Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash 'Still Not Legally Married' After 2022 Ceremony
New reports have surfaced claiming that television personalities Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash are not legally married, despite holding a lavish ceremony at their home, Pickle Cottage, over three years ago in 2022. The former X Factor contestant, now 36, and the ex-EastEnders star, 44, are said to have undergone a ceremony that was not legally binding, according to sources close to the couple.
Family Life and Busy Schedules Cited as Reasons
A source informed The Sun that the couple always intended to formalise their marriage legally but have been delayed by their hectic family life. "They always intended to do the legal part, but with six kids and busy diaries just haven’t got round to it — life has got in the way," the source explained. Stacey and Joe are parents to three children together: Rex, six, Rose, four, and Belle, three. Additionally, Stacey has an 18-year-old son, Zachary, from a previous relationship, while Joe has an 18-year-old son, Harry, with his ex-partner Emma Sophocleous.
The source also suggested that fans of the couple, who have a combined social media following of eight million and star in the BBC reality show Stacey & Joe, might feel "misled" by the news. However, evidence from Stacey's past social media activity indicates that there was no intention to deceive the public.
Clarification from Stacey Solomon on Social Media
In an Instagram Story posted after their 2022 home ceremony, Stacey addressed the legal aspects of their wedding. She explained that to have a legally binding marriage at home, the premises must hold a civil ceremony licence, which requires the venue to be "readily available" for ceremonies. As Pickle Cottage is their private family home, they opted against this option. "So we are having a relaxed private blessing in front of our closest friends & family and a ceremony of our love to each other and we will register our marriage legally after," she wrote, clarifying their plans to formalise the union later.
Speculation and Public Appearances
The reports have emerged amid increased public interest in their relationship, particularly after Stacey was photographed multiple times without her wedding ring. She addressed these rumours during a recent appearance on This Morning, telling hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, "There's a new rumour each week. I'm terrible. I don't read any of that stuff." She humorously added, "Have I not been wearing my ring? I probably took it off to go to the toilet or something, I don't know!"
Despite these instances, Stacey has also been seen wearing the ring in other photos, such as a selfie shared on Instagram. On Mother's Day, she posted an image with her children without the ring, while Joe shared a family picture honouring her. For Zachary's 18th birthday post, Stacey's hand was not visible in the images.
Background of Their Relationship
Stacey and Joe began dating in 2016, six years after meeting on the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here spin-off show. Their relationship has been documented in the BBC reality series Stacey & Joe, which has run for two series, showcasing the ups and downs of their family life. In September, the couple admitted they "argue all the time," with Joe noting a "feisty atmosphere" at times. Last April, Stacey candidly shared, "I think sometimes it's really good and sometimes it's really c**p ain't it? I think sometimes, everyone's looking for this perfect partner, when actually the perfect one is the one you want to kill half the time, and are in love with half the time."
The Mirror has reached out to representatives of Stacey and Joe for comment on the latest reports, but no official statement has been released at this time.
