It’s certainly been a whirlwind year for Georgia Toffolo. Last November, she went Instagram-official with her boyfriend, BrewDog co-founder and former CEO James Watt, after they enjoyed a romantic holiday in the Maldives. Fast-forward to now and the pair have just announced their engagement.
The former Made In Chelsea star shared the exciting news with her 1.8million followers at the end of last month, saying it was ‘the best moment of my life so far’ as she showed off her dazzling £200k ring. Since being set up on a blind date by mutual friends in the summer of 2023, the couple have been head-over-heels. They moved in with each other in February, and currently split their time between London and Scotland, where James’ family are from. Toff, 30, has also taken on the role of stepmum to his two daughters, Evie and Mia, from his previous marriage to Scottish illustrator Johanna Basford.
Here, Toff chats to heat about the romantic proposal, the secret to her relationship, and why she knew the beer tycoon, 42, was a keeper from their first date…
Congratulations on the engagement, Toff! Tell us all about how James popped the question…
James proposed two days after my 30th birthday. We were on holiday with both of our families, and he did it in front of them all. There were lots of tears and celebrations that night. I guess, for some people, it might have been a strange thing to pop the question with so many people there, but it was just perfect for me because I’m very close to James’ family and it was incredibly special that mine were there, too.
Where did the engagement happen?
We were staying at the Peligoni Club in Zakynthos in Greece – it was just the most amazing place, and perfect for our family. We had a seven year old right up to a 70 year old in our group, and everyone loved it. We all did family yoga every day!
Did you always want to get married?
Yeah. I’m really traditional – I believe in marriage and dreamed of this one day – so I’m just so excited for the next chapter. When James asked me to marry him, it was honestly the best moment of my life so far.
How did you meet each other?
We were set up on a blind date. I knew his name, and my friend had told me about him, so of course I started Googling. But when I turned up on the date, it became obvious that he genuinely had no idea who I was, and actually it was really lovely because I don’t normally have that when I meet people. By the end of the evening, I was certain I’d met someone really special. We’d stayed for hours chatting, and I was desperate to see him the next day. So, we both just sort of knew right from the off that we were aligned and could create something special together.
You celebrated your one-year anniversary a few months ago. Did you buy gifts for each other?
James is quite difficult to buy for, so I’ve actually stopped doing presents. He appreciates experiences more than things. So, on the front of our wardrobe in our London flat, I plastered about 200 photos of the two of us. Looking at all these pictures, it felt like we’d been together 10 years, not a year, because of how much we’ve done. And I wrote him a poem, because we love poems! Have you formed a close bond with his kids?
I try not to talk about them, as they’re not in the public eye, but all I will say is that James arrived with two little girls, so they’ve always been part of the picture, and they have so profoundly enriched my life. I just adore them.
You turned 30 on your trip to Greece. How do you feel about entering a new decade?
It hasn’t bothered me, because James is in his forties, and it just feels like it’s time for me to get out of my twenties now. I’m right where I need to be – I’m really proud of all my successes, and I think there’s a certain feeling of calmness. If you’d asked me two years ago, before I met James, I probably wouldn’t be feeling so excited about my thirties, though.
Do you have any regrets about your last decade?
I probably drank too much and there were a few too many hangovers. Now, I haven’t touched alcohol for two years, which is funny because I’m engaged to Mr Beer. But I feel so much better for it. I’m much more productive and it’s helped my skin, too. I’ve had such an awful battle with acne and now my gut health has improved, so has my skin.
You’re quite the entrepreneur yourself – how did your pet- food brand Wild Pack come about?
My gorgeous dog Monty had a bad tummy and I spent countless hours making raw meals for him because my vet suggested it. But it really worked for him. So, I decided to start packing it and making it really easy for dog owners in the UK to feed their dogs what they should be eating. Earlier this year, I made a call to arms to other dog lovers to lobby the government to ban harmful levels of toxins in ultra-processed dog foods.
As well as your pet-food brand, you run a talent agency. Are you an ambitious person?
I’m incredibly ambitious.
And while I didn’t imagine carving out the career I have in television and showbiz, I always wanted to do well in whatever I did. James is really similar to me in that way.
Given both of you are entrepreneurs, do you share advice with each other?
Yeah, it goes on all day. This morning alone, I’ve phoned him three times about business stuff, and he’s sent me two emails and a WhatsApp with stuff he wants my thoughts on. I’m grateful that we have that, because we have friends who are both successful in their own right, but they don’t bring work home. That just wouldn’t work for me, because I’m a real worrier. Being in a relationship with one of the most successful businessmen in the country, I think I’m bloody lucky, and also very grateful by how much James relies on me, too.
You’ve written romantic novels for Mills & Boon. How do you think James would feel if he suddenly popped up in your next book?
James would love to appear. He adores a bit of publicity, does my James! But it’s lovely to be with someone who just gets it. For example, if I say too much in an interview, he doesn’t get annoyed – he finds it hilarious. I’m never in trouble with him.
Do you have any more books in the pipeline?
Yes, but I need to just sit down and start writing. I’d also like to write something that maybe doesn’t have a happy ending – that’s a bit more challenging
You won I’m A Celebrity seven years ago now. Did that change your life?
It changed the way I think about myself, because it was the best way to show the world that I was strong and capable. And from a work perspective, it opened up opportunities beyond my wildest dreams. I know that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t won the jungle.
Are you still great pals with your former campmate Stanley Johnson?
We see each other all the time – I was at his book launch in October. He and James were just chatting away. It was lovely to see two of the most important men in my life getting on so well. Stanley is hilarious. He loves James, but he always gets his company name wrong. He calls it BrewFrog.
What’s the secret to your friendship?
We have the same sense of humour. We find everything funny, even if it’s bad. We really do have this camaraderie. When we go for lunch, we never stop laughing.
Would you do any other reality shows?
I would love to do a cool but fun vehicle to talk about books and reading. Books are so cool, and I think reading is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. But in terms of traditional reality shows, I think I’m done.
What are your Christmas plans?
My whole family is coming up from Devon, and we’re spending it in Scotland with all of James’ family. But it’ll be a sad occasion, too, as we lost James’ dad over the summer. Last year, his dad was at the centre of all the family stuff because he was a really good cook and we were at his house. So, I’ve invited my family to distract from the sadness.
Will 2025 be the year you get married?
Who knows? But we don’t have any wedding plans yet. I’m quite surprised, as I’m a very impatient person, but I’m just trying to calm myself and soak up the amazingness of this moment. I feel like I’m on cloud nine.
To join the Pawtition against Big Kibble, head to change.org/p/remove-hidden-glycotoxins-from-processed-pet-food-to-improve-pet-health-welfare