Stacey Solomon, a beloved British television personality, singer, and DIY enthusiast, has captured the hearts of millions with her down-to-earth charm and relatable persona. Known for her appearances on The X Factor, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, and her BBC show Sort Your Life Out, Stacey has built a reputation as a warm, family-oriented figure. However, one aspect of her personal life that has repeatedly sparked public interest and controversy is her smoking habit.
Despite her wholesome image, Stacey has been open about her struggles with smoking, particularly during high-profile moments such as her pregnancies. This article delves into the history of Stacey Solomon’s smoking, the public’s reaction, her efforts to quit, and the broader context of smoking in the celebrity world. Drawing from the latest information available, it addresses common questions people have been asking on Google and provides a nuanced perspective on this sensitive topic.
Stacey Solomon’s Public Persona and Smoking: A Contradiction?
Stacey Solomon, born on October 4, 1989, in Dagenham, Essex, rose to fame as a finalist on the sixth series of The X Factor in 2009. Since then, she has become a household name in the UK, admired for her authenticity, humor, and dedication to her family. As a mother of five Zachary, Leighton, Rex, Rose, and Belle Stacey often share glimpses of her life at Pickle Cottage, her idyllic Essex home, with husband Joe Swash. Her candidