The release of Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash’s new reality TV show is almost here, and fans are excitedly counting down the final few hours. But, we’re told, Stacey’s feeling more jitters than joy as she’s terrified cancel culture could be coming for her.
Stacey & Joe – which will air on 1 April – will give viewers an insight into the couple’s life at Pickle Cottage. Alongside Stacey, 35, and Joe, 43, the BBC series will feature their blended brood of Rex, five, Rose, three, and Belle, two, as well as Stacey’s sons Zachary, 17, and Leighton, 12, from previous relationships. Joe is also dad to son Harry, 17, who doesn’t appear on camera.
And after seeing Meghan Markle’s recent Netflix show With Love, Meghan garner its fair share of hate, it’s only made the Sort Your Life Out star even more anxious as she gears up for her own debut next week. An insider says, ‘Stacey has been a bag of nerves in the run up to Stacey & Joe being released. To make matters worse, it’s come at a time when the public seem more triggered by celebrity lifestyle shows than ever before. Stacey has seen the hate that Meghan got, and it’s made her terrified. She doesn’t want to be made fun of or look like a fool.
‘Stacey admits she gets nervous, but this show is unlike anything she’s ever done before. She’s allowed cameras to film pretty much all day, and like every family, there were some ups and downs. Stacey feels like perhaps she was a little too vulnerable at times, and she’s told pals that she’s sweating buckets over what people will say.’
When the highly-anticipated show was first announced, Stacey described it as being a step into the unknown for their family. She said, ‘2024 was the year me and Joe pushed ourselves out of our comfort zones. We took on different projects and tried new things. It’s been so amazing and nerve-wracking at the same time… And we just want to keep doing that in 2025, starting with Stacey & Joe.’
It’s understandable that Stacey is feeling vulnerable, as there’s already been hints of some less-than-perfect moments. Back in November, Stacey and Joe – who tied the knot in 2022 – were pictured having what appeared to be a tense exchange in the street. Pictures of the reported row, which took place during filming, showed Joe storming off and a tearful Stacey being consoled by a member of the production team. Our source explains, ‘Stacey’s the first to admit there have been some testing times throughout filming, and it wasn’t all easy. It’s frustrating having a whole camera crew in your house, and it takes up a lot of energy. There’s also the pressure to be “on” for the cameras, and Stacey knows that she can’t always be 100%.
‘She’s trying to remember all the things she did during filming, and has been wondering if she said anything that could get her cancelled. After seeing what happened with Meghan, Stacey feels as though the public are already sharpening their pitchforks for her to slip up.’
It wouldn’t be the first time the star has faced criticism. Last August, the presenter-turned-influencer was slammed by fans for jetting off to Turkey for a £30k family holiday, using social media to save money on the five-star hotel. Addressing the hate, Stacey hit back, ‘If me sharing our holiday doesn’t make you feel good, then unfollow or just mute me.’
But while Stacey is preparing for more potential backlash, we’re told former EastEnders actor Joe is thinking about the future, and whether this show could further boost the already booming Solomon-Swash brand. Our insider reveals, ‘Stacey has winced at a few things she’s said, thinking it will probably get her some backlash online, but Joe has told her to let it all go. He’s trying to get her to see the positive side of it all and accept that it could be a huge hit.
‘Stacey has read far too many negative comments in the past to be so optimistic. She’s seen firsthand that people will be mad at you for anything if you’re in the public eye, and she’s just wondering what viewers are going to pick apart on this show.’