NEWS
As her husband Joe Swash hints at an EastEnders return, pals say Stacey Solomon feels ‘daunted’ over what it could mean for their family
They’ve been sharing their countdown to Christmas with fans, posting sweet snaps of festive outings and home-made decorations at their idyllic Essex home. But as the New Year rolls around, 2024 could ring in some big changes for Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash.
Last week Joe, 41, hinted that, after leaving his role as EastEnders’ Mickey Miller 12 years ago after playing the part for five years from 2003 to 2008, he’d be keen to return to the soap that made his name.
WORRY
Reminiscing about his time in Albert Square after filming a Christmas special – which sees some of Walford’s biggest names come together for a one-off reunion – Joe said, “It’s really nice. You know, it’s nice to still have a relationship with EastEnders after all these years, which I really like.
“Maybe if I get a chance to go back, I’ll always go back. It’s a part of me, it’s something that’s a part of my past.”
However, while an insider tells Closer that Stacey, 34, backs his return to acting and is “100 per cent” supportive of his dreams, she can’t help but worry over being torn apart by the long working hours and the effect it could have on their busy family life.
The couple, who share three children – Rex, four, Rose, two, and 10-month-old Belle – as well as Stacey’s two sons, Zach, 15, and Leighton, 11, and Joe’s son Harry, 16, from previous relationships, have always managed to juggle their hectic work schedules with bedtimes, school runs and homework.
But our insider says Stacey fears that Joe having to adhere to a strict filming schedule could push them to the edge, after admitting in August that they were “struggling to say the least to be good parents” as they juggled their careers and home life.
The source says, “Of course, nothing is confirmed – but it’s no secret that producers would love to have Joe back on board. But Stacey’s anxious about the thought of Joe returning to EastEnders permanently and dreads the prospect of being left alone if he’s working gruelling 18-hour days on set.
“Of course she’d fully support his decision, but there’s a part of her that feels like their lives would be turned upside down.
“Hearing Joe speak about his time on EastEnders and the crazy long days filming – often spending the night in a hotel after finishing late – she’s scared of the thought of him n
