Trending Now: Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash still ‘not legally married’ as ‘life got in the way’ – Fans React

Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash had a ceremony in 2022, but it was reportedly not legally binding.

Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash are reportedly not legally married, despite holding a wedding ceremony at their Essex home, Pickle Cottage, in 2022. The former X Factor contestant, 36, and ex-EastEnders star Joe, 44, tied the knot in front of friends and family, but sources say the ceremony was not legally binding.

The couple share three children: Rex, six, Rose, four, and Belle, three. Stacey also has Zachary, 18, from a previous relationship, while Joe is father to Harry, 18, with ex-partner Emma Sophocleous, Mirror reports.

Stacey and Joe first met while filming ITV’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here in 2010. Stacey, who has older sons Zachary, 18, and Leighton, 13, from previous relationships, went on to win the show. She initially rose to fame in 2009, finishing third on X Factor.

The pair began dating in 2016 and eventually celebrated their home ceremony six years later. The couple’s blended family live together in Pickle Cottage, a home fans have become familiar with through their BBC fly-on-the-wall documentary, Stacey and Joe.

A source told The Sun that the busy family schedule contributed to the delay in making the marriage legally official. “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 insider said.

The source added that fans might feel misled but stressed the couple had not intended to deceive anyone. Stacey herself clarified the situation on social media following the 2022 ceremony.

Responding to a fan question about home weddings, she wrote: “To get married anywhere legally, the place has to have a ‘civil ceremony’ licence.

“One of the requirements for this licence is that the premises must be made ‘readily available’ for ceremonies.

“As this is our private family home and we need it to remain that way we couldn’t go for that 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.”

Speculation has grown in recent months, partly because Stacey has been pictured without her wedding ring on several occasions, though she has also been seen wearing it.

She addressed the rumours directly 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.”

On the ring question, she added with humour: “Have I not been wearing my ring? I probably took it off to go to the toilet or something, I don’t know!”

Mother’s Day on March 15 also sparked attention after Stacey shared a photo with her children, ring absent, while Joe posted a family picture separately.

In a caption, Stacey wrote: “My Life’s Work… when I’m with you I remember what it’s all about. No one can bring us down as long as we have each other.

“Happy Mothers Day to all of the incredible mummas & mother figures being hero’s every single day. Thinking of those of you who find today extremely difficult.”

The couple have been candid about their relationship through their BBC reality show, Stacey and Joe, which has aired two series. In September, they admitted to frequent arguments, with Joe describing a “feisty atmosphere” at times.

Stacey previously shared an honest view on love and partnership: “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.”