Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash reveal plans to 'foster a child'
They've ruled out having another biological baby together
Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash are already proud parents to Rex, Rose and Belle, with Stacey also a mum to older sons Zachary and Leighton, and Joe a dad to his son Harry, but it sounds like the married pair are keen to expand their family in the future.
Although they've ruled out having another biological child together, former EastEnders actor Joe has confessed the couple would love to foster a child in the future.
Joe, whose mum Kiffy worked as a foster carer for 15 years, spoke on the Netmums podcast where he revealed himself and Stacey would love to foster a child when their own children are older, admitting they both want to give something back.
Speaking about their blended family, Joe said on the podcast: "As long as the house is full of love and we all love each other exactly the same. I never make a distinction between my kids and Stacey’s kids."
Check out Stacey and Joe's relationship timeline so far:
2010: 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!
January 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.
January 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."
March 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 💙😁.' sic
May 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.
August 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."
October 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" 😡 hahahahahaha 😂🍋💛.' sic However, she later added that she'd taken it as a 'pre-proposal'!
November 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.
July 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!'"
August 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 😂😂 P.S I have made sure to tell Joe to stay off of social media because of some phone eating virus 😂😂.' sic
December 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."
December 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.
October 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
February 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 💜.' sic
February 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!"
March 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. 💜' sic. Aww!
March 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!'"
March 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
May 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
May 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
May 2019: Stacey gives her Loose Women fans an update
Ironically, Stacey's baby shower was due to take place on that 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."
August 2019: Stacey shares a super-cute family portrait of the brood wearing matching pyjamas
Stacey shared a gorgeous photo of the family wearing matching pyjamas, writing, 'My matching/twinning dreams have come true. I found Matching pjs for the whole family 😬 As you can see Joe's over the moon about it 😂 This is just the beginning Swashy 👊🏼.'
August 2019: Stacey went back to work
Stacey posted about returning to work in August, writing, 'Did my first full day back at work today 😬😭 so this is an appreciation post for all of those mothers who have to leave their babies and go back to work. I felt really emotional today but the reality for me was that I was able to bring Rex with me, to a job that I absolutely love, doing something I really enjoy. I sat for a long time today just thinking about how lucky I am. And I couldn't help but spend a lot of time thinking about women with really tough jobs, ones they may not even like doing. Jobs that aren't understanding. The jobs that don't allow you the chance to continue to work and also allow you to include your child in some way. Those people who don't have understanding, companionate colleagues and bosses. Those that are doing all they can to survive and don't have a choice as to weather they "want" to go back to work or not.
'I remember having Zachary and going back to college when he was this age, then I'd be straight to the fish and chip shop after college and I'd only see him before I dropped him off in the college crèche and then when I got home about 10 after my shift. I'm so lucky that thats not the case this time around (enter 1st child mum guilt 😂) But I know that that scenario and so many others are lots of people's current reality so basically I'm in awe of you all. You're incredible. You're raising super humans and doing a great job!'
August 2019: Joe reveals he and Stacey are thinking of having another baby
Joe told new! magazine that they were "tempted" to try for a girl, "I'd really love to have another child. I'm not the one to make that decision, so it's up to Stacey. I'm quite a paternal person and I've got a big family and I love kids. We've not had a girl yet, so it's tempting. We're just going with the flow."
October 2019: Stacey praises Joe for being a good role model
Stacey's caption revealed it was the first photo she'd posted of the couple since their baby was born. She told her fans, 'Realised I haven't posted a picture of Joe and me on our own since before Rex was born 😱 I think it's a combination of loving a family picture and momentary dislike for each other 😂 All jokes aside, I take the Mickey out of him a LOT and moan at him MOST days but I bloody love this man he brings me endless hours of laughter both with and at him, he loves me so much it makes my stomach happy and he is the best father and male role model I could ever wish for. So I forced him outside with me to sit on a soggy hay bale so I could get a picture with him in front of the autumn door to show my appreciation 😂 I do love you @realjoeswashy very much 🖤.'
November 2019: Stacey and Joe spark rumours they've married in the Maldives
The couple sent fans wild with this photo in November, with many thinking they'd secretly tied the knot. Stacey wrote, '🖤 Sunsets and smiles 🖤I finally got a picture of us all 😬 had the best night with my favourite humans. Watching the sun go down, playing add on the beach, stuffing our faces and dancing to our favourite songs. Boys I love you more than you could ever know... Too the moon and stars and back again times infinity 😂🖤.'
However, Stacey quickly poured cold water on the rumours, telling her fellow Loose Women panelists, "First of all can I just clarify there's no ring," she added, before asking, "Janet, would I get married without you? Also, I wouldn't want to keep it a secret. I'd be so excited. I'd be straight on the phone to you lot. You'd all be there. We just dressed up because we wanted to - and you know how much I love a matching outfit. I choose everyone's clothes. I would never do it without my best friends."
