Reality television personalities Judy and Roxy Wilson, who captivated audiences with their secret mother-daughter relationship on the BBC series The Traitors, have stepped forward as vocal advocates for proposed government reforms to the fostering system in England. The duo's heartfelt endorsement comes as new legislative plans aim to modernise eligibility criteria, potentially opening thousands more homes to vulnerable children.
Proposed Reforms Seek to Widen Foster Carer Pool
The government's initiative focuses on removing traditional barriers that have historically prevented many capable individuals from becoming foster parents. Under the proposed changes, single people, unmarried couples, those living in rented accommodation, and individuals working full-time would all become eligible to apply as foster carers. This significant policy shift aims to address critical shortages in the care system by creating an ambitious target of 10,000 additional foster care places by the 2029/30 financial year.
A Personal Connection to the Cause
For Judy, 60, and Roxy, 32, this issue resonates on a profoundly personal level. During their time on The Traitors, viewers discovered that Roxy is Judy's adopted daughter – a fact carefully concealed from their fellow contestants throughout the competition. Their unique family story began when Judy, already a mother to three sons, temporarily took in four-year-old Roxy while she was in foster care.
"She came for a week or so and she got flu," Judy recalled during an emotional interview on ITV's Good Morning Britain. "Basically [her foster family] said there's no point in bringing her back. And she never left." The Doncaster-based child liaison officer described the immediate bond that formed: "As soon as I saw Roxy, I just fell in love with her, and the boys did as well. It was just incredible, the best thing I ever did."
From Temporary Placement to Forever Family
Roxy, now a recruiter living in Amsterdam, remembers the pivotal moment that changed her life forever. She overheard Judy's phone conversation with her foster carer, during which Judy firmly stated "don't bring her back." At the time, Roxy noted that "it wasn't out the ordinary to not go back somewhere at that point" in her young life, but this transition proved different.
"It went from being like, 'oh my goodness, I'm not going back', to 'I'm here, I'm staying'," Roxy explained. "I have been the luckiest person and blessed, absolutely couldn't ask for anything better in my life." She praised Judy for "snapping into action" and providing the stable, loving home she desperately needed.
Advocacy Born from Experience
Judy believes that many potential foster carers are deterred by misconceptions about the process and available support. "Sometimes, there's not much support out there," she acknowledged. "That's why we're saying this today. We have children that come from all different walks of life, and we need them to be in a normal, stable life."
Her advice to those considering fostering is unequivocal: "I would just say do it, because... it's the most rewarding thing ever." Judy described adopting Roxy as "the best thing I ever did" and emphasised that fostering a child brings unparalleled fulfilment.
Traitors Connection Adds Public Platform
During their time on the popular reality series, Roxy had mentioned being adopted by an "amazing woman," but carefully avoided revealing Judy's identity as her mother to fellow contestants. Judy became the first participant voted off the show, while Roxy demonstrated impressive strategic gameplay, surviving until the penultimate episode before being eliminated by the winning 'traitors'.
The programme's massive audience has now given the pair a substantial platform to champion their cause. Their advocacy comes at a particularly meaningful time for Roxy, who last month announced her pregnancy with her first child. She expressed her hope to "be a great mum myself, and look after my daughter the way that I've been brought up" – a testament to the positive cycle that quality foster care and adoption can create.
The Wilson family's powerful story, combined with their newfound celebrity status, provides compelling human testimony as the government seeks to implement these crucial reforms to England's foster care system. Their endorsement highlights how personal experience can drive meaningful social change and inspire others to consider opening their homes to children in need.
