While the stars of British television glittered at London's O2 Arena for the National Television Awards, one of ITV's most beloved personalities was conspicuously absent from the red carpet. Stacey Solomon, the reigning Queen of DIY and a fan favourite on Loose Women, was forced to miss the glitzy ceremony due to an unexpected family commitment.
Instead of posing for photographers, the 34-year-old mum-of-five was at home in her now-famous 'Pickle Cottage', dedicating her evening to her youngest children. In a heartfelt post to her millions of Instagram followers, Solomon shared the relatable reason for her no-show, endearing herself further to fans who applauded her commitment to motherhood above the glamour of showbiz.
A Night of Priorities
Solomon took to social media to explain her absence, posting a series of candid snaps that told a story far removed from the champagne and awards. One poignant image showed her holding her youngest daughter, Belle, captioned with a simple yet powerful statement about her priorities.
Her husband, former EastEnders actor Joe Swash, also missed the event to support his wife and family, showcasing a united front. This isn't the first time the couple have chosen family life over a flashy event, consistently proving that their children come first, regardless of the occasion.
Fan Support and Understanding
The public reaction was overwhelmingly supportive. Fans flooded her comments with messages of praise, calling her a "wonderful mummy" and applauding her for keeping her family at the centre of her world. Her honest and open approach to sharing her life, both the glamorous and the mundane, continues to resonate deeply with her audience.
Despite her absence, the night still held a connection to Solomon. Her show, Loose Women, was nominated for the prestigious Daytime Award, though it ultimately lost out to The Repair Shop. Nevertheless, Solomon's influence and presence were felt, even from the comfort of her Essex home.
