Stacey Solomon's rarely seen ex appears on Stacey & Joe for the first time, opens up about teenage pregnancy

Stacey Solomon's rarely seen ex, Dean, appeared on the BBC family reality show Stacey & Joe for the first time on Tuesday night, as the presenter introduced viewers to the father of her eldest son Zachary and opened up about teenage pregnancy.

The episode, filmed earlier this year, shows Dean and his wife Nikki joining Stacey at Pickle Cottage for Zach's 17th birthday dinner. Zach hugged his dad and his partner on arrival, exclaiming, "Can't believe you're 17!" as the family gathered for fish and chips. Earlier in the evening, step-mum Nikki asked Zach if he could imagine having a baby now, prompting his dad to interject with a lighthearted precaution: "Please don't, please don't." The moment underscored the show's laid‑back approach to sensitive family history while highlighting the close-knit dynamics at the heart of Solomon’s blended household.

Image: Stacey Solomon and family

During the dinner, Stacey reflected on how blended families can be a positive arrangement for the children, saying, "It's better for them to have two families that love the bones off them than be fighting over them." Dean agreed, noting that they've "smashed it" with Stacey, a sentiment echoed by the celebrant as she described Zach’s upbringing as a net positive from two households that care deeply for him.

The episode also revisited Zach's early years and the complexities of dating and parenthood during adolescence. Stacey disclosed that her step-mum was the first to know she was pregnant, explaining that the moment occurred while they were in a cafe with her father. "My step-mum was the first one who knew I was pregnant because she guessed it," she recalled. The anecdote offered a candid window into the teenage years she has spoken about publicly in the past, illustrating how support from family members helped steer the family through a pivotal moment.

The exchange between Stacey, Dean, Nikki, and Zach touched on the practicalities and emotions of teenage parenthood. Zach, visibly comfortable in the company of his father and Nikki, spoke about how often he sees his dad: roughly every two to three weeks, a cadence that reflects the ongoing involvement of both sides of the family in his life. The scene underscored the show’s focus on coexistence and cooperation, rather than conflict, as Stacey and Joe Swash navigate the realities of raising a blended brood.

Stacey is mindful of the impact of discussing her children's paternity publicly. The former Loose Women panelist has long said she keeps discussions about Zachary and Leighton, her eldest and middle sons, measured and respectful, noting that the children are entitled to their privacy even as the family shares their lives on screen. In the latest episode, she reiterated that stance, emphasizing that two loving families can provide stability and warmth for Zach and Leighton as they grow.

The special also provided color about Stacey’s broader family tree. Beyond Zachary, the TV presenter shares Leighton, 13, with ex Aaron Barham, and Rex, Rose, and Belle, ages five, three, and two, with husband Joe Swash. The dynamic with Joe—who himself is a public figure and the couple’s co-parent in many projects—forms the backbone of Stacey & Joe, a show that blends domestic life, parenting challenges, and the evolving nature of modern families. The latest episode was filmed back in March, and its airing on Tuesday brought viewers a fresh look at how the cast negotiates their past with their present.

During the dinner, the conversation also touched on the realities of turning 17 and the responsibilities that come with age. Zach’s warm reunion with his father and Nikki highlighted the importance of family connection for teenagers navigating adolescence, while Dean’s supportive remarks underscored an ongoing bond that spans years and households. As Stacey sat with Joe to reflect on the evening, she reiterated the show’s central theme: that loving, stable environments from multiple family members can help children thrive.

The episode marks a notable moment for Stacey Solomon’s public narrative about parenting, teenage pregnancy, and blended families. While she has maintained discretion about the fathers of her children in the past, the program allows a candid, documentary-style exploration of how these relationships shape the lives of Zachary and Leighton today. The broadcast also serves as a reminder of the complex histories that accompany many families in the public eye, and how reconciliation and collaborative parenting can become a model for audiences facing similar challenges.

As the credits rolled, Stacey’s celebration of Zach’s birthday and the sense of continuity between generations underscored the show’s core message: love and stability across two families can provide a solid foundation for young people as they grow into adulthood. Viewers were left with a portrait of a modern family that, while unconventional in its beginnings, emphasizes care, collaboration, and commitment to the next generation.