Sleeping separately, embracing jealousy… why Stacey Solomon’s marriage is so strong & an issue that could cause conflict
STACEY Solomon and Joe Swash are adored by their many fans and there’s never a dull moment down at Pickle Cottage, the place they call home.
From moving in ducklings to days spent by the pool and Joe dressing up as a rabbit to chase the kids around the garden, they live an enviably fun and jam-packed life – which Stacey keeps a constant record of on her Instagram page.
However, their relationship is far from conventional, with the pair revealing how they no longer share a bed, after just two years of marriage.
And their crazy work schedules often mean that only one of them is at home at a time.
Here, Hope Flynn, relationship expert and founder of female empowerment community Feed Me Female, takes a deep dive into the unconventional side of their relationship and reveals the signs that their marriage is stronger than ever.
‘Til bed do us part
Bed hopping when the babies come alone is something most parents can relate to – and Stacey, 34 and Joe, 42, recently revealed on an episode of Celebrity Gogglebox, that they no longer sleep in the same bed.
They made the confession whilst snuggled up on the sofa watching another couple on TV chatting in bed together.
“We used to do this, we used to have pillow talk didn’t we?” Joe said.
“We used to sleep in bed together, do you remember that?” Stacey replied.
“Before we had three kids in three years.”
“Oh I’ll go in Rex’s bed with the baby,” said Joe, doing an impression of the couples’ nightly chats.
“That’s what happens though innit,” Stacey shrugged.
Although sleeping separately after just two years of marriage may seem like a relationship red flag, Hope revealed that it may actually show how strong the marriage is.
Especially since the couple were so comfortable admitting in on national TV.
She says: “Stacey and Joe admitting to sleeping in separate beds because of their young kids could actually be a sign of how strong their marriage is.
“Being so open, honest and comfortable with sharing this information shows they are both practical and open about what is working best for their family.
“By prioritising good sleep and clear communication, it shows they are taking care of themselves.
“They clearly are very flexible and willing to adapt to the challenges of parenting together with three young children.”
Inside Stacey Solomon's Pickle Cottage
STACEY Solomon splashed out a massive £1.2million on Pickle Cottage - and Joe Swash didn't put in a penny.
She solely stumped up the cash for their Tudor-style Essex property, which is set in 2.5 acres and boasts an outdoor swimming pool.
The former X Factor star and Joe live there with Zachary, Leighton, Rex, Rose, and Belle.
It’s not known why Stacey went alone, as ex-EastEnders actor Joe is reportedly worth over £1million, but has also been made bankrupt twice in 2009 and 2013.
Shrewd Stacey has shown she’s a dab hand at running a wide range of successful businesses including TV, books, clothing and homeware ranges.
Her main firm Key Map Entertainments is worth just shy of £3million – and she’s also branched out into cosmetics.
The former X Factor contestant registered the company Belle & Rose Ltd, named after her youngest two daughters.
She adds: “Stacey and Joe show that it’s not about following traditional norms, pretending you live the perfect lives and have the perfect relationship.
“It’s about doing what keeps everyone in the family happy and healthy.”
Children from a past life
Both Stacey and Joe have children from previous relationships.
Stacey had her eldest son Zachary, now 16, when she was just 17 years old. Four years later, when she was 21, she gave birth to Leighton, 12.
Joe also has a teenager from a previous relationship, his son Harry, who is now 17.
Stacey’s older sons live with the couple in their £1.2million mansion along with the three children they share – Rex, five, Rose two, and Belle one.
Hope says that having children from previous relationships gives a couple valuable insights to be able to raise kids together.
She explains: “The experiences from past relationships, especially those involving kids, can teach you a lot about communication, compromise and handling parental stresses.
“Going through the journey of parenthood prior to having kids with someone new can give you a clearer sense of what you want and need this time round from your partner.
“I’m sure both Stacey and Joe have learnt from their past experiences and are focused on building a healthy family unit together. “
Pangs of jealousy
Both Stacey and Joe have been in the limelight for well over a decade.
Stacey shot to fame as a contestant on The X-Factor in 2011, whilst Joe rose to prominence playing Mickey Miller in EastEnders between 2003 and 2011.
And the couple both met during I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here in 2010, where they at first formed a great friendship, before finally getting together six years later.
Stacey previously revealed that the couple try and make sure that one of them is at home whilst the other is working, adding that she often gets jealous when Joe is at Pickle Cottage snuggling with the kids.
Sometimes, too much overlap in your professional and personal lives can lead to conflicts or make it hard to find personal space
Hope Flynn, relationship expert
Although being under constant public scrutiny can cause strain in some relationships, Hope revealed that by sharing a career, the duo are likely to be more emphatic of each other.
She says: “Having the same career as your partner can definitely help you understand each other’s career challenges, as you’ve both essentially been through very similar journeys.
“Stacey and Joe probably show more empathy towards one another as they have more understanding of the stresses being a celebrity brings and also the crazy schedules that are involved.
“The couple speak the same professional language being in the world of celeb and can relate to each other’s work issues more than couples who have differing jobs.
“However, it’s important to remember that a good relationship depends on more than just career alignment.
” Sometimes, too much overlap in your professional and personal lives can lead to conflicts or make it hard to find personal space but if Stacey and Joe can manage to find a good work-life balance I’m sure they’ll be fine.
“So, while sharing a career in the world of celeb can enhance their understanding of each other it’s just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to having a healthy relationship.”
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