Stacey Solomon’s come a very long way since becoming a mum at the age of 17. Thanks to her talent for presenting, endorsement deals and sheer hard work, the 32 year old is one of the country’s most in-demand stars, amassing a reported £5million fortune and living in her dream home in the Essex countryside – dubbed Pickle Cottage – with fiancé Joe Swash and her four children, Zach, 13, Leighton, nine, Rex, two, and two-month-old Rose.
And while she remains as down to earth as when she first found fame on The X Factor back in 2009, Stacey is rightly proud of how far she’s come and wants to protect everything she’s achieved. So, as she prepares to marry Joe, she’s admitted they’re looking into a prenup.
When asked about signing an agreement before they get married in the grounds of Pickle Cottage next year, Stacey said, “I’ve been working a lot more than him lately and he has held down the home and the family… It’s definitely something we would discuss, but our finances are already separate.”
It may be something more usually associated with Hollywood stars, but it’s no surprise that Stacey is putting her practical head on to talk money and lawyers, despite being a self-confessed romantic – and even though it potentially could cause some drama if people don’t understand her reasons.
While she has been very savvy with her money, former EastEnders actor Joe, 39, has been declared bankrupt twice, once in 2009 and again in 2013. He has since said, “I was young, silly and irresponsible. I got into EastEnders and was irresponsible with money. I was chucking it away on stuff I didn’t need. I went out every night and had a house with a mortgage. The second time it happened, I was on TV and I felt embarrassed and wondered how I managed to get myself into the situation.”
And while Stacey adores Joe and knows he’s an amazing dad to their children, Rex and Rose, and his older son Harry, 14, as well as stepdad to Zach and Leighton, we’re told she’s just protecting herself and her children for the future. “There’s absolutely no doubt that Joe credits Stacey with saving him and helping him with his money issues,” an insider tells heat.
“Stacey has always had her head screwed on when it comes to business – she’s very clever with her money and how she invests it. She works really hard, too. Not to say that Joe isn’t a hard worker, but Stacey is no fool, and there’s no way she would let herself go under if Joe had another financial slip-up – and that’s why she prefers to keep their finances separate. She’s also discussing a prenup, because she has a considerably larger fortune than he does and she’d be stupid not to protect herself.”
CHECK OUT Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash's love story from the start
Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash relationship timeline slider with cover pic
1 of 22Swipe through to see Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash's complete relationship timeline...
2 of 222010: Stacey wins I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
When Stacey won I'm A Celeb in 2010, she was already in a relationship - but it's where she first met Joe, who was presenting the spin-off show, named I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! NOW! at the time. He'd previously won the show in 2008, and Stacey was a guest on the show the following year. The pair became good friends, and Joe later admitted he'd fancied Stacey back then, but it wasn't the right time!
3 of 22January 2016: Stacey and Joe are spotted together
The pair first sparked dating rumours when Stacey shared a snap of herself on a spa weekend saying that she felt like a 'new woman', and just days later was spotted arm-in-arm with Joe in Essex.
4 of 22January 2016: Stacey and Joe go Instagram official
Stacey went Instagram official with her new boyfriend later that month, sharing a snap of Joe with some flowers and she told the Mirror, "It's going really well... We're having fun, spending time together and getting to know each other." Joe added to OK! online, "She's lovely, she's an amazing person... I'm really lucky."
5 of 22March 2016: Joe and Stacey make their first public appearance together
The new couple made their first official public appearance together in March 2016 at the Gala Screening of 'Game of Thrones' Season 5, Episode 8. Stacey also shared a photo of the pair together on Instagram with the caption, '#happy ud83dudc99ud83dude01.' [sic]
6 of 22May 2016: Joe and Stacey go on holiday together with her sons
In May 2016, Stacey shared photos of herself with her sons on holiday in the countryside - and also posted a video of herself with Joe on a romantic row boat trip.
7 of 22August 2016: Stacey discusses having babies with Joe on Loose Women
Although they'd only officially been together for eight months, Stacey revealed that she was feeling pretty positive about the relationship, even adding that they'd discussed having babies together. Joe even said, "I think definitely babies, that's a good idea."
8 of 22October 2016: Joe and Stacey appear on Celebrity Juice and spark engagement rumours
During an appearance on Celebrity Juice together, host Keith Lemon made Joe 'propose' to Stacey - but it wasn't real! Stacey took to Insta with a snap of the pair looking awkward and the caption, 'Looking forward to @celebjuiceofficial tonight! So much fun! P.S thanks @keithlemonforreal for giving me a day of non stop phone calls from family and friends and press congratulating me on my "engagement" ud83dude21 hahahahahaha ud83dude02ud83cudf4bud83dudc9b.' [sic] However, she later added that she'd taken it as a 'pre-proposal'!
