Wife Swap star Lizzy Bardsley has remained defiant after appearing in court yesterday over child cruelty charges.

The mother-of-eight, who has also appeared on Celebrity Fit Club and Back To Reality, is accused of showing cruelty to a boy now aged fifteen.

"I look forward to being given the opportunity to clear my name," Bardsley explained after the hearing. "I deal with whatever life throws at me, that is all I can do. But I can sleep soundly in my bed at night."

Lizzy spoke to confirm her name and address and to deny the charges against her during the brief hearing at Rochdale court. She has been granted bail and will now be tried at Bolton crown court.

Bardsley faces ten charges of assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting or abandoning the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons.