Reality television personality Tabitha Willett has ignited a fierce public discussion about commuting etiquette after criticising fellow passengers for failing to offer her a seat on a busy London train.
A Carriage Full of Phones
The 33-year-old Made In Chelsea star, who is expecting her second child, took to Instagram on Tuesday to share her frustration. She posted a short video depicting a packed carriage, with numerous passengers seated or standing while engrossed in their phones. In her caption, Willett expressed her disappointment, writing: 'I don't want to be a moan but... On the way back from the school run and a carriage full of men on their phones and no one stood up for a pregnant woman with badge or elderly couple next to me. Do better London.'
Willett was prominently wearing her 'Baby on Board' badge, a free pin provided by Transport for London (TfL) designed to discreetly signal to other travellers that a pregnant person needs a seat. The initiative aims to reduce awkwardness and encourage offers of a seat, particularly for those who may not appear visibly pregnant but are experiencing fatigue, sickness, or other discomforts.
Clapping Back at Critics
The post quickly attracted comments, including one from a female follower who argued that 'being pregnant isn't a disability.' Willett responded with a video clarifying her stance. She explained that while she was physically capable of standing during this journey, that is not always the case for every pregnant person.
'To be honest if I was really struggling being pregnant and standing I would have gone over and asked an able body,' she said. 'But luckily I'm perfectly capable. With Ottilie however, I was pretty much on bed rest and couldn't physically stand up or take steps on my own.' She revealed that during her first pregnancy with her daughter Ottilie, now six, she was given crutches towards the end.
Her nuanced point emphasised that while pregnancy is not classified as a disability, the challenges it presents are often invisible. 'Things like that though is why I think, yes pregnancy isn't a disability but you just don't know and I don't think it hurts to ask. That's my stand point,' she concluded.
Personal Joy Amid Public Debate
The debate emerges during a happy period in Willett's personal life. She revealed in December that she is expecting her second child with her fiancé, Harry Hoare. The couple, who got engaged during a family holiday to Dubai in October 2023 after dating for ten months, recently enjoyed a lavish babymoon in Paris.
Willett shares her daughter Ottilie with her former partner, Fraser Carruthers. She has spoken fondly of her rapid connection with Hoare, noting their first date lasted three days and that she knew she would marry him shortly after. The pair plan a 'low-key small wedding' in January.
Her call for commuter kindness has resonated widely, highlighting the ongoing tension between individual responsibility and collective courtesy in the hustle of London's transport network. It serves as a reminder of the badge's purpose: a simple visual cue intended to foster a more considerate journey for all.
