There is more to Georgia Toffolo than an award-winning TV show, as HOLLY EELLS discovers
Four years ago, 23-year-old, Georgia ‘Toff’ Toffolo first burst onto our screens with her debut television appearance on E4’s reality television series, Made in Chelsea.
In 2017, the Devon-born reality star was crowned ‘Queen of the Jungle’ after winning ITV’s I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here, which steered her on to become a nation’s favourite household name.
Since then, her career has soared, juggling roles as a reality TV star, ITV presenter, editorial assistant at The Lady magazine, Dermalogica ambassador and most recently, an author to her debut book, Always Smiling - The World According to Toff.
“I don’t really know how I fit everything in, but I think I function at my best when I am running around like a headless chicken!” she laughs.
Always Smiling is half memoir, half inspirational, positive guide to life and is a unique behind-the-scenes look at Toff’s life. “My book is a bumper guide to be being positive and happy. Everyone says I always have a big smile on my face and I believe I shine that attitude in my book. I do feel there is a touch of Bridget Jones style with all my past situations,” she says.
The book shares her experiences, some funny, some sad, some that make her cringe with embarrassment. So, whether it is friendships, family dramas, heartbreak and relationships, or how she coped with living her life in front of millions of viewers of Made in Chelsea, Toff reveals how she has learnt to keep a smile on her face, whatever life throws at her.
Told with her trademark honesty, humour and endless sense of fun, Always Smiling seems to be a must-have for any fan.
“Ultimately, I know that most people who want to share life advice are slightly more mature in years than I am,” she modestly explains. “Even though I am still in my early twenties, I feel I learn a new life lesson every day. However, I’m fortunate enough to have seen and experienced things that I never thought I’d get to try, and every single moment has made me wiser and even more determined to get the most out of every new adventure.”
Nevertheless, she is first to admit in Always Smiling - The World According to Toff, that she might not have the “philosophical wisdom of Proust, or the worldly, hard-won wit of Dorothy Parker, but I promise you that no-one else knows as much as I do about getting glitter out of your hair.”
With more than two-and-a-half million followers across all social media platforms, she has a lot of advice, honesty and wise words to share with her fans. She goes on to talk about her ultimate role model, Oprah Winfrey and whilst talking it is evident how humble she is about her status as a good role model to others.
“It is a great privilege, but with that comes a lot of responsibility, so that’s why I was careful with the book,” she explains. “Figures and charts are fine, but the position I am in, I do have a duty to help give advice to younger people. I want them to finish the last page and feel bloody good about themselves. To feel positive, confident and happy in their own skin.
“These particular topics are the running streams that go through your whole entire life, but you just become much more aware of them when you are growing up as a teenager.”
She continues: “It is key to remember, every single thing that happens to us has a funny side. Every day, we have the chance to smile, say yes, and make an impact on other people’s lives.”
It is evident that one of Toff’s main philosophy aspirations in life is being happy and she says going back to her family home in Torquay is a great way to get a different pace in life.
“I go through phases and it depends on my work schedule, but I do try and go back once a month if my mum and dad are in Torquay. It is such a wild difference living in London with the fast pace lifestyle compared to Devon and I especially really miss the sea.
“It is strange as I always say I have two homes. ‘Home home’ is Devon and London is just home. Still, I’m a big believer in the idea that you can have more than one home.”
Growing up in Devon, she attended Stoodley Knowle Independent School for Girls, Torquay Grammar School for Girls, The Maynard School, and Blundell’s School. She then started an LLB law degree at the University of Westminster and, as expressed in her book, she couldn’t wait to move to London, but still treasures her precious Devon memories.
“I have very fond memories of growing up in Devon, such as our beautiful beach hut on Meadfoot Beach, Torquay. We used to go to the café and I would have a chip sandwich. Delicious!
“I also have a soft spot for the Cary Arms at Babbacombe Beach. You can stay in these beautiful beach huts and you can hear the waves crashing. A great escape from the busy life – I would highly recommend.”
Always Smiling - The World According to Toff is available from quercusbooks.co.uk
