STACEY Solomon has opened up about the challenges and realities of being a part of a blended family.
The Loose Women star spoke in a podcast interview about her and husband Joe Swash’s life and how the pair had to work hard in order to blend their families and make sure everyone felt secure.
The couple have two children together, Rose, born in Ocotber 2021 and three-year-old Rex.
As well as her two latest additions, former X Factor star Stacey is also a proud mum to 13 year old Zachary and Leighton, nine, from previous relationships.
Joe’s eldest son is 13 year old Harry whom he shares with ex-partner Emma Sophocleous.
During the podcast interivew with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe, Stacey delved into family life at her beloved Pickle Cottage, the Essex mansion she lives in with her her blended brood.
Stacey said: "The blended family situation has been a rocky road.
"That has never been easy."
She continued: "We have always had to work really hard to make sure everyone feels secure."
The presenter went onto detail how hers and Joe’s eldest sons had made them overcome with emotion at their recent nuptials when they decided to do a speech about family life.
The pair’s wedding took place in their family home’s garden.
Stacey said: "It was so funny we didn’t say to the boys you need to do a speech.
"Joe was an emotional mess the whole day. People coming up to me saying 'Joe is a mess down there'."
Back in August, at the time of the wedding, Stacey shared online how she was super proud of the boys and their speeches as she posted a gushing and heartfelt tribute to them and to thank tem for the part they played in the big day.
She wrote: "I can’t even describe the feeling we get seeing how kind, mature, happy and caring you all are. Your speeches were everything.
"We love you all so much, more than you’ll ever know. To the moon and back forever boys [black love-heart emojis] @realjoeswashy."
Elsewhere in the podcast interview, she dished on her shock at the boys involvement in the big day.
She added to the hosts: "They never say anything! Especially teenage boys. They don’t ever tell you how they feel or what they think about anything so it was really emotional to hear what they have to say."
