Last week we reported Stacey Solomon was terrified that her reality show with husband Joe Swash had given viewers too much insight into the issues plaguing their marriage after a number of their explosive were broadcast. And while further reports suggested she was even ‘regretting’ letting cameras into Pickle Cottage altogether, it was confirmed last week that a second series is already underway.
Now a source now tells heat that Stacey is hoping that signing up for a second season could actually improve the state of their marriage.
An insider says, ‘Stacey and Joe have both made a pact to give their marriage a bit of a makeover so they can come back stronger for season two of their TV series. It’s been a bittersweet experience, because while they’ve been delighted that it’s been a success, it has also forced them to have some difficult conversations. But they’re determined to keep going and have said they’ll keep sharing as much as they’re comfortable with for as long as fans want to see it.’
The BBC show, Stacey & Joe, pulled in over four million viewers for its first episode, but it’s had its fair share of negative reviews, from critics and fans, particularly towards Joe, 43. The first episode of the series saw him return home from a fishing trip five hours late, meaning Stacey, 35, had to take their young children – Rex, five, Rose, three, and Belle, two – to a work meeting, while another saw them arguing over him allowing the kids to eat baked beans on the sofa.
And it all seemed to come to a head when Stacey – who is also mum to sons Zachary, 17, and Leighton, 12, from previous relationships – and Joe, who is also dad to son Harry, 17, clashed during a couples’ therapy session, with Joe admitting he feels like ‘a huge problem in Stacey’s perfect life’.
Our source says, 'Stacey is trying to draw some positives from all the negative feedback. It's essentially held up a large mirror to her marriage and she can see where there needs to be some improvement. Even Joe can see that he’s let himself down by putting all the pressure on Stacey to make the big family decisions for the family when she's already under a ton of stress.’
The insider continues, ‘The couples’ counselling has been helpful and they've been making a lot of progress. They’re totally committed to one another and, if anything, they're hoping that by sharing so much on camera, they can hold themselves more accountable in making sure they're both pulling their weight in their relationship.’
And while Stacey has been left feeling down by the negative reaction, we’re told she’s excited to see how she can use another series to change the public perception of her marriage. Our source says, ‘Stacey wants to challenge Joe to take on more when it comes to running Pickle Cottage and the kids. She doesn’t put all the blame on Joe for their issues, and thinks a lot of it is her being too much of a perfectionist and a control freak. She needs to let go of the reins a bit and let Joe pick up the slack.’
But it’s not all doom and gloom. We’re told, ‘There has also been plenty of positive responses, praising them for being authentic. Stacey is pushing herself to ensure that remains the case and wants to show fans how you can make changes to improve your marriage in the hope it inspires other couples facing similar issues.’
The insider adds, ‘Most marriages face setbacks and can be hard work, and Stacey’s friends are proud of her for sharing so much of her life. She feels she’s been brave in deciding to come back with a second season, despite all the scathing reviews and all the hate from the trolls. At the end of the day, none of that matters – Stacey is excited to show fans just how resilient she can be and is hoping that the show will continue for a long while yet.’