'We panicked when we realised viewers see everything' - Stacey Solomon on new show

Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash are well-known figures in the world of television, having captured the hearts of many viewers over the years. Their journey began when they met on the reality show I'm a Celebrity. Get Me Out of Here! in 2010. Since then, they have built a life together, officially becoming a couple in 2016 and tying the knot in 2022. Together, they are raising a lively family that includes five children: Zach, Leighton, Rex, Rose, and Belle, along with two dogs and four ducks. Recently, they have decided to share a more intimate look at their lives through a new reality series on BBC One, which allows viewers to see what life is like inside their home, affectionately known as Pickle Cottage. This series is described as a fly-on-the-wall experience, and Stacey has expressed that during the filming, she realized just how much of their lives would be visible to the audience. She admitted that this realization caused her to feel a bit panicked at first, but ultimately, she believes it is important to show their authentic selves. 'In the end, you sort of relax with that, and you think, 'Oh well, so they saw us get the hump with each other, or they saw us do something wrong',' she shared. Joe echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that they wanted to keep things real and not glamorize their everyday lives. They discussed their initial concerns about whether viewers would be interested in watching them engage in mundane activities like taking their kids to school or changing diapers. Stacey and Joe have a strong support system, relying on their family to help with childcare. Stacey mentioned, 'We've got Dave - my dad - and my sister. And I always say this, we live like a Kibbutz. We basically all chip in with each other. ' This communal approach to parenting is essential for them, as it allows them to balance their busy lives. The couple is also keen to portray the reality of their relationship, which, like any partnership, has its challenges. Joe remarked, 'We want to show that we love each other, but sometimes we kill each other. ' Stacey finds it beneficial to watch their interactions on screen, as it provides her with a fresh perspective on their relationship. Joe describes Stacey as fiercely loyal and protective, likening her to a 'mother lion' when it comes to their children. He admires her kindness and believes that there is nothing about her he would change. On the other hand, Stacey appreciates Joe's ability to connect with others and his deep sense of empathy. They both recognize that their parenting styles differ significantly. Joe tends to be more lenient and fun-loving, while Stacey often has to take on the role of the stricter parent. Joe acknowledged this dynamic, saying, 'I'm aware that Stacey takes a lot of the brunt because I let [the children] do something and she's the one that has to say, 'No, you can't do that'. ' Stacey believes that Joe's upbringing, having lost his father at a young age, influences his desire to create joyful memories for their children. They cherish the unique bond that their blended family shares, with older siblings playing with the younger ones, allowing for a sense of playfulness and responsibility. Stacey reflected on how her experience as a young mother shaped her parenting. After having Zach at 17, she learned the importance of organization and responsibility. She described herself as a 'scatty teenager' who had to quickly adapt to the demands of motherhood. Now, she sees Zach as a caring and emotionally intelligent young man, which she attributes to their shared experiences. While Stacey and Joe are not currently considering adding more children to their family, they do have dreams of expanding their animal family in the future. Stacey expressed her desire to have animals, saying, 'I would love to have animals and make our own milk and collect our own eggs and grow our own vegetables. ' Their new reality show is set to premiere on Tuesday, April 1, at 20:00 BST, and they are excited to share their journey with viewers.