Jamie Laing: still proving himself years after Made in Chelsea

Jamie Laing says he still feels the need to prove himself years after rising to fame as a posh playboy on Made in Chelsea. The 36-year-old broadcaster appeared on the E4 reality series from 2011 to 2021 and has since built a broader media career, including a stint on Strictly Come Dancing, hosting his own BBC Radio 1 show, and launching a podcast with wife Sophie Habboo. Speaking on the Sliding Doors podcast, Laing described his entry into entertainment as a golden ticket that he didn’t earn through auditions or hard work, a point he says fuels ongoing scrutiny of his reality TV roots.

He explained that he didn’t audition for Made in Chelsea and was selected simply because he was the right age, at the right place, at the right time. He acknowledged that some viewers still see him as a reality TV star who benefited from a shortcut, though he has since diversified his presence across television, radio, and digital platforms with projects beyond the Chelsea circle. Laing has continued to cultivate his public profile through high-profile appearances and partnerships, including collaborations with Habboo on their podcast and other media ventures.

The dialogue around Laing’s career comes as he and Habboo prepare for the arrival of their first child. Sophie Habboo revealed during their NearlyParents podcast that her father had publicly commented during her pregnancy, telling her she looked enormous and that she was “way bigger than her sister,” remarks she said ruined their day. Jamie described the moment as a reminder of the personal pressures that can accompany expecting a first child, even as they navigate a public life together.

Laing has also shared one household rule that has become a running joke in their home. While appearing on his BBC Radio 1 show, he recounted a rule Habboo has imposed now that she is pregnant and they are settling into a new home. He explained: