Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash 'underestimated' how tough it would be to film their reality show

Wales Online

07-05-2025

Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash 'underestimated' how tough it would be to film their reality show
Stacey and Joe have been working hard to keep their marriage on track as they navigate the ups and downs of life in front of the camera - and have admitted that they've turned to marriage therapy to keep their relationship on track
Joe Swash and Stacey Solomon
(Image: BBC )
When Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash agreed to open their lives to cameras for the BBC reality series, Stacey and Joe: Full House, they may not have anticipated that one of the most significant challenges they'd face - in front of millions of viewers, would be the fissures in their own relationship.
As the series progresses, the couple, who got hitched in 2022, disclose they've sought marriage counselling to keep their relationship on track. A source told OK! that Stacey and Joe might have downplayed what a considerable step it would be, allowing cameras to capture every challenging moment.
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"They underestimated how tough 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", they revealed. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
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The source also alleges they are proud of discussing their couple's therapy on-air. "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.", reports the Mirror.
"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."
For DIY expert Stacey, 34, and former EastEnders star Joe, 42, who share five children - Zachary, 16, and Leighton, 12, from Stacey's previous relationships, and Rex, four, Rose, two, and one year old Belle together (Joe also has a teenage son Harry, 16) - not to mention their two dogs and four ducks, life at Pickle Cottage is undoubtedly chaotic.
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The couple has revealed that attending therapy sessions has been crucial in maintaining their connection with each other. In one episode, they're seen sitting down for a candid conversation with a counsellor, openly discussing the challenges they face.
Stacey notes that Joe tends to take her comments "so personally", prompting Joe to respond: "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."
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After listening to Joe's perspective, Stacey shares her thoughts candidly: "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 spoke frankly about their relationship, stating, "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."
He continued, "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."
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Joe also candidly discusses his life with undiagnosed ADHD until adulthood on-air, which he suggests influences everything from impulsive online shopping - acknowledging himself as a TikTok and Instagram gadget addict - to how he manages stress in the household.
"[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."
The situation sometimes poses a challenge for Stacey, who remarks: "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.."
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An inside source adds that occasionally Joe seems like 'another child' that Stacey has to look after. "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 supervise him. It's hard on her, managing both the children and work commitments."
Fans have been captivated by the couple's new series, which offers a candid look into their life at Pickle Cottage. Stacey and Joe were adamant from the outset that they didn't want to gloss over their relationship or pretend to have all the answers - and they've remained true to their word.
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Stacey describes them as 'just a normal family doing our best", and the show reflects this - showcasing everything from genuine reactions to school GCSE results to Stacey's occasional irritation with Joe."
In the end, you relax and think, 'Oh well, so they saw us get annoyed with each other, or they saw us make a mistake'. That's probably the best thing we could show the world, because everything isn't perfect," Stacey admits.
Admired for her straightforward approach, Stacey has previously emphasised the importance of open communication in a marriage. The Sort Your Life Out host has consistently highlighted that real life doesn't mirror the polished Instagram feeds people often see.
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Whether it's untidy kitchens, hectic school runs or discussing mum guilt, she's amassed a large following based on this authenticity. As life continues in Stacey and Joe's bustling family home, the couple are eager to demonstrate that relationships - like homes - sometimes need a bit of tidying up too. Despite the documented arguments and tears, it's clear that the pair remain as committed to each other as ever.