut the bride’s head out and put a picture of my own in her place. What? OH DON’T YOU JUDGE LARA OR ME! YOU WOULD TOO! Right guys? Right!

There was a bit of insinuating from Lara to Hermione that Michael just wanted someone in his life – ANYONE. That perhaps he just got married because he hated being alone and wanted a traveling companion. It made Lara seem bitter and dismissive of Michael’s new bride Kyly Boldy. I chose to forgive her for this and put it down to hurt feelings.

What followed was a scintillating exchange between Hermione and Josh over breakfast vis-à-vis their secret relationship that Lara didn’t know about because it was a secret, secret. I struggled to believe that, mainly because Lara isn’t an actress and a producer had plainly asked her to pretend (after she entered the kitchen containing her Bro and Hermione) that she didn’t know her best friend and her brother had hooked up with each other, over and over and over again.

This whole kitchen act hurt my brain.

And it got EVEN worse when Hermione said: “We are like brother and sister now” while Josh was making sexy eyes at her..

Let us away to Nana Bingle’s!

Nana Bingle was lovely, as was Pop. I feel more could have come from this lunch but Nanna seemed a little nervous and Pop not really sure what was going on. They both obviously love Lara very much. Josh revealed he had had his mother immortalised on his wrist with a tattoo. It of course says: SHAZZA.

What came next surprised me – Hermione properly laying down the law. She produced an impressive pile of envelopes and bills and more or less tells Lara to pull her socks up. But in her defence, maybe no one ever showed Lara how to open an envelope. Cut to Lara in a bath while Hermione’s voice echoes off the walls in a weird flash back-sequence that I didn’t think reality TV allowed… In fact I think the time/space continuum could explode over less.

The next day Hermione and Lara go jogging together in matching outfits and Hermione totally breaks up with her as her manager over the whole bill issue. All of this simply because Lara doesn’t know how to open an envelope.

I think the lesson here is kids, if you want to keep your BFF slash manager – open your bloody letters!

Until next time.

Em. x

Em Rusciano appears on Network Ten’s ’The Project’, she also regularly hosts The Circle. You should follow her on Twitter here and take a look at her website here.

Ratings for ‘Being Lara Bingle’ last night were 98,000 down from the week before and down 241,000 from the first episode. Are you still watching ‘Being Lara Bingle’? What did you think of last night’s episode? Is your opinion of Lara changing as the series goes on?

Note: Please remember our dinner party rules and lay off the bitchy comments. Imagine Lara’s reading this post and the comments, and bear that in mind when you choose to say something. Any nasty, rude or offensive comments about Lara will be deleted. Be kind. Thanks.

Comments

Comment Guidelines : Imagine you’re at a dinner party. Different opinions are welcome but keep it respectful or the host will show you the door. We have zero tolerance for any abuse of our writers, our editorial team or other commenters. So if you’re rude, mean-spirited, snarky, aggressive, defamatory or bitchy, your comment will be deleted (so will any replies to the original comment – so don’t bother arguing with rude people, instead just hit the ‘alert moderator’ button).
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105 Comments so far

  1. Guest

    Why is everybody saying this blonde bimbo is so gorgeous? She isn’t that attractive in any way other than a boganesque wet T-shit competition. Mila Kunis is a far better example of gorgeous. Brains might enhance LaLa’s attractiveness, but sadly, she doesn’t have any.

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  2. Andrea

    Still watching! Poor Lara Bingle – so young and so immature with so much life experience she doesnt even realise she lacks. Can only feel sorry for her. What will this girl do with her life when her goreous looks fade as the inevitable ageing years take their course?

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  3. Greg

    This show fills the same void that Keeping Up With the Kardashians and The Hills do – attractive, rich, young people living lives that are meant to be more glamorous than our own. And yes, I get sucked in every time. But there is a reason why Kim Kardashian doesn’t have her own show, which is the same reason why Being Lara Bingle doesn’t quite work – Kim and Lara are too boring for reality TV. Sure, Lara is gorgeous, she gets to go to exciting parties and date Sydney’s best bachelors, but she doesn’t have the spark that this format of show needs. She’s nice, even likeable, which would be fine if she was surrounded by a family of dysfunctionals, but she isn’t. Yep, I’ll probably keep watching, but give it a week before Being Lara Bingle is bumped to 11.30 on Channel 11…

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  4. Rachel

    Great amusing post Em – but seems a little one sided – are u good friends with Lara by any chance??

