Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash are reportedly set to spend "most of the Christmas period" apart, according to sources. Stacey walked down the aisle with ex-EastEnders star Joe, 44, in a ceremony held at their Pickle Cottage home in 2022, and amid mounting speculation surrounding their relationship, it now appears the couple may have little time together during the upcoming festive season. TV star Joe has landed a brand new role that will reportedly require him to be away from Stacey and their children over the Christmas period.

Stacey and Joe are parents to Rex, six, Rose, four, and three-year-old Belle, while Stacey also has Zachary, 18, from a previous relationship, and Joe has Harry, 18, with his former partner Emma Sophocleous. His new venture will take place in St Albans, several miles away from their lavish Essex home. He has signed up to star in an upcoming pantomime production of Beauty and the Beast, running at the Alban Arena from December 4 until 3 January. As reported by The Sun, "whether Joe decides to travel back and forth" remains to be seen, though he will not be required to work on Christmas Day.

Stacey has likewise trodden the pantomime boards, having made her debut in a 2016 production of Dick Whittington, before going on to take part in further panto performances in subsequent years. News of Joe's latest role comes amid mounting speculation about the couple's relationship, and the revelation that they are not yet legally married, reports the Mirror.

Attributing their hectic family life as the reason for the absence of a legal ceremony, a source told The Sun: "They always intended to do the legal part, but with six kids and busy diaries just haven't got round to it - life has got in the way."

The source further claimed that fans of Stacey and Joe, who command a combined following of eight million and share their family life through their BBC reality show Stacey and Joe, will feel as though they have been "misled" by the news.

Nevertheless, in a previous social media post, it is apparent the couple had no intention to deceive, openly acknowledging that they had not formally registered their marriage. Following a ceremony at home in 2022, Stacey clarified in an Instagram Story that they were unable to get legally married. Addressing a fan's enquiry about home weddings, Stacey explained: "To get married anywhere legally, the place has to have a 'civil ceremony' licence.

"One of the requirements for this licence is that the premises must be made 'readily available' for ceremonies. As this is our private family home and we need it to remain that way we couldn't go for that option. So we are having a relaxed private blessing in front of our closest friends and family and a ceremony of our love to each other and we will register our marriage legally after."

The speculation comes amid heightened interest in their relationship as Stacey has been photographed without her wedding ring on several occasions, though she has also been spotted wearing it.

During a discussion with hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard on This Morning, Stacey remarked: "There's a new rumour each week.

"I'm terrible. I don't read any of that stuff." Looking directly into the camera, Stacey stated: "Have I not been wearing my ring? I probably took it off to go to the toilet or something, I don't know!"

Several weeks ago in photographs obtained by The Mirror she was spotted without her ring, although before those images were captured she posted a selfie to Instagram with the ring on. On Mother's Day, Stacey posted a photo with her children noticeably without her ring, while Joe paid tribute to her on his own account with a cheerful family snapshot. In Zach's 18th birthday post, Stacey's hand was conveniently kept out of shot.