Fifteen years after Jade Goody tragically passed away from cervical cancer, her widower Jack Tweed is opening up about lingering questions surrounding her estate and whether her sons, Freddy and Bobby, will benefit as she intended.
The Big Brother star left behind two young boys, then just four and five years old, and worked tirelessly in her final months to secure deals and investments for their future.
Uncertainty Over Jade’s Millions
Jade famously earned significant sums, including £700,000 for featuring her wedding in OK! magazine, but exactly how much of her fortune remains is unclear.
Jack has publicly questioned the whereabouts of several of her prized possessions, including a £200,000 ring gifted by Prince Azim of Brunei, as well as properties intended for her sons.
“I don’t know what’s happened to it at all,” Jack admits.
“There was a load of jewellery as well – someone had that – there was quite a lot of money.
One of the rings was about 200 grand or something.”
Jack also revealed that he did not involve himself in Jade’s finances while she was alive.
“At the time I didn’t want to get involved in any of that,” he explains.
“I didn’t want to believe she was actually going to pass away, so I didn’t want to even talk about it.
It wasn’t really me, it was Jade’s money, so it was nothing to do with me.”
The Estate’s History
There is no suggestion of wrongdoing with Jade’s finances, but her £3 million estate did take a hit after her death due to a £1.8 million tax bill from unpaid income tax.
Additional issues reportedly arose around her Essex beauty salon.
Funds from the trust were used for Freddy’s rehab and education, with Freddy attending a state school suited to his ADHD needs, while Bobby went to the fee-paying Bishop’s Stortford College.
Some assets, such as the Ongar home and an investment property, remain in trust for the boys, with plans to split them when they reach 25.
Yet with Freddy now preparing to become a father, questions about Jade’s finances have resurfaced.
Freddy’s Journey to Fatherhood
Freddy has faced significant challenges, including struggling with bipolar disorder, ADHD, and cannabis use from a young age.
Despite these hurdles, Jack believes becoming a father could help him mature.
“I’m pleased for him,” Jack says. “It was a surprise, but I’m hoping – along with everyone else – that it might do him the world of good.
It makes you grow up. I was younger than Freddy is now when I met Jade!”
Jack, who was just 19 when he first met Jade, hopes his guidance will help Freddy navigate parenthood responsibly.
Jack’s Relationship with Freddy and Bobby
After Jade’s death, Jack’s relationship with the boys was complicated, particularly following his own legal troubles and a temporary ban from seeing them.
Today, however, he maintains a close bond with Freddy.
“Now he doesn’t speak to [his grandmother] Jackiey, I’m probably the only one who makes him feel close to his mum,” Jack says.
“He trusts me and tends to open up to me. We speak quite a lot, we’re friendly.”
Jack’s approach is to support Freddy without pressuring him, focusing on helping him stay on the right path as he prepares for fatherhood.
Navigating Family Tensions
Jack also reflects on the challenges with the boys’ father, Jeff Brazier, and grandmother Jackiey Budden.
He acknowledges ongoing family tensions but tries to remain neutral.
“Since I’ve known them, they’ve hated each other,” Jack says. “I’m not surprised by the way things were handled.
Jackiey doesn’t care about her image as much, but I just don’t want her to feel left out and lonely.”
Freddy has recently taken a step back from seeing Jackiey, and Jack supports the decision, understanding that it may be necessary for Freddy to focus on himself and avoid negative influences.
Bobby’s Path and Spiritual Journey
Meanwhile, Bobby has been pursuing a new direction, reportedly moving to India to explore the Hare Krishna faith after relations with Freddy and Jeff became strained.
“We’re a bit more distant now,” Jack admits. “He’s focusing on Hare Krishna.
I wasn’t expecting it, but if it makes him happy and keeps him out of trouble, then good. That’s what he needs.”
Supporting Jade’s Legacy
Through all the ups and downs, Jack Tweed remains committed to honoring Jade’s intentions for her sons.
He hopes Freddy and Bobby can build happy lives and benefit from the foundation their mother worked so hard to create.
“Jade wanted her kids to have a nice life, a better upbringing than she did,” Jack reflects.
“As long as they were happy, Jade was happy. She would have done everything she possibly could to help them.”