Joe Swash is the proud patriarch of Pickle Cottage, the social-media famous Essex home where he is raising his family with wife Stacey Solomon.
And now, ahead of his panto run in Beauty And The Beast, Joe Swash, 42, gives Closer an insight into family life with Stacey, 34, which sounds busier than ever.
Between them, they are parents to Harry, 17 (from Joe’s previous relationship), Zachary, 16, Leighton, 12 (from Stacey’s previous relationships), and Rex, five, Rose, three, and 20-month-old Belle, so just how do they manage the juggle?
Everyone talks about mum guilt, do you feel dad guilt?
I definitely do. Whenever I’ve got to go away for a couple of nights, Rex will be like, ‘Where are you, when are you coming home?’ Things have been so busy, but Stacey and I are really lucky. We try to work our diaries so when one’s working, one’s at home. And if that doesn’t work – like today, it didn’t work – Stacey’s dad has the kids, or their nan will come and have them. Like they say, it takes a village to raise a child. We’ve got a nice little village going on with our family. We are really lucky.
What will Christmas be like at Pickle Cottage?
I think it’s just going to be manic – a sea of presents, wrapping paper, kids, noise and laughs. I’ll probably see if the kids want to come with me to panto on Boxing Day and give Stacey a day off.
Who is the best gift giver out of you and Stacey?
Speaking confidently, it’s me.
What did you get her last year?
We just had our wedding anniversary, and I got her some nice trainers. I genuinely get nice gifts. Stacey just gives me a list of what she wants, and I just follow it so I never get it wrong.
What did you do to celebrate your anniversary?
We had the family round and someone came and cooked dinner, which we ate in the garden. We also watched back the wedding video on a big screen – the kids loved it.
What spurred you on to do panto?
It’s the perfect time with my kids. When I accept work, it’s got to work for the family. Rex, Rose and Belle will absolutely love this, seeing Daddy on stage. The older boys will come just to take the mickey out of me!
Beauty And The Beast pantomime; written by Paul Hendy and produced by Evolution Productions, held at The Grove Theatre in Dunstable December 2024 – January 2025.