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  5. Miss B

    I have watched the show and you have to admit, it is intriguing.
    I don’t think the hate for Lara is justified. People pick someone they want to despise, and everyone else gets on the bandwagon. It sucks.
    But in saying that, I am not a huge fan of Lara after watching the show.
    First, let me say that one of THE most frustrating things in the world is that whenever a female doesn’t like another female, it HAS to be jealousy! Men particularly love to blame everything on this.
    But, it is simply not the case! We can not like someone for other reasons!
    Lara is gorgeous, no doubt about that. But that is certainly not where my dislike comes from.
    My issue is that the show was marketed as a chance to get a sneak-peak into Lara’s real life, and she would show that she is a businesses woman with a real life.
    BUT. The apartment they’re in was rented for the duration of the show. Not very realistic. They go to Europe FOR THE SHOW.
    But the biggest problem I have is that Lara is not a businesswoman at all.
    She comes across as a spiteful brat who cannot take criticism.
    She hires her BFF as her manager so she can hear what she wants to hear all the time, then promptly fires her when she questions her actions.
    She doesn’t know how to pay bills. She squeals at her brother to do things for her.
    She bitches about going to Fashion Week, because it is not “her job”. Thousands of other girls would kill for your seat there, dressed in free designer clothes.
    She knowingly drives on a suspended license (she claims she was unaware of this, because she ‘thought’ it had been returned. Either way, she should be grown-up enough to make sure for herself). When the cops pull her over, she is rude and arrogant and blames everyone but herself.
    My feeling is, I would not want this girl as my friend, and I would not want her representing my brand.
    She is simply too much of a brat.

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  6. liz

    I’m loving it, but I’m hating people bagging it out 24/7 – how could you hate someone so much?

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  7. guest

    still watching, still loving it, funny as! wtg Lara :)

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  8. Amy E

    It’s PORING, not POURING. PORING. I’m so sick of seeing that mistake on this site.

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  9. emma j 2

    Oh I love it! (but then I do like to watch top model and shows like that..) I’ve only seen her in pics so its so fascinating to see her walking aound and talking. She’s so pretty! I would much prefer to watch something so lighthearted like this at the end of the day. She’s not hurting anyone.

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  10. Aaron

    Bring on more of josh I say…

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  11. mytwocents

    I’m finding the show endears her to me, I like her wide eyed naiveness although if around it all the time (i.e. Shazza) it would wear thin. The show makes me laugh and just relax for 30 mins, so for me, it works. And while I am at it, I really don’t get all the haters (nor do I get the Delta haters either!), but guess what? Without them she wouldn’t be half as well-known as what she is now so if you really dislike her and think she is such a waste of space etc perhaps stop giving her attention. Just a thought!

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  12. Allison

    If Lara really found out about Clarky’s wedding from her brother hearing it on the radio….then I am indeed a monkey’s uncle.

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  13. Barb Mc

    Missed the show but Em, your posts are so much better!

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  14. Flutterby

    It’s a shame we don’t get to see her interact with her father (as he’s passed away). I’d love to know who sheltered her to the point where she has no life skills and, despite the stress this causes, has no real desire to learn them.

    I get Hermoine’s frustration.

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  15. le guest

    The comment at the end kind of annoyed me guys. I mean, deleting any “bitchy comments…” She’s made a TV show about herself. I think that opens her up to both fans and criticism. I agree with not being offensive about her in a crude way but come on, she’s kind of got to expect that not everyone is going to like it.

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  16. katey

    Em you missed out one of the most entertaining parts of the show: when josh showed his tattoo that said ‘shazza’. classic bingle action right there!

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    • Charlotte

      What were you reading Katey?? She did!

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  17. Jules

    Seriously surprised that ANYONE watches that crap!!! Sad really

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  18. Deanne

    Watched all 3 ep’s, now have my hubby hooked (I think he is hoping for some boob shots!!)
    Love your recap’s Em – I would watch any show you did a re-cap on!!!

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  19. NicWes

    I watched it the first week, then thought “wow, there’s half an hour of my life I’m never getting back.” So, first and last time.

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  20. Kate

    No, not watching it. Please stop reporting on it like it’s actually a TV show that stands out from others. You did the same with The Voice. When does it go from an isolated discussion article on a TV show to advertising?

