BBC issues statement after Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash risk 'guideline breach' in divisive documentary series

WATCH HERE: BBC trailer for Stacey and Joe

BBC
Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 01/05/2025

- 10:55

Updated: 01/05/2025

- 11:35

Eagle-eyed critics claim the couple appeared to break a key BBC rule in their new series, Stacey and Joe

Stacey Solomon and husband Joe Swash risked being in breach of BBC guidelines in several moments of their series, Stacey and Joe.

The programme showcases the couple's hectic careers and family lives at Pickle Cottage as they navigate their two worlds while parenting five children.


Presenter Solomon, 35, and actor Swash, 43, often have several projects on the go, but it has been noted that the couple could be reprimanded for seemingly going against the BBC's strict rules.

Thanks to their ongoing work opportunities, the couple showcased a number of personal promotional deals on the show for all to see, which is believed to be in breach of the broadcaster's guidelines.

Joe Swash and Stacey Solomon

Joe Swash and Stacey Solomon seemed to break BBC guidelines on their show

BBC

The rules state "no on-air talent should promote products, goods, services or clothing they use on air," but Solomon was seen chatting about her homeware range as well as a haircare brand.

The former X Factor star also mentioned in the first episode that she was filming for Instagram content to promote an unnamed clothing brand.

"I'm going to be trying on my last summer collection," she told the cameras, adding: "I have brand partnerships and design different things for those brands. Anything from homeware to clothing lines."

Swash was also seemingly guilty of displaying his business as he was filmed cooking for his Instagram account, which was presumed to be for his Lidl brand.

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Joe Swash

Joe Swash filmed some of his Instagram content during the BBC series

BBC

"We have the social media team come round once a month and we'll just do all of the cooking content and then we'll drip feed it on my Instagram through the month," the former EastEnders star explained.

However, while some of the show's content seems to be in breach of the corporation's rules, the BBC has responded to such claims.

A spokesperson from the broadcast told GB News: "Stacey and Joe is a reality series following the daily lives of the couple which includes their work.

"All commercial relationships featured are made clear to the audience and only included where editorially justified."

The series has shared candid moments of the couple's relationship along with the ups and downs of family life.

The latest episode, which aired on Tuesday, saw the two visiting a couple's therapist for the first time to address some of the issues they had been battling.

They boldly allowed cameras to film the tense session, with the conversation often steering towards some dramatic clashes.

As Solomon addressed her husband's recent ADHD diagnosis, she shared: "I understand Joe's frustration, because he is putting a lot of effort in.

Joe Swash and Stacey Solomon

Joe Swash and Stacey Solomon showcased their behind-the-scenes lives in the BBC documentary

BBC

"I'll say, 'Joe, I really need help with this, I'm really struggling with this,' and Joe hears that and he wants to support me, but he'll do other things that aren't the stuff I'm asking.

"And he'll get frustrated because he has worked hard and he has put the effort in, but you haven't done the things I'm directly asking you for, so I've still got to manage those on my own."

Balancing out the complaints with Swash's positive attributes, the Sort Your Life Out presenter went on: "You're a great dad and you're an amazing person, but sometimes I don't think you can take into consideration all the fires I've got to put out everywhere."

Seeming hurt, Swash responded: "I don't even know what to say. It's so frustrating when I feel all I'm doing is trying to dedicate myself to my family."

He later told his wife he "hated every minute" of the session, while Solomon disagreed, arguing it had been valuable.