Stacey Solomon, Joe Swash, and her ex-partner Dean Cox spent a family day out at the British Grand Prix, with a source revealing that the couple have a special pact to remain friends for the sake of their children. The outing, which also included Dean's wife Nikki and Stacey's father Dave, showcased a harmonious blended family dynamic.
Day Out at Silverstone
Stacey Solomon headed to Silverstone with her husband Joe Swash to attend the British Grand Prix, but also invited her ex, Dean Cox – the father of her eldest child, Zachary – and his wife Nikki. Taking to Instagram, Stacey gave fans a glimpse of the “rare” couple’s day out, joking that Joe “feels like the third wheel” after her dad Dave joined them. She then announced two more additions: “Do you know who is really important to bring on a date day with your husband? Your last baby daddy and his wife,” she laughed, filming herself with Dean. She panned the camera across the party, saying, “Zach’s dad, Zach’s stepmum, my dad are all on this date with us.” “Gooseberry,” Joe laughed.
Source Reveals Special Pact
According to a source, Stacey made a pledge to ensure she and Dean would always maintain a friendly relationship. “She has a special pact with her ex that they will always get on and be friends for the kids,” says our source. “They put the kids first and they always have. They’re really good parents and the kids love seeing them laughing and joking. It makes it all light-hearted and they all get along.” The source added that Joe is easy-going and not jealous: “Joe is so easy-going that he doesn’t mind spending time with Stacey’s ex. He knows Stacey’s got a past and is fine about it. It’s actually made things easier for Stacey and Joe as they all have a bit of banter together and a giggle.”
Expert Opinion on Blended Families
TV psychologist Emma Kenny believes that staying on good terms with an ex is a smart move. “When it is safe, healthy and respectful, having an amicable relationship with an ex-partner – particularly when you share a child – can be incredibly positive. It shows emotional maturity and for children, this kind of dynamic can be hugely reassuring. It tells them they do not have to choose sides, they do not have to feel guilty for loving both parents and they are not responsible for managing adult tension. When parents and stepparents can be warm, civil and inclusive, it creates a much more secure emotional environment.”
Kenny also noted that keeping things amicable benefits current partners by “removing secrecy and threat.” For Joe, being able to spend time with Stacey’s ex is another positive sign: “A new partner who can comfortably be around an ex is often showing confidence in the relationship and an understanding that the child’s family network still matters. That does not mean there are no boundaries – boundaries are essential – but it does suggest trust, communication and a shared commitment to making the blended family work.”
Background on Stacey’s Family
Childhood sweethearts Stacey and Dean were 17 and 18 when they welcomed Zachary, now 18. Stacey is also mum to son Leighton, 14, with former fiancé Aaron Barham, as well as son Rex, seven, and daughters Rose, four, and Belle, three, with husband Joe. The family day out comes after a turbulent few months for Stacey, who has been forced to dismiss speculation that her marriage to Joe is on the rocks. In March, she was pictured without her wedding ring, and on Mother’s Day, she posted a family snap without Joe or her ring. In May, she dismissed the rumours, saying, “Who cares if the whole world is like, ‘Oh, they’re on the brink of divorce’? Being in the public eye I think creates certain pressures, but not on our relationship. If we know it’s not true, who cares?”
Opening up on the Sort Your Life Out Unpacked podcast, she added, “Sometimes I fancy the pants off him and can’t wait to come home to see him. Sometimes I’m like, ‘Get out of my stratosphere – stay away from me.’ I think we’re just like any other couple.” According to Emma Kenny, the pair do a great job of showing how well blended families can work: “They do not have to be built on awkwardness or rivalry. They can be built on respect, humour and emotional generosity. Ultimately, children benefit when the adults around them behave like a team, even if the romantic relationship between their parents ended years ago. A friendly co-parenting relationship can be one of the greatest gifts parents give their children.”
