Joe Swash is set to appear in a St Albans pantomime over the festive season, a move that could see him and wife Stacey Solomon spending much of Christmas apart.
The EastEnders alum will star in Beauty and the Beast at the Alban Arena from December 4 until January 3.
Although he is not scheduled to work on Christmas Day, it is unclear whether he will commute to their Essex home during the run.
Stacey and Joe share three young children — Rex, six, Rose, four, and Belle, three — and both also have older children from previous relationships: Stacey’s son Zachary and Joe’s son Harry are 18.
The couple held a private blessing at their Pickle Cottage home in 2022 but have not yet completed the legal paperwork for their marriage.
They have said the lack of a legal ceremony was down to licensing rules that restrict civil ceremonies at private homes, and they intended to register the marriage later.
The news comes amid ongoing chatter about their relationship, fuelled in part by photos of Stacey sometimes not wearing her wedding ring.
Stacey has dismissed the rumours in interviews and on social media, saying she does not follow the gossip and that there are ordinary reasons she might take her ring off.
Both stars have stage experience: Stacey made her pantomime debut in 2016 and has returned to panto in later years.
The couple also share a sizeable public profile through their BBC series and social channels, which has amplified interest in their private life.
For now, the family will have to juggle the new work commitment with home life, and fans will be watching to see how much time the couple manage together over the holidays.