9 of 22November 2016: Stacey and Joe present the I'm A Celeb spin-off TV show together
In November 2016, it was announced that Stacey would be joining Joe to present the I'm A Celeb spin-off show, along with Vicky Pattison and Chris Ramsey.
10 of 22July 2017: Stacey is serious about marriage with Joe
In July 2017, Stacey revealed that she was quite serious about getting married to Joe in an interview with Closer. She said, "He is such a brilliant dad which sells it to me the most - he has a great moral compass and a really good heart. We are really serious about each other so we want to do things slowly. I can see myself walking down the aisle with Joe - he really is 'The One!'"
11 of 22August 2017: Stacey accidentally goes wedding dress shopping
Whilst shopping for something to wear to an event, Stacey accidentally stumbled across some wedding dresses, and uploaded a video of herself trying one on with the caption, 'When you go to @suzanneneville to try on dresses for an event but you get carried away and start trying on wedding dresses... I AM NOT GETTING MARRIED, I haven't been proposed to, we aren't even thinking about it (well maybe I am a little bit, or a lot, or all day every day) so don't get carried away! I just couldn't resist. 'I say we should be aloud to wear these dresses for any event or casual brunches or just around the house! Oh my goodness I nearly cried when I had to take it off. So if anyone's ever feeling blue get yourself a little try on session it's literally made my day! Hahaha ud83dude02ud83dude02 P.S I have made sure to tell Joe to stay off of social media because of some phone eating virus ud83dude02ud83dude02.' [sic]
12 of 22December 2017: Stacey reveals she's quite keen to get engaged
Stacey revealed on Loose Women that she was so keen to get engaged to Joe Swash that she'd even take a text proposal! She said, "I think any kind of proposal is great. I'll take a text. That's a great idea. All the pressure's gone, just send a little message."
13 of 22December 2017: The couple spend Christmas Day together
Stacey and Joe took a big step in December 2017, spending Christmas Day together for the first time. Stace shared a snap on Instagram of herself, her sons Zachary and Leighton as well as Joe on Christmas Day. N'aww.
14 of 22October 2018: Joe and Stacey move in together
Stacey revealed that she and Joe had moved in together along with her two sons in October 2018, sharing a photo on Instagram with the caption, 'HOME SWEET HOME. Finally all in and ready to start afresh together. If you're wondering what's going on here... We are eating a Chinese out of random Christmas dishes, using our hands, whilst sat on washing baskets and cardboard boxes eating off a cat basket. Nothing to see here...' [sic]
15 of 22February 2019: Stacey and Joe are expecting a baby together!
The next big milestone in this relationship came in 2019 when they announced their pregnancy! Joe first announced it by sharing a series of photos of Stacey napping with the caption, 'Have been driving myself mad thinking that she's bored senseless of me and can't stand to be awake for longer than 10 minutes of my company... So you can imagine my delight to find out that she still loves me and my company very much she's just been growing a baby. 'I can't begin to describe how happy we are to be able to share this wonderful news. We've been so blessed with 3 incredible children that we've had the privilege of raising and we are forever grateful to have the chance to become parents to another wonderful child. It's all very overwhelming and emotional and we couldn't be happier right now.' [sic]Whilst Stacey shared a photo of the baby scan, writing, 'Every time I go to write anything I sob so... what he said @realjoeswashy ud83dudc9c.' [sic]
16 of 22February 2019: Stacey and Joe open up about their pregnancy on Loose Women
Stacey said, "I'm so elated and excited. We really can't believe we've been privileged to be able to have another child. I forgot who I told and then I was like, 'Who knows this?' We felt it was important to keep it to ourselves until we felt really safe, that was first and foremost. Even when you're ready and you know it's the right time to tell people, you still think, 'Aww, I do just want it to be ours a little longer'." Joe added, "It's brilliant, I'm really chuffed – it's just nice to have the secret out. It's been quiet for so long, we're so excited," as Stacey laughed, "It's been the normal length of time," with Joe agreeing, "But we've had to kind of keep it undercover. But now we can sort of breathe a little bit and let people know." Stacey said, "Joe doesn't often get emotional so there's something really nice about everything he says," with dad-to-be Joe adding, "We feel really blessed. Really excited. I can't wait to see what our little kid's going to look like, can you?" Getting tearful, Stacey said, "I honestly don't know what to say. It's such a massive thing and I still can't believe it's happening to us. I don't really know what to say. I'm really excited," as Joe agreed, "This child is going to tie up the family. My kid and your kids are going to feel like they're part of this big family. We're going to have such a lovely family. It's amazing news and we're really happy!"
17 of 22March 2019: Joe congratulates Stacey over her new job on Celebrity Juice
After Stace landed a job on Loose Women, Joe took to Instagram to share just how proud he was of her. Sharing an adorable snap of the pair, Joe wrote, 'So proud of this one who starts her first day on Celeb Juice tonight. You're gonna smash it @staceysolomon love you bub. ud83dudc9c' [sic]. Aww!