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    • Casey

      I think it is truly sad that so many people feel the need to put down someone they don’t personally know. I don’t know Lara, nor do the people who have made judgemental comments below; given that a reality tv show doesn’t give proper insight to who someone really is. How would you like to be judged soully on a one sided view of yourself, displayed manipulatively in the media? No one is perfect.

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      • Kate

        Um, simple, I don’t create a reality TV show about myself.

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    • Mostly

      Pointing out the obvious Kate, but just don’t read the re-caps.
      Loved it Em. And I don’t even watch the show!

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      • Kate

        I don’t watch the show and I actually didn’t read the recap. Why did I comment then? Because this is the second (maybe third?) post I’ve seen on Mamamia about this show. Why is it special? A once off discussion? Fine, but when it becomes more than that, I think it’s advertising. Why are we getting recaps for things like this show and The Voice?

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  21. Anonymous

    Lara is a spoilt brat who needs to grow up!

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  22. Anna

    watching it and I LOVE it! I thought her response to Clarke’s wedding was hilarious because it was SO what any normal girl would do.

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  23. Mary

    I am desperately waiting for Joshmione to happen!

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  24. Jill

    I think Lara Bingle is a complete waste of space. I cannot believe any TV channel would spend money on her.

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  25. jojowilks

    i just went through some of her photos-
    I just love her fuller figure- (lol , a size 10) -love it.
    She is beautiful anyway, but surprisingly more herself with a normal weight.
    I hope she might know that -at skinny weight she looks like ‘every other model’. At the moment she is unique.
    I hope her manager reads this and passes it on…..

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  26. Loulee

    Thankfully I have never had to watch an episode of the actual show but instead have enjoyed Em’s hilarious recap. Thanks Em.

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  27. Kez

    Love the show and your post Em..hilarious!

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  28. Steph

    This was the first episode I watched. Lara kinda maybe sorta annoys the crap out of me. I mean I’m 21 and I can open mail and pay bills. ITS. NOT. THAT. HARD.

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  29. Anonymous

    Bugger, after last weeks recap I wanted to watch it this week but forgot! Bugger! Must record for next week! Thanks for the recap Em, you are making me actually want to watch it just so I to laugh mre at what you write!

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    • Kez

      U can watch it online…

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  30. Laws for Clouds

    I watched this just so I could read Em’s re-cap, but in the end I just feel a bit sorry for Lara. Everyone in her family treats her like a baby, and at 24 she’s really lost. She’s got no basic life skills and no career.

    I thought I’d be jealous of her life, but I mostly just feel bad for her.

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  31. jojowilks

    I am just loving what i thought i would hate.
    Successful promotional campaign and i dont care.
    I just love watching Lara approaching her world like a normal, if not SLIGHTLY immature and naive teen…only that she isnt…
    Leave her be , and leave us all be to be the people that we are.
    And I would be more than upset watching my ex and new bride…
    oh , that’s right , i was!!!

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  32. Simone

    Will keep reading your reviews, but these shows are just beyond inane.

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  33. Diana The Huntress

    I’m really surprised to find myself endeared to her at times. I don’t think she’s a bad person, or even terribly stupid. I think she’s naive, and, yes, entitled, but seems to want to be a nice person, and has moments of surprising insight. I think most of the things which annoy people are things she’ll probably outgrow.

    I have a suspicion her family is one of those ones where the son is the alpha male golden child (bet he was the football hero at school. You can just tell.) I think her brother seems far less likeable than she does, and the mother shows obvious favouritism. It makes me really uncomfortable.

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    • katie

      I agree, I am surprised that I find the show strangely compelling.

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    • Anna

      I agree Diana The Huntress!

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  34. Jess2

    I keep watching and still can’t help but like the girl. I hate the people that say “what does she do with life”? Come on, something like 70% of women work in clerical/admin. I know which job I’d prefer.

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    • Anonymous

      and what’s wrong with clerical/admin???

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    • aura

      Someone obviously just made up a statistic to please themselves.

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  35. missfrenchie

    Was it just me, or the whole Lara being told about Michael’s wedding by her bro seem set up? He looked so awkward and stiff , like he had been directed what to say, and Couldn’t wait to get out of there once he had said his lines….

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    • Connie

      Of course!! It’s reality tv :) all set Up!

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  36. Melly

    I haven’t watched any episodes (not because I’m a “hater”. I just keep forgetting to IQ).
    Em, your reviews are HILARIOUS.

