LIFE for Stacey Solomon and husband Joe Swash at Pickle Cottage was looking rosy until a fly-on-the-wall documentary saw them open up about their marriage – warts and all.
The BBC reality show didn’t hold back showing heated rows, marriage counselling and clashes over raising five kids in one house. And now a backlash at “childish” Joe for “not pulling his weight” has left the couple at breaking point, with Stacey desperate to turn things around… and we can reveal how.
It’s no secret that the pair, who married in 2022 at their stunning country cottage, have endured a strained union at times.
And they’ve been searingly honest about coming to blows in their Kardashians-style BBC1 series, Stacey & Joe.
But Joe has come under fire from fans online – and our own legendary TV critic, Ally Ross, described Stacey as “a smart, likeable, hard-headed, multi-millionaire businesswoman who, as well as being a mum of five, is also a full-time carer to Joe Swash”.
Friends also revealed that Stacey fears taking part may have been a mistake, with a source sharing: “Stacey is regretting signing up to do the show.
“She’s not used to the backlash they are getting as everything she touches normally turns to gold.”
It seems to have led to tensions now reaching an all-time high, with insiders close to the couple revealing how Joe was buckling under the pressure of filming the show, looking after all the kids and trying to keep on top of things in the house.
Discussing his ADHD diagnosis at one point in the documentary, Joe heartbreakingly admits he feels like a problem in his wife’s perfect life.
A Sun exclusive video also showed them rowing in the street during filming. Stacey was inconsolable, hugging a member of production, while Joe stormed off furiously puffing on a vape.
The couple have been together nine years and are parents to Rex, six, Rose, three, and Belle, two. Stacey is also mum to Zachary, 17, and Leighton, 12, from previous relationships.
But while they quickly became TV’s much-loved couple and Stacey went on to present wholesome shows such as Sort Your Life Out and Stacey’s Crafty Christmas, the stresses and strains of marriage have taken their toll, insiders say.
The insider told us: “Stacey has a very busy work schedule, so it is often down to Joe to make sure the kids get to school on time and food is on the table.
“Doing all that, plus having a camera crew following them around, would take its toll on anyone, so it’s no surprise that Joe felt overwhelmed.
“He’s felt unsupported at times, and questions have been raised about whether they really can go the distance.
“The backlash to the show has only highlighted the issues they are facing and has made them both take a long, hard look at what they have, desperate to stop it all crumbling down around them.”
Eyebrows were raised amongst viewers over some of Joe’s onscreen antics during the show, and on one occasion, he left Stacey furious as he arrived for a meeting five hours late, and in another scene, she was horrified when he allowed their kids to eat beans on the sofa.
Viewers also watched Stacey grow increasingly irritated by Joe’s inability to carry out basic household tasks – in one episode, he even throws bleach into the washing machine to whiten his T-shirts.
Discussing their relationship, one person commented: “He is just like an extra child.”
Joe and Stacey have clashed numerous times on their BBC TV show[/caption]
Joe and Stacey were seen looking upset during filming on day[/caption]
Stacey appeared in tears after the row with Joe[/caption]
Another person remarked: “I wouldn’t want to live with Joe Swash, he’s a nightmare but really funny…”
While a further concerned person added: “Their relationship doesn’t seem all that promising. He seems to be taking advantage of her because she’s a softie.”
Despite their apparent troubles, Stacey is said to have a three-point plan to turn things around, and she’s setting her sights high with the dreams of a big TV project for the couple.
An insider told us: “Stacey is incredibly business savvy – and she’s noticed they’re stronger together.”
Step 1 – Couples Counselling
As well as documenting the pair’s chaotic lifestyle at their beautiful Pickle Cottage home in Essex, the first series of their reality show laid bare the couple’s therapy sessions and constant clashes, while Joe also opened up about his ADHD diagnosis.
In one upsetting scene, he told their therapist: “All that I’m hearing is that I’m this huge problem in Stacey’s perfect life… I don’t hear no positive stuff about me as a person.”
But mum of six Stacey replied: “I would say this is our biggest issue in our whole relationship… that I cannot say anything without you taking it so personally, as an attack on you as a whole person.
“All I ever do… I try and do for my family. So when I hear that, that’s not what’s coming across. That’s frustrating for me.”
Now, the insider has revealed how much the counselling has helped them.
They said: “They have had their marriage struggles, like most couples, but following their counselling, they have come out the other side better than ever and full of ambition.
“Rather than moving and working apart, they’re trying to spend more time together. And it’s working for them.
“They feel in a really strong position marriage-wise.”
STEP 2 – JOINT WORK PROJECTS
Despite their past marriage frustrations, we can reveal Stacey and Joe – who famously fell in love on the set of I’m a Celebrity in 2010 – are planning to work together more, both inside and outside their home.
A source said: “Stacey and Joe are eyeing up the chance to be the next presenting power couple.”
Former EastEnders star Joe looked destined for a CV full of acting credits when cutting his teeth as Albert Square’s cheeky chappy Mickey Miller – but since being axed from the soap 17 years ago, he has largely been consigned to the doldrums of reality TV.
The couple really impressed on This Morning recently[/caption]
Stacey has been frustrated by Joe’s inability to take criticism[/caption]
Questions have been raised about whether the couple will last[/caption]
Meanwhile, Stacey has gone from strength to strength, after she pivoted from X Factor to Queen of the Jungle, then Loose Women, followed by her highly acclaimed Sort Your Life Out home and lifestyle makeover series.
So, nine years – plus four kids and a menagerie of pets – after they fell in love, can Stacey’s Midas touch help resuscitate Joe’s career?
A recent appearance on a brunch-time show, This Morning, to promote the second series of their reality series certainly boded well.
Their playful banter – in which Stacey mocked Joe for letting the kids eat beans on their cream sofa, and Joe compared the pet-heavy Pickle Cottage to “Noah’s Ark” – has apparently impressed ITV bosses, and there’s speculation they could soon become This Morning’s next presenting pair.
Insiders tell us: “This Morning editors have got their eye on them for a presenting couple. Their recent appearance on the show was a chance to see what they’ve got.”
Pickle Cottage is a hive of family activity[/caption]
Despite the tears, the couple are working hard to make things better[/caption]
STEP 3 – GOING SOLO
Away from TV, Joe is also planning to build a two-acre fishing lake, complete with glamping pods – his biggest solo venture to date.
When some minor self-doubt crept in as he discussed it on This Morning, Stacey quickly reassured him, saying: “Yes, you can. You can do it.”
She also joked it was the “most elaborate plan for a husband to get time on their own”, and quipped that the lake is “his version of a man cave”.
But we can reveal, after initial reservations, that Stacey is fully backing Joe and the project to succeed.
A source said: “Stacey might have been sceptical about the lake, but she actually really encourages him to do his own thing and thinks it’s really important for his confidence and mental health.”
Working with Stacey has also helped Joe to land another solo project.
The Sun recently revealed the former soap star is going it alone to host Joe Swash: Britain’s Young Dads, a one-off, one-hour BBC documentary showcasing other brilliant dads.
It will be yet more vital presenting experience, which the pair also received at this year’s NTAs when they presented the iconic The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award to Michael McIntyre‘s Big Show.
But they could land a big show of their own if This Morning comes calling again.
Their interview on the brunchtime show came to an end with Cat suggesting a live This Morning episode should be filmed from Joe’s fishing lake when it’s up and running next year.
A delighted Stacey shouted: “Oh, yes!” And Joe beamed: “I tell you what, I’ll give you a free weekend, get Jeff Brazier down there and you can do a live two-way, and Jeff can do a competition.”
With a bit of luck and continued hard work, Stacey and Joe might even be co-hosting that This Morning episode themselves…
Stacey Solomon’s career so far
Stacey Solomon has been a familiar face on viewers’ screens for over a decade. Let’s take a look back at her career.
The X Factor (2009): Stacey competed in series six of long-running ITV singing competition The X Factor. During her time in the show, she was mentored by Danni Minogue in the ‘Girls’ category. The star finished in third place, behind Joe McElderry and Olly Murs.
I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here (2010); In late 2010, Stacey headed to the infamous I’m A Celeb Aussie jungle. After 21 days, she triumphed to win the tenth series. It was through I’m A Celeb that she met future husband Joe Swash – who’d won two years earlier and was hosting the ITV2 spinoff.
Celebrity Juice (2011―2013, 2016―2019): The star appeared as a panellist on 21 episodes of the comedy panel game show hosted by Keith Lemon. Stacey was a regular in the 21st series, broadcast in 2019.
Loose Women (2016 – present): Stacey has been a permanent panel member of the daytime show since 2016. She previously made guest appearances in 2011 and 2012.
Sort Your Life Out (2022 -present): This BBC show sees Stacey, with the help of an expert team, transform participants’ living spaces after removing clutter.
