Mark-Francis Vandelli's parents told him they would never speak to him again if he took part in a reality TV show.

The eccentric 'Made In Chelsea' star explained his wealthy parents were concerned that him appearing in the E4 series could tarnish their reputation, and vowed to disassociate themselves from him if he agreed to feature in the programme.

He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "My mother told me that if I ever got involved in reality TV then that would be the end of our relationship. My father said the same. So I really wanted to just do something for myself and kind of test how far it could go.

"I don't regret anything and I'm really glad I've done the show but I don't think it's terribly chic to give away too much about your personal life.

"It goes without saying they eventually forgave me anyway. I'm their only son, I'm hard to forget."

Despite admitting he is "a million miles away" from fellow reality show 'The Only Way Is Essex', Mark-Francis accepts his eccentric personality did see him "categorised" on 'Made In Chelsea'.

Speaking at the Square Mile Magazine Masked Ball 2011 at London's Royal Courts of Justice on Friday night (25.11.11), he added: "I am from an incredibly privileged and blessed background and I wanted to do something for myself.

"I was very careful not to tarnish my parents' reputation though, which is why I refused to give away too much. I never imagined I would get involved in reality TV but I am about as far away from things like 'The Only Way Is Essex' as you could imagine.

"I will never regret it but I understand how the public requires people to be put into categories with things like this."

The 2011 Square Mile Masked Ball brought together the elite of the City and banking worlds to raise money for The Mayor's Fund for London.