She regularly gushes about enjoying being a homebody at her beloved Pickle Cottage. But last week, Stacey Solomon surprised fans when she opened up about a potential US move – excitedly confessing it would be “so cool” to crack America after catching the eye of Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon.
When asked in an interview if she’d move to the US, Stacey, 34, said, “Oh my God, that would be so cool, wouldn’t it? What would I do with the kids though? We’d have to all go!”
And insiders now say the singer-turned-presenter’s latest career goal has sparked a conundrum in her personal life amid fears relocating to America could put pressure on her marriage to fellow TV presenter Joe Swash, 42, who she shares three of her five children with.
A source says, “While it would be a dream come true to move to LA and become a star in the US, Stacey has her reservations about how life would change. It’s been a long-term dream of hers and the idea has been on her radar for a while, but she’s worried about Joe and her family. It’s a big decision but she’s started to realise that it’s now or never.”
Reports of a possible LA move for the mum-of-five were sparked earlier this year after she was poached by Reese’s production company, Hello Sunshine, to front their new Channel 4 DIY show Renovation Rescue.
At the time, insiders told Closer how Reese’s company was looking to syndicate some of Stacey’s shows around the world, which could turn her into a global star.
More recently, Stacey has been regretting her comments on a podcast last month, where she revealed she wanted to be a stay-at-home mum in the next five years. She said in the interview, “When [her manager] asked me my five-year goals, I was like, ‘I want to be a stay-at-home mum’. That is like my dream, my ultimate dream. I just want to be with my kids.”
And pals say that the former X Factor star is keen to chase her dreams and capitalise while she’s in demand – but she’d only consider a move to crack America it if it was right for Joe and their family.
The source adds, “Joe’s told Stacey he’s behind her whatever she decides and if an incredible opportunity does come up, they should consider it.
“With five kids, it’s not something they can just jump into, so Stacey has vowed that Joe and the children come first and, no matter how great the offer may be, she won’t do anything unless it’s 100 per cent right for all of them. She’s adamant she can’t leave the kids or Joe behind.”
Stacey – who has Zachary, 16, and Leighton, 12, from previous relationships – met Joe during I’m A Celebrity! in 2010, and began dating six years later. They married in 2022, and have Rex, five, Rose, two, and Belle, one, together.
While Stacey is now a Loose Women panellist as well as presenting her two shows, Channel 4’s Renovation Rescue and BBC’s Sort Your Life Out, former EastEnders actor Joe doesn’t have a regular acting or presenting job, with his focus being on the kids.
The source adds that Stacey also has fears over what a sky-rocketing career overseas could mean for her relationship. “Stacey’s worried about it creating a power struggle between her and Joe and is concerned it could lead to some resentment on Joe’s part if she becomes a big Hollywood star.
“Of course Joe is incredibly supportive of Stacey and is so proud of everything she’s achieved, but if they move to the US, his career will very likely be put on hold and he’d be a ‘nobody’ out there, and Stacey fears it could create issues, which is obviously the last thing she wants.”