Former Love Island contestant Arabella Chi has openly confessed to feeling 'scared' and has devised emergency plans to shelter her family in a storage cupboard amidst recent Iranian missile strikes. The 34-year-old reality television personality, who rose to fame on the ITV2 dating show in 2019, shared these distressing details during an appearance on Monday's episode of Good Morning Britain.
Family Safety Measures in the UAE
Arabella Chi, who relocated to the United Arab Emirates in August last year after welcoming her daughter in June, revealed the precautionary steps she has taken due to the escalating tensions in the region. She explained that the family has cleared out their storage cupboard as a potential safe haven, noting its lack of windows which could offer protection during attacks.
Emotional Interview on National Television
During her conversation with hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid, Arabella described the palpable fear she has experienced. "It's a very, very scary time out here," she stated, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the situation. She recounted a particularly terrifying incident on Saturday afternoon when missile interceptions occurred right outside her home on The Palm, describing it as "probably the most scared I have ever been in my life."
Arabella elaborated on the family's emergency protocol, saying, "They are saying stay away from windows, obviously I am near a window right now. We cleared out our storage cupboard yesterday, there are no windows there. In our storage cupboard, there isn't any windows, so if we did hear a bang, we feel like we needed to escape, that's where we would go." She added that fortunately, they have not yet had to implement this plan.
Balancing Fear with Government Assurance
Despite the frightening circumstances, Arabella expressed confidence in the local authorities, praising the UAE government's response. "I feel like we're in good hands and the government have been unbelievable so far," she remarked. However, she acknowledged the ongoing anxiety, particularly as a mother to her nine-month-old daughter. "It is scary, you want to hold your loved ones close to you," she shared, highlighting the emotional toll of the conflict.
The Love Island star is among numerous celebrities who have publicly voiced their concerns on social media following widespread retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. Her candid discussion on Good Morning Britain sheds light on the personal impact of geopolitical conflicts on individuals living in affected areas, moving beyond mere headlines to human experiences.
Arabella concluded by reiterating the mixed emotions of fear and reassurance, stating, "It's been scary, we're safe which is the main thing." Her testimony underscores the broader challenges faced by expatriates and residents in regions experiencing military escalations, blending personal vulnerability with resilience in the face of external threats.