December 2019: Joe admits he and Stacey nearly 'split' after birth of son Rex
Speaking on Stacey's Here We Go Again podcast, Joe admitted that he struggled when Stacey became overprotective of their newborn son. He said, "I did resent you. But it's weird, because in any other situation, I would have probably have gone 'we just need to take some time apart, we need to have a little separation'. That's how bad it was.
"I think because it's a baby, it makes everything acceptable. There's a real reason behind it. If it was just a normal, everyday, this is how we are feeling. Fine, I would have to think about where we were in a relationship. Because we had our baby, our family, it all becomes acceptable." Confessing she would have struggled if their roles were reversed, Stacey said, "If I had a baby and my partner didn't want me anywhere near that baby, I would have really struggled. You were amazing Joe!"
March 2020: Stacey gushes over Joe's Dancing On Ice win
Sharing an adorable snap of herself, Joe and Rex laying down on the floor, Stacey told fans, 'Honestly can't believe it... Hoe (Joe) did it 🤣 How did this happen? 🤣 Seriously though... to anyone who voted, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. He put his heart and soul into DOI and has worked so hard. It meant the world to him & to us. We are so proud of you Joe. We love you.'
May 2020: Stacey denies split rumours
After telling fans she was taking a social media break due to 'personal reasons', Stacey was then forced to deny speculation that she'd split from Joe.
December 2020: Stacey and Joe get ENGAGED
On Christmas Eve in 2020, Stacey shared this photo of herself on Instagram, revealing Joe had proposed to her during a walk with the boys. She told fans, 'To the moon and back bub. I have no words 🖤 💍', before sharing a video of the cute moment a few days later.
However, in a Celebrity Juice stint in May 2021, Joe revealed that his efforts had almost gone to waste. After he laid flowers down in the woods for Stacey ahead of the proposal, it turned out that she thought it was for a memorial! He explained on the show: "To be fair the proposal was a bit awkward as well. I thought it would be really nice so I thought I'd do it on Christmas Eve and I took her in to the forest.
"I got a lady to put a load of flowers out. And when I took her through the forest, she saw the flowers and she went, 'Aww I think someone's died over there.' Coz it was all white flowers and I went to her, 'Oh come let's have a look, pay some respects'." 😂
March 2021: Stacey and Joe move house
In March 2021, just months before their planned wedding, Stacey confirmed the pair have now bought their 'dream forever home', a lovely place called 'Pickle Cottage'.
April 2021: Joe reveals the date of the wedding
After initially keeping the wedding date under wraps with this Instagram Story post earlier in the year, Stacey's cover was blown when Joe put his foot in it on Loose Women, telling everyone the wedding date was the last Sunday in July. This would mean their nuptials are set to take place on Sunday 25th July! Eek - we can't wait to see the pictures!
June 2021: Stacey and Joe confirm they are expecting their second child
In June 2021 the happy couple delighted fans by revealing they are expecting their second child together! Sharing this cute snap with their son Rex and Stacey's older boys Zachary and Leighton, Stace wrote: 'We are growing another pickle 👶🏻 We've never felt so grateful... I have no words. We didn't think we would get the chance. We love you all to the moon and back. Lots of love From Me, Joe, Harry, Zach, Leighton, Rex, and our little pickle 🥺'. (sic)
July 2021: Stacey and Joe confirm they are expecting a baby girl
In early July, the happy couple were over the moon to learn they are expecting a baby girl! The new arrival will be Stacey's first ever girl, with the mum-of-three currently having three boys.
August 2021: Stacey confirms her due date
Stacey took to her Instagram Story on 12th August 2021 to tell her followers that she was due in eight weeks, which would make her due date in the last week of September or first week of October. However, she also noted that Rex came three weeks early - so there's no way to know!
October 2021: Stacey and Joe welcome baby girl
On her 32nd birthday in October, Stacey went into labour and gave birth to the couple's daughter at their home Pickle Cottage.
Stacey shared this adorable photo of her baby girl, writing on Instagram: '🤍 She's Here 🤍 Born at Pickle Cottage on mummy's birthday. Our little girl… Happy birthday my darling daughter… We all love you more than you could ever imagine. Your brothers, your daddy and I are so in love. Thank you for the most incredible 9 months. Now we cannot wait for the rest of our lives with you…🖤'. (sic)
The couple later revealed they've chosen to call her Rose Opal Esmè Solomon-Swash.
January 2022: Stacey Solomon reveals Joe Swash's amazing 40th birthday present
Stacey revealed an amazing man cave she had been working on to celebrate Joe Swash's 40th. The room included a pool table, along with props from MasterChef, which he took part in last year, and an Albert Square road sign EastEnders.
