Former The Only Way Is Essex star Lydia Bright has revealed she and her family have been unexpectedly 'stranded' on the African island of Zanzibar, extending a lavish holiday. The 34-year-old shared the news alongside a series of sun-drenched Instagram snaps on Wednesday, including one where she showcased her toned figure in a daring cut-out swimsuit.
An Unexpected Extension to a Family Getaway
Bright was enjoying a family holiday with her four-year-old daughter Loretta Rose, her mother Debbie, Debbie's husband Dave, her influencer sister Romana, brother Freddie, and his partner Lucy Burgess. The trip, however, took an unforeseen turn when their return plans were disrupted, leaving them on the island longer than intended.
"We were meant to be home at the start of the week, but when plans change, you make new memories," Lydia wrote in her caption. She humorously referenced ongoing travel woes, adding, "assuming my airline doesn't cancel my flight again. Twice already, honestly you couldn't make our airline luck this trip."
Making the Most of 'Stranded' Luxury
Despite the change of plans, the reality TV alum appeared to be in high spirits. In one mirror selfie, she turned heads in a black strapless Melissa Odabash bandeau swimsuit featuring multiple cut-outs that highlighted her physique. She was also pictured wearing the same swimsuit while drawing pictures in the sand with her young daughter.
Other images showed her beaming in a chic leopard-print chiffon beach dress, posing in front of a picturesque treehouse villa. The family celebrated a "fake birthday" for Lydia ahead of her real 35th birthday next week, enjoying a barefoot day on the beach and dinner at the iconic Rock Restaurant.
"Stranded on the island but I can think of far worse places to be," she quipped, embracing the unplanned extension of her tropical retreat.
Debbie Bright's Heartfelt Reflections
The trip also featured Lydia's mother, Debbie Bright, 64, who earlier in the holiday showed off her own impressive figure in a black bikini. The former TV star, who is also a dedicated foster carer with over 200 children cared for across three decades, shared poignant reflections on their Zanzibar experience.
She described embracing the "rawness" of their stay, which included a hotel with limited water and electricity, arguing it was all part of the charm. "Why travel and not embrace every inch of it," she penned. Debbie expressed sadness at leaving the "relatively unspoilt" island, urging others to visit before overdevelopment occurs.
She concluded by highlighting the family's bonding experience, writing, "We as a family have laughed and cried, we have danced non stop... it makes you believe that dancing whatever you dance to makes you feel alive again." The unexpected delay, it seems, provided an opportunity for deeper family connection amidst the travel chaos.
