Stacey Solomon is preparing for the biggest presenting role of her career as one of the new hosts of ITV's The Voice UK 2026, a job that will require her to spend significantly more time away from husband Joe Swash and their children. The 36-year-old is reportedly determined to prevent the demanding schedule from harming her marriage or family life.
Dream job brings scheduling challenges
According to a source, Stacey is thrilled about the opportunity, describing it as her "dream job." The source said, "Stacey could not be happier about The Voice – it's her dream job and she's really excited. Music was always her first love and helping people realise their dreams and be part of their journey is what she wants to do."
The source added that she is aware of the impact filming will have, noting it will involve "a lot of time away from home, plus long days and travel," which she will balance with family life and her other projects.
New line-up and nerves
Stacey will join Alesha Dixon in the new line-up, after impressing ITV bosses earlier this year as a guest judge on Britain's Got Talent. The Voice UK returned for 2026 after a break last year, with the current series featuring Emma Willis as host for the pre-recorded blind audition episodes. Emma is leaving to front Strictly Come Dancing.
Kelly Rowland has joined as a new coach alongside Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am, and McFly's Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones. Stacey's role will involve getting gossip from contestants backstage, which has caused her some apprehension. "She's been nervous," the source said. "Anyone would be if they were stepping into a primetime show. She's worried about doing a good job, and also the public warming to her as she's suffered a lot of backlash. It could be make or break for her."
Marriage under scrutiny
The couple faced criticism in April when it emerged that their 2022 wedding ceremony at their Essex home was never legally binding. Stacey responded by explaining that Pickle Cottage was not licensed for civil marriages and that they held a private blessing instead. They remain not legally married, but Joe described himself as a "proud husband" during Stacey's BGT stint.
Speculation continued after Stacey was pictured without her wedding ring earlier this year, which she dismissed on This Morning, joking she "probably took it off to go to the toilet or something." In their BBC series Stacey & Joe, the couple admitted to regular squabbles and having couples' therapy, but insisted all is well. Stacey said, "Who cares if the whole world is like, 'Oh, they're on the brink of divorce?'" She also said there is no such thing as a perfect marriage, adding, "Sometimes it's really good and sometimes it's really c**p."
Support from Joe
The source said the new job's extra travel and time apart will put pressure on the relationship, but they will tackle it together. "They'll miss each other a lot, but will be in constant contact and ensure they plan date nights," the source said. "Like every couple they have ups and downs but they know they're strong enough to make this work. Nothing comes before family and that is the absolute priority for them both."
Joe is fully behind Stacey, according to the source. "This is a chance for her to do what she loves on her own and it's a new start. Joe is happy if Stacey is happy. He's easygoing and loves being with the kids. He knows it won't be easy for her as she can be sensitive about trolling, but he is a good support. Stacey being happy makes for a happy home, and that's all he wants."