18 of 22March 2019: Stacey reveals how Joe REALLY reacted to her pregnancy news
In an interview, Stacey revealed what Joe's initial reaction to the news she was pregnant had been. She explained, "I showed him the positive pregnancy test and he laughed, like, 'Are you joking? But I haven't seen you in ages!' So, yeah, we were both quite shocked."We were conscious that it's what we wanted, but we weren't specifically looking at a time for it to happen, so it was a really lovely surprise - he was over the moon and it was just lovely actually."Speaking out about whether she'd like to have another boy - Stacey and Joe already have three sons between them - or whether she'd like a girl, the former I'm A Celebrity! winner said that she initially thought it would be nice to have a girl before changing her mind."But then I started to worry – what if it is?" she joked. "I don't know girls! I know how to do boys. I've known boys for 11 years!" adding that the boys all want a little brother, joking that they're at at an age "where they're like, 'Eugh, girls!'"
19 of 22March 2019: Joe shares a sweet snap of Stacey's sons protecting her bump
In March, Joe shared a beautiful photo of himself on the sofa with Stacey and her two sons, who were both cuddled up close to her and her bump. He jokingly captioned the photo, 'Iv got no chance with these 2!' [sic]
20 of 22May 2019: The baby is born!
On Thursday 23rd May, Stacey and Joe welcomed a little boy into the world. Joe announced the news on Stacey's Instagram, sharing a photo of her and the baby with the most heartwarming caption.Revealing that the baby had come a little early, he wrote, 'This morning. A lot earlier than planned I watched the love of my life, bring a new life into the world. We are overwhelmed, overjoyed and apprehensive of what's to come. Mummy and baby are well and resting. 'We are so grateful for all of the love, support and positivity we've received over the last 8 months. I'm lost for words to describe how I'm feeling. So for now, I'm going to spend the next few days and the rest of my life falling more in love with these two humans. I didn't think it possible but, today I witnessed the impossible. My partner, My love, my life, you are a super human. I am forever in awe. Joe X.' [sic]
21 of 22May 2019: Joe shares a beautiful photo of himself with his newborn son
After posting on behalf of Stacey on her Instagram account, Joe then shared his own photo, posting an adorable snap of himself looking a bit teary-eyed and his kissing his boy. He wrote, 'Good morning sonxxxxx'. [sic]
22 of 22May 2019: Stacey gives her Loose Women fans an update
Ironically, Stacey's baby shower was due to take place on today's episode of Loose Women, so during the show, the ladies read out a statement from the new mum, reading, "I was so looking forward to my baby shower today. "I'm gutted I can't be there but me and baby are watching from home, which feels even more special now. Thanks so much. I love you all. The first place I'm going when I can put some normal pants on and walk properly is to the Loose Women studio."Stacey's sister Jemma also gave fans a further update, telling the Loose Women panel, "It was such a lovely birth. I was so, so, so privileged to be a part of it. It was amazing."
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Stacey has said she has to pinch herself at the life she is now leading – something she puts down to having Zach at such a young age. “I grew up in Dagenham [in East London], so I’ve never experienced countryside like this. It would have been my dream to have a treehouse, to build stuff,” she’s revealed. “I loved my childhood. I didn’t know Dagenham was a poor area, it was just home. If I hadn’t had Zachary, would I have pushed myself as hard as I’ve done over the past 13 years? I don’t know that I would. So, ultimately, that decision to have him has made my life.”
The Loose Women star is currently on maternity leave, but she’ll be returning to work in January and has said she is loving enjoying this time with the family. Joe has also been off work and Stacey says one of the reasons she fell in love him is how family minded he is.
“He’s such a good dad. I think that’s probably the most attractive thing about him,” she revealed. “I also think he’s just normal. Sometimes, it’s hard to find authenticity in relationships in this industry, because you never know where you stand and what somebody’s end goal is.”
But as happy as she is, after struggling with money herself, and her relationships with Zach and Leighton’s dads breaking down, Stacey is pragmatic. “She’s realistic,” we’re told. “They have until next summer to get things in place and so she is glad to be working on the financial aspect now. She doesn’t even know if she’ll take Joe’s last name yet, let alone join their finances. Joe has a proven track record of being bad with money, and burying his head in the sand when it’s time to pay up. Joe never paid his huge tax bill before and that is something Stacey can’t ever imagine doing.
“She’s Joe’s biggest supporter, and can see that he’s made huge changes in his life and a lot of it is down to her own values, which have rubbed off on Joe. She loves Joe more than anything – but she also knows things can change and you have to make sure you’ve got yourself covered. It’s an awkward subject, but for Stacey, it’s got to be a business decision.”
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