“I Wasn’t Ready For A Relationship, But Joe Made Me Feel Young, Silly And Fun” Stacey Solomon Tells STELLAR

 

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A post shared by Stacey Solomon (@staceysolomon) on Oct 2, 2019 at 11:00am PDT

Stacey Solomon has had a busy year. Around this time last year, she launched her first collection with Penneys. In the twelve month’s that have followed, she’s moved in with her partner Joe Swash and they welcomed their first child together, Rex. And, she’s got a second Penneys collection in stores.

Stacey chats to STELLAR about her blended family and her diverse career from X Factor star to chat show panellist, and everything in between.

“It’s been just a crazy year, I can’t believe it’s only been a year,” she tells STELLAR.

“It’s felt like ten! It’s been so busy. I feel like everyone is still the same and yet totally different. So like my dynamic has changed. My kids are at very different stages in their life, like my eldest is going to secondary school and my youngest is no longer the baby brother, he’s finished being the baby after seven years. We’ve got a new little person in our lives… it’s just so different, and yet it just right because it feels like it’s always been this way.”

On the day of the interview, Stacey had baby Rex by her side, happily cooing away as she chatted. Speaking about having a newborn again, she said: “He’s getting on so well, he’s a really good baby. He only wakes a couple of times during the night which I’m trying to embrace and enjoy. But of course, I’m looking forward to when that changes… even if it’s just one night where he sleeps the whole night through!”

Stacey has two children from previous relationships and reports that they’re all getting on swimmingly.

“We’ve all adapted so well. I was worried around the middle child because he’s been the youngest for so long. But he just totally took over and decided he was going to be a really good big brother. And my eldest has been quietly in the background just being amazing. They’ve both been brilliant, I’m really really really lucky!”

The 30-year-old began dating Joe Swash in 2015, and the pair seem like a perfect match, as they’re both so bubbly and cheerful.

When chatting about the early days with Joe, she can’t help but gush.

“I was instantly attracted to Joe, he’s just one of those infectious personalities. He’s one of those people that when you’re around him you just feel good. He makes you feel young and silly and fun,” she says.

Stacey also reveals that she didn’t think she was ready to be in a relationship at the time, but then the right person came along.

“At the time I didn’t think we would be in a relationship. Because I think at the time, I didn’t want to be with anybody. Yeah, I didn’t see it becoming anything. I just knew that he was lovely. And I felt great when I was around him. But then it did build to something more. I really liked him but it took a while for me to come to terms with the fact that maybe I could be in a relationship again.”

The mum-of-three regularly shares updates on the difficulties of motherhood on Instagram. She’s regularly praised by other mums for her honestly. When asked if this was a conscious decision, she reveals: “I just felt like, initially, I was posting, because I really want to know if anyone else is thinking the same or feeling the same, because it is quite lonely.”

 

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Today is a smiley day 😬 it’s been an interesting week. But it feels like the fog is lifting and I’m coming out of the fuzz. I’m so grateful to have our baby boy with us and be surrounded by my incredible family – my biggest privilege. But it doesn’t mean it’s been all rosey and glossy. Hormone surges + really struggling to breastfeed + no sleep what so ever + engorged boobs + cracked nipples + absolutely anything as minuscule as somebody kissing my babies head = total meltdown. I’ve found myself spontaneously uncontrollably sobbing into my mums arms, at least twice every day. Then I feel guilty that I’m not “enjoying every second” like everyone tells you too because it passes by so quickly (and it does, my eldest is 11 and I feel like I just blinked and that happened). But sometimes I’m just not in control of my emotions, and I can’t feel guilty about having sad points it’s counter productive. I’m really feeling happy today which is amazing, but I’m ready to accept any sobbing or sadness that sneaks up on me at any point. If it doesn’t hallelujah, but if it does I’m no less of a mother for feeling that way. And to anyone else feeling or who has felt that way, don’t ever let those feelings make you feel that you weren’t good enough, you were and you are. Its ok not to be ok. Also I want to say thank you to the amazing NHS services that we have received over the last 7 days… Queens Hospital Romford, all of the nurses, midwives and paediatricians. Our community midwives, and the breastfeeding specialist who literally MILKED me for hours trying to bring my milk down from under my chest and armpits, and the Perinatal Parent Infant Mental Health Services in our area who have been so attentive and always there if we need them. 💙 Thinking of all of those who don’t have a support system around them. If you need someone to talk to there are people out there… please don’t hesitate to reach out. @pandas_uk @mindcharity 💙

A post shared by Stacey Solomon (@staceysolomon) on May 31, 2019 at 11:02am PDT

She adds: “Sometimes you feel like it’s just you. So when you say something, or speak out about something, it’s so comforting to hear back that loads of other people feel that same way and have been through the same thing. So, I think, first and foremost it was for that reason. But as time has gone on I think there is a combination of reasons. One, I don’t see the point in having social media for myself, personally. Unless I’m going to go on and actually take about what happens in life and give an honest account on it. And secondly, I really enjoy the community that is online. Most people are very very kind and support each other. And that’s a really lovely thing to have.”

The tv star adds that she gets as much support back from her followers as she gives them.

“The thing is, whenever anyone says thank you for speaking about that, I immediately feel like, well, thank you for commenting. You realise the boost it gives you to hear from someone who says ‘Oh that happened to me and I did this’ or ‘don’t worry, that’s normal I went through the same thing,’ It’s such a massive comfort to me to have the support. Those messages do more for me than I could ever do for anyone else.”

Between Stacey and Joe, they have four children. Joe’s son Harry is 12, Stacey’s boys Zachary and Leighton are 11 and seven, and their baby Rex was born in May. With blended families becoming more and more common, we chat about the best way to make it all go smoothly.

 

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A post shared by Stacey Solomon (@staceysolomon) on Sep 7, 2019 at 10:56am PDT

“I don’t know if there is any advice you can give. I think the only that I’ve noticed is that you never know what’s going to happen in a relationship and things could be great and then they can not be great. So you have to just not worry what anyone else thinks and just do you makes you happy. And most importantly what works for you and your children and your family overall. Fundamentally, they are the most important thing. You collective happiness is more important than what anyone thinks or than what you should be doing.”

Stacey came into the public eye in 2009, when she wowed Simon Cowell, and fans at home, with her incredible voice. ten years on, she’s expanded her career into all sorts of areas from reality TV to presenting to her collection with Primark.

So, did she ever think that audition would lead to so much?

“No! I still don’t see it happening now. I still feel like, oh my god, I can’t believe I’ve got this job and these opportunities. I genuinely pinch myself, all the time,” she admits.

“When I went for that audition on The X Factor, I’d been a couple of years in a row, and I’d been turned down so many times so I didn’t even think I’d get past that audition. But here I am 10 years later and I still can’t believe it. I’m the luckiest girl in the world. I can’t even describe to you how unrealistic this all feels.”

I remind her that it’s hard work that got her to where she is now.

“That’s so lovely of you to say, but I still feel so bloody lucky. I know so many kind people and so many talented people that don’t necessarily get the break that they deserve. And yes I do work really hard, and try and make the most of the opportunities but I just feel like I have so many people behind me, pushing for me and believing in me and giving me those opportunities if that makes sense.”

I tell her that while there may be a team of talented people around her, her bubbly personality and positive attitude goes a long way too.

“Ah stop!” she laughs. “You honestly made my day!”

You can shop Stacey’s Primark collection from October 10th in stores. Check out some of our favourite bits here.

• Stacey Solomon