Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash lifted spirits on Wednesday evening when they announced they were about to welcome a new member to their family.
The Loose Women star, 31, is expecting her second child with Joe, 39, having welcomed their son Rex, two, in 2019.
Stacey already has two sons from previous relationships – Zachary, 13, and Leighton, nine – and Joe shares his son Harry, 13, with his ex-fiancee Emma Sophocleous.
Making the announcement about their new arrival, Stacey shared an image of their family holding up a baby scan, merged with pictures of the TV personality undergoing an ultrasound.
“We are growing another pickle. We’ve never felt so grateful… I have no words. We didn’t think we would get the chance,” she wrote.
“We love you all to the moon and back. Lots of love From Me, Joe, Harry, Zach, Leighton, Rex, and our little pickle.”
Though the news came as a pleasant surprise to many, Stacey has appeared to drop hints about her pregnancy in the past – something eagle-eyed fans were quick to pick up on.
Pickle Cottage nursery
Joe and Stacey moved into their dream home earlier this year, purchasing the fairytale “Pickle Cottage” in the Essex countryside.
While giving her followers a tour of the picturesque house, which features wooden beams and Tudor-style doors, Stacey hinted one room might make an ideal nursery for baby number four.
During the video tour, she said: “Over here there is a little spare room that’s filled with the boys clothes. I don’t know what we’ll do it in here. Maybe a crafty space?”
“Next door is another spare bedroom so if we are ever lucky enough to have any more Pickles then maybe this will be Pickle number four’s bedroom.
“If that ever happens…” she added.
Loose dress
One week before sharing their pregnancy announcement, Stacey posted photos from a date night with her hubby-to-be, with the pair seen kissing beside a meadow.
Stacey looked radiant in the pictures, wearing a lavender minidress with an empire waistline, a scattered polka dot print and off-the-shoulder sleeves.
Describing the dress, which is part of her new collection, she said: “I went with my purple dress just for Wilma like you guys said I honestly can’t believe It’s my own collection I’m so nervous for tonight but I’m so grateful for all of your support always.”
However, the flowing garment managed to hide her baby bump – something fans appeared to remark on in the comments.
“Maybe a baby number two xx you both look so happy x,” wrote one fan, and another penned: “You are glowing!”
Feeling ‘so strange”
Days before the announcement, Stacey decided to take a break from social media, telling her fans she was feeling “so strange”.
Potentially alluding to the changes occurring in her body, Stacey thanked her followers for their support, deciding she needed some time away from her phone.
She wrote: “Goodnight… I hope you’re all ok. I feel so strange still.
“I’m going to put my phone in the drawer for a couple of days give you all a break.”
Stacey continued: “I hope you have a lovely Sunday and Monday. You deserve all of the happiness in the world. Never forget it. Love you to the moon and back.”
Marriage plans
Joe got on bended knee on Christmas Eve of last year, asking Stacey for her hand in marriage in the woodland behind their Essex home.
The sweethearts planned on marrying in 2021, but reports claimed she wasn’t sure whether to prioritise her nuptials – or welcoming another child to their brood.
“They are also pining for another baby, and after celebrating Rex’s second birthday last week, it reminded them how fast he’s growing up,” a source told Closer earlier this year.
“It made them realise how they don’t want to leave it too much longer before giving him another sibling.
“Stacey also joked how she needs a flower girl in the wedding line-up, to balance out the page boys!”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk