Influencer's Swift Return to UK Country Estate Amid Middle East Turmoil
Former Apprentice contestant Luisa Zissman has made a sudden return to her sprawling £8million Hertfordshire mansion, just months after relocating her family to Dubai in search of greater safety and tax benefits. The move comes despite her repeated assurances to hundreds of thousands of social media followers that the United Arab Emirates remained "the safest country in the world" even as Iranian missiles and suicide drones targeted the region.
From Dubai Basement to Countryside Palace
The 38-year-old entrepreneur and influencer has swapped the "bunker" basement of her UAE residence for the ten-bedroom Grade II-listed manor house set within 2.8 acres of Hertfordshire countryside. Zissman insists her return to Britain was pre-planned for work commitments and unrelated to the escalating conflict that has seen six fatalities and over 120 injuries from twelve days of Iranian attacks.
"I was due back for work anyway so I came back with the kids," Zissman explained, referring to her daughters Indigo, nine, and Clementine, seven, who accompanied her. Her eldest daughter Dixie, fifteen, remained in Britain attending boarding school throughout the family's Dubai relocation.
Dubai Defense Amid Missile Barrage
Throughout the conflict, Zissman maintained steadfast online support for the UAE government, even as explosions echoed across Dubai and a drone strike forced the temporary closure of Dubai International Airport. In social media posts, she described preparing her basement for emergencies while expressing "faith" in the country's defense systems.
"Everything is largely fine. When you're here it's fine," she assured followers, later adding: "Last night was quite noisy but it's kind of fine still here at the moment. It's just not knowing what's gonna happen next or when it's going to end."
Contrasting Narratives of Departure
By Monday, Zissman had traveled overland to neighboring Oman before flying to Britain. Upon arrival, she mocked British holidaymakers fleeing the conflict zone, suggesting on social media they were acting as if "they just come back from the frontlines." This contrasted with chaotic scenes described by travelers facing canceled flights and UK government-chartered rescue planes.
Zissman's return places her back at the palatial estate she shares with Irish millionaire husband Andrew Collins, where staff including gardeners, housekeepers and nannies are accommodated. The property features extensive gardens, expansive lawns, and an indoor swimming pool with sunken jacuzzi.
Previous Drone Controversy at Hertfordshire Estate
Ironically, the Hertfordshire manor was previously the site of a different security concern last year when Zissman confronted a YouTube "auditor" who flew a drone over the property. The dramatic confrontation saw Zissman threaten to "shoot" the drone and embark on a two-hour drive to locate the content creator's home.
This incident, which led to allegations of common assault from both parties, is believed to have contributed to Zissman's original decision to relocate to Dubai in December. The influencer later publicly named the YouTuber as Harry Holton and offered £500 for his address, claiming it would be cheaper than legal fees.
Dubai's Influencer Landscape and Restrictions
Zissman's vocal support for Dubai aligns with the experiences of many among the estimated 50,000 influencers in the emirate, attracted by tax-free status, weather, and government initiatives like Creators HQ. However, UAE laws impose severe penalties for criticizing the government or damaging the country's reputation, including fines up to £200,000, five-year prison sentences, and deportation.
Many expatriates reportedly fear that negative comments could prevent their return to Dubai, potentially explaining why some influencers maintain positive narratives despite security concerns.
Family Background and Financial Standing
Zissman divorced her first husband Oliver Zissman in 2014 after discovering infidelity, then began dating Andrew Collins who proposed with an eight-carat diamond ring. The couple married in a secret Dublin ceremony in July 2015.
Collins, listed as worth £72million in the 2020 Sunday Times Rich List, built his fortune through online businesses, an insurance company, and energy firm investments. The family announced their Dubai relocation plans last year, citing warmer weather and greater personal safety, with plans to transport five of Zissman's horses to the UAE.
"Very sad have always loved the UK but looking forward to not being cold & being able to walk alone at night safely," Zissman told followers in December, highlighting the safety concerns that initially motivated the move.
Current UK Activities and Social Contrasts
Since returning, Zissman has posted Instagram photos enjoying margaritas with friends including Carrie Johnson, captioning: "Ok, being in the UK isn't so bad when I'm with my best girls." She has contrasted Dubai with central London, expressing paranoia about phone theft in the capital.
Declaring herself in her "refugee era" after being "displaced from my home," Zissman continues recording episodes of her popular LuAnna podcast from Britain while maintaining that her Dubai return is imminent once flight disruptions ease.
