Joe Swash says Stacey Solomon’s sons call him ‘one of their dads’ but admits it’s ‘tricky’ with other parents involved
JOE Swash says Stacey Solomon's sons call him "one of their dads" but admits it's "challenging" with other parents involved.
Stacey, 30, has son Zachary, 11, with ex-boyfriend Dean Cox and seven-year-old Leighton with ex-fiance Aaron Barnham.
Joe, 38, who has son Harry, 13, with his ex-fiancé Emma Sophocleous and baby Rex with Stacey, spoke about navigating their blended family on podcast Step Life.
Discussing living in a stepfamily, the former Dancing On Ice star revealed: "They will say I'm one of their dads!
"I treat all the boys exactly the same. I think that's the only way you can do it.
"You know, I love Stacey's boys. I love my boys. I hate saying it like that because by saying that there's a separation. I'm really honoured to be able to say I am their stepdad."
He went on: "So when I met Stacey, Leighton was only three, And Zach was only, I think he was only seven or eight and you know, I've been in their lives longer than I haven't been in their lives. And I love that.
"I love that when they get older and they have wives and stuff, they will say I'm one of their dads. And I'm so pleased and proud to be a part of their lives. I can't wait until they grow up. So I love being step. It gives me as much joy as being a dad."
The ex-EastEnders actor said he didn't want to paint it as being easy, with five parents involved in their kids' lives.
He said: "It's challenging. It's different, there's different things you need to kind of think about, you know, they both have got their own dads.
"So, you know, you've got to make it clear to them that, you know, I'm a father figure, but you've got your dads. Do you know what I mean?
"I like to kiss and cuddle, wrestle and all of that. And the other dads they do other things. So they get the best of both worlds, you know."
Last year Stacey admitted she felt guilty about having babies with different dads after jibes from friends.
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Speaking to Closer Magazine about her boys and past relationships, she said: "I did feel guilty about having babies with different dads.
"I didn't want my kids to have a negative or confused upbringing.
"There's a stigma about having babies with different partners - I've definitely felt pressure from people - people I don't know, and even people I do know.