Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash start marriage therapy after reality show regrets
Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash have let camera into their house to film a fly-on-the-wall series for BBC and the couple have been open with their relationship struggles
When Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash first signed up to let cameras into their house for their BBC fly-on-the-wall series, Stacey & Joe: Full House, they might not have realised; they'd be tackling the cracks in their own relationship in front of millions of viewers.
As the series continues, the couple who have been married since 2022, reveal that they are now in marriage therapy - in hopes to keep their relationship on track.
Now, a source has told OK! that Stacey and Joe perhaps downplayed what a big step it would be, inviting cameras into their home, viewing every difficult moment.
They expressed: "They underestimated how difficult it was going to be doing this reality show and having cameras around, and watching it back hasn't been the easiest thing. The pressures of all the kids and work while balancing their relationship has been hard, they won't deny that."
The source claims the couple are proud of sharing that they are having on air couple's therapy, the Mirror reports.
"They're going to therapy because they love each other and would never want to get to the point where they don't want to be together anymore," they said.
"Yes, there have been ups and downs and it's been quite a rollercoaster - but they know there's no shame in therapy and both realise it's the best thing for their relationship and to iron out their issues."
Life at Pickle Cottage is undoubtedly full on, as Stacey age 34, and Joe age 42 have their 5 children living under the roof - Stacey's two sons Zachary 16 and Leighton 12 from previous relationships and the couple's children Rex 4, Rose 2, and one-year-old Belle. The couple also have two dogs and four ducks staying at the residence.
The pair have admitted that couple's therapy has been vital within their relationship for staying connected. On the show we see them sit down for a heart-to-heart with a counsellor, as they open up about their struggles.
Stacey points out that Joe tends to take everything she says "so personally" as Joe responds: "All I am doing is trying to dedicate myself to my family and do everything I possibly can, every minute of the day."
He adds, clearly feeling misunderstood, "Then to sit here and listen to the fact that I am a huge problem – all I am hearing is that I am a huge problem in Stacey's perfect life,".
After hearing from Joe, Stacey responds by saying: "I would say this is our biggest issue in our whole relationship. I cannot say anything without you taking it so personally as an attack on you as a whole person."
In a recent interview Joe opened up about their relationship, telling The Times that: "We haven't got all the answers. Our kids throw tantrums just the same as everybody else's. We argue, but it's generally for the right reasons - because we're trying to sort out what's best for the kids and our family."
"We aren't trying to portray a glamorous lifestyle. Bringing up a family these days isn't easy and we all make mistakes. But you admit your mistake, learn from it and move on," he continued.
Joe also speaks candidly on-air about living with undiagnosed ADHD into adulthood, explaining how it impacts everything from impulse online shopping - he admits to being addicted to TikTok and Instagram gadgets - to the way he copes with stress at home.
"[It's] part of the ADHD… swings and roundabouts… so I've had to order some more medication. I always knew there was something, I mean you probably can tell by my impulsive buys," he shared.
Although this doesn't always go down well with his wife, as Stacey says: "I literally spend my life sorting people's lives out then have to come home and sort my own life out… 'cause the whole of Amazon has turned up at the door…"
A source disclosed to the Mirror that Stacey sometimes feels like Joe is like 'another child' to her. They claim: "He's often hyperactive and she has to calm him down and remind him to be authoritative in the house, too."
"It's no secret that he shops impulsively and she often feels she's having to monitor him. It can be tough for her because she's also got all the kids to deal with, and work too."
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