April 2022: Stacey finds her perfect wedding dress
Admitting the process of picking her wedding dress left her feeling very emotional, the mum-of-four shared a glimpse of a number of dresses on Instagram, revealing she will never forget the feeling of finding the perfect one.
July 2022: Stacey and Joe get married
After years of planning, Stacey and Joe finally exchanged vows in a Jewish ceremony, surrounded by their closest friends and family, including children Leighton, Zachary, Rex, Rose, and Joe's son Harry.
Stacey shared the most stunning photos from the big day.
December 2022: Stacey and Joe announce more baby news
Just days after Christmas in 2022, Stacey and Joe announced the amazing news that they are expecting their third child together! Stacey shared a cute video of the moment she told Joe she was pregnant, with the couple over the moon!
Just weeks later, Stacey announced she's expecting a baby girl!
February 2023: Stacey and Joe welcomed their third child together
Just two months after revealing she was pregnant, Stacey gave birth to a beautiful baby girl called Belle in February at home in Pickle Cottage. The new arrival is Stacey and Joe's third child together.
April 2023: Stacey and Joe take the family to Abu Dhabi
Stacey and Joe enjoyed their first holiday as a family of seven in April 2023, travelling to Abu Dhabi during the Easter break!
July 2023: Stacey and Joe celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary
On 24th July 2023, Stacey shared footage of Joe's adorable wedding vows as the couple celebrated their one-year anniversary.
Joe says in the emotional video: "Stacey, you are the love of my life. You're my soul mate, I promise to love you, to protect you, to look after you and our family and I'll never let you down. I will always have your back, even when you're wrong. I adore you. I did from the very moment I met you seven years ago in Australia, and here we are now with our kids and our family and loved ones.
"I can't believe how lucky I am to have you, I hope you feel the same about me. I love you so much Stacey."
December 2023: Stacey and Joe celebrate Christmas together with the family
Stacey shared this adorable family photo to celebrate Christmas in 2023! She wrote on Instagram: '🌲 Our Family Christmas Card 2023 🌲 Merry Christmas Everyone from the Solomon-Swash's😂… It's been a year with so many special moments. Our beautiful Belle was born, Grandma came home & so many more memories 🥹 Being able to share them all with the best instagram family anyone could wish for has made them even more special 🖤 Thank you for being there, for always being so kind & supportive. So many things have happened that couldn't have without your support too! I'll never take this community for granted & I'll always be forever grateful. I hope you have the most magical Christmas & get to spend special time with the people you love. You deserve it! To the moon & stars & back again everyone 🖤'. (sic)
July 2024: Stacey and Joe celebrate their two-year wedding anniversary
To celebrate their second wedding anniversary on 24th July 2024, Stacey set up a cosy tipi tent in the couple's garden so they could re-watch their wedding video. Sharing a video on Instagram, Stacey wrote: '👰 Our 2nd Anniversary 🤵♂️Two years ago today. Was one of the best days of our lives. We got married. In our garden, with our children & loved ones around us. Even belle was there in my tummy 🥹 Joe it's actually ridiculous how much I love you & I want to relive that feeling from our wedding every single year. I've put out all of our wedding bits that I saved from the day for an anniversary dinner in the garden. Then I put a tent up with the projector so we can get cosy & watch our wedding video and live those moments again. This is where our top table was on the day & this song was our first dance 🥹 Happy Anniversary bub. Here's to forever @joeswash 🤍'. (sic)
September 2024: Stacey and Joe reportedly land own TV show
Reports from The Mirror in early September 2024 revealed Stacey and Joe have signed a deal with BBC bosses for their very own fly-on-the-wall reality series called Escape to Pickle Cottage. Although not yet confirmed, it's understood the cameras will film the pair and their family in the 'chaos' that is their home of Pickle Cottage.
Whilst Loose Women star Stacey is a mum to 15-year-old Zachary and 10-year-old Leighton from past relationships, Joe is also a proud dad to his 15-year-old son Harry, who he shares with his ex Emma Sophocleous.
The couple welcomed their first child together in May 2019, a son called Rex, before the pair went on to welcome Rose in October 2021, and Belle in February 2023.
After enjoying a lavish family holiday together earlier this year, Stacey and Joe enjoyed a trip to Austria over the weekend to celebrate a friend's wedding, where Stacey documented being 'child free' for the day.
Sharing cute photos on Instagram, Stacey told fans: 'Mum and Dad. Out alone. In The Actual Sound Of Music House. For Our Friends Wedding. P.S I’m a little tipsy or maybe a lot. Or maybe totally gone 😂😂 I don’t look like this anymore. Send help 😂'. (sic)
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