Stacey Solomon has admitted she is bracing herself for an emotional family milestone, revealing she expects to spend the entire day in tears as her eldest son approaches a major birthday.
The 36-year-old TV favourite, who shares a bustling home with husband Joe Swash and their blended family, recently opened up about the bittersweet moment as her firstborn, Zachary, prepares to turn 18 later this month.
The revelation came after Stacey gave fans a glimpse of her children celebrating World Book Day in adorable costumes. Her younger kids fully embraced the occasion — Rex dressed as a character from Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Rose chose a Matilda outfit, and little Belle transformed into Little Red Riding Hood.
However, the family moment also highlighted how quickly time has passed. Stacey explained that her eldest sons, Zachary and Leighton, did not take part in the dressing-up tradition this year — a reminder that they are growing up fast.
Speaking on BBC Radio 2 with Scott Mills, Stacey confessed that the thought of Zachary becoming an adult has left her overwhelmed with emotion. She said: “Zach is going to be 18 this month. I’ve got an 18-year-old, I know, it actually makes me really sad. I think I’m going to cry all day on his birthday.”
Reflecting on how quickly the years have passed, she added: “I’ve got a fully-grown adult human son. When I did The X Factor he was one… he was one! Seventeen years ago.”
Stacey has often spoken openly about becoming a mother at just 17 years old. In a heartfelt Mother’s Day post shared in 2023, she reflected on the judgement she once faced for raising a child as a teenager.
She wrote that she could barely remember life before motherhood. Stacey admitted that when people saw a “child raising a child,” she received plenty of stares and comments, but those early doubts only make her prouder today.
Looking back now as a mother of five, Stacey said none of those criticisms proved true. She explained that every one of her children helped shape who she has become, adding that raising them has been the greatest privilege of her life.
Stacey shares Rex, Rose and Belle with husband Joe Swash, whom she met during their time on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!. Zachary and Leighton are from previous relationships, while Stacey is also stepmother to Joe’s son Harry.
Family moments have clearly been on Stacey’s mind recently. During the school half-term break, she also became emotional while sharing photos from a family skiing trip to Switzerland with her millions of Instagram followers.
Posting a sunrise picture over the snowy mountains, she admitted the view made her feel emotional and almost unreal. Stacey explained she had been catching up with her brother who lives in Switzerland before enjoying time on the slopes with her children.
She later shared a video from one of her favourite ski runs alongside Leighton, Rex and her brother, joking that Leighton was now “far too cool” to pose for photos with his mum.
But despite the humour, the underlying feeling was clear — as her children grow up, Stacey is cherishing every moment of family life.
