Former The Apprentice star and podcaster Luisa Zissman is preparing for a major life change, relocating to Dubai with her family this week, but she's made it clear she has no intention of enduring a round of sentimental farewells with friends in the UK.
No Time for Tearful Goodbyes
The 38-year-old businesswoman, currently on holiday in the Maldives before the big move, openly fumed about the social expectations to see people before she leaves. "I don't want to see anyone," she declared on her weekly podcast, LuAnna, which she co-hosts with best friend Anna Williamson.
Zissman criticised what she called an "end of year panic," where people feel compelled to meet up. "When 101 people are trying to see you socially, it's not necessary," she said. "I'm getting a lot of 'I need to see you before you go' because obviously I am moving, but I will be back quite a lot. It's not necessary because there's going to be a next year."
She emphasised her preference for a quiet life, stating her ideal evening involves "early nights, speaking to no one, and crocheting in my bed," and bluntly added she wasn't interested in last-minute drinks.
The Details of the Dubai Relocation
Luisa will be joined in the United Arab Emirates by her husband, multi-millionaire Andrew Collins, and her two youngest daughters, nine-year-old Indigo Esme and seven-year-old Clementine. In a complex move, five of her pet horses and two nannies are also making the journey.
Her eldest daughter, 15-year-old Dixie from her previous marriage to Oliver Zissman, will remain in the UK to finish her education at boarding school.
Zissman has cited the UK's "miserable" weather and crime rates as key reasons for the permanent move, praising the financial and lifestyle benefits Dubai offers. She also noted she'll be neighbours with Kate and Rio Ferdinand, who moved earlier this year.
Podcast to Continue and a 'Cutthroat' Approach to Friendships
Fans of the LuAnna podcast need not worry. Luisa has reassured listeners that the show will go on, with flights already booked to co-host in person until at least September. "I just felt like block booking," she explained, promising to build up air miles to continue the weekly recordings.
During the podcast, Luisa also described herself as "quite cutthroat with cutting people out" of her life to protect her energy. "If I think that you're negy or there's like an undercurrent. I'm like, 'Bye, see you later. Done.'"
The move was celebrated last month with a surprise Priscilla, Queen of the Desert-themed party thrown by her friends. Luisa's current UK home, a property named Champneys 2 with ten bedrooms and 2.8 acres of grounds, is being kept and is managed by a staff of 15.