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  37. pippa

    I really hope this show doesn’t get axed because Em’s reviews make it all worthwhile. I am crying with laughter right now.

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  38. Angelina Ballerina

    I just want her to open her mail, pay her bills and stop wasting money on flashy cars and other shiney things.
    I don’t get the impression that Hermoine actually likes her very much. Is she just a hanger on’er?

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  39. Sophia

    I think this woman is in no way worthy of her own TV show. I’m not trying to be a ‘hater’ I just think this woman is a bit of a waste of air time, as she has no real talents. She’s not famous for being amusing or funny, so really, why is she entitled to this ridiculously pointless show? I think reality TV can work in some circumstances- e.g.- the Kardashians, but their show only works on the basis of having interesting family dynamics and some big personalities. This is what her show completely lacks. I tried to give her show a go, but I found it to be rather tedious and lame. Sure she’s stunning, but I feel that she’s a dime a dozen and nothing unique on TV.

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    • Lauren

      As I said to my fiance, if they filmed the 24 year old girl next door for the same amount of time they’d have just as interesting a show

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  40. carisma

    I have always been intrigued by Lara, not to mention the girl is uniquely gorgeous.

    Love the show, have watched all 3 episodes and will continue to do so, something to look forward to on Tuesday night when I’m too tired from my workday to do much else.

    The ‘haters’ can keep going on about their dislike for her but hey, you’re still giving her publicity and she’s still gaining new modelling contracts so she must be doing something right.

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  41. Mimi

    i didnt watch last nights ep – i think i prefer your versions Em! :) hehe

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  42. Lauren

    Yep, I’m still watching. I don’t know why though, nothing happens. But I’ll keep watching… such is the life of a reality tv junkie

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  43. Emily

    I haven’t watched a single episode but I am SO enjoying these break downs! hilarious!

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  44. Luc

    I just can’t care…

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  45. Caz Gibson

    I have to admit – we’re still watching it. We have a history of making docos and TV & Radio work and make an effort to see stuff at least once – well, this is 3 times, mainly because it was positioned before that “Bicycle Wars” series (lots of padding in that one) anywaay……..does anyone remember Noeline in “Sylvania Waters”?……Lara’s mum Shazza’s definitely channelling her but with a more caustic edge and playing for the cameras without any sense of what a “hatfull” she truly is……my sympathies are with Lara now – it’s no fun watching this sad, clueless girl being abused, exploited and overwhelmed by her 5 minutes of fame………her family are clearly enjoying bullying their “prize puppy” and, like religious zealots, are unashamed of their self-righteous patronisation of what they see as their “meal ticket”…….Em has once again written an insightful & entertaining piece and this time it’s exposing reasons why you should watch this dissection of why sudden fame can become ultimately a “little pill of poison”……I’m hoping Lara does take off to somewhere in the world where she’s appreciated for her own, struggling self and where she can leave all of those unpleasant “hangers-on” behind…….I think I get the drift now of why her romance with the “cricket legend” was ended – interference from the “bureaucrats & busybodies” who clearly had “other plans” for the love birds sealed their fate – for now……….Maturity is a game-changer – trouble is, (as any actor will tell you)………when you finally know how to play “Juliet” – you’re too old to play “Juliet”…………..Maybe a “Lara revisited” show is planned in 10 yrs time ?……..some of the noisy meddlers might be out of her life by then….

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  46. Lily.

    I just want her to brush her hair if she’s going to leave the house. Am I asking too much?

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    • merindakennedy

      I said the same thing last night to my housemate… someone give the poor girl (or her gay makeup/hairstylist) a hairbrush!!

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    • MrsK

      Amen

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  47. KTK

    Just a couple of observations from last night. firstly they are a family of really flash cars ( her Benz and Sharon’s Audi) and secondly how about the gorgeous outfits on Shazza’s Bridesmaids, I loved.

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  48. ash

    Like I said to my roommate last night while we were dedicatedly watching, if cameras caught me when I first saw my ex’s wedding photos (on facebook …) they would have caught me in a full on meltdown mode. Profanities being flung, putting down the whole situation in general. But then I guess when you go in public with your view you need to ‘be the bigger person’ and all that. It’s very, very hard seeing an ex move on at the best of times, let alone when they reach milestones like weddings and babies!

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  49. pedantic

    *Aaagh, not are.

    Love the recap btw.

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  50. Nat

    Get the feeling that will be a 1 season only show?
    LB seems sweet but immature.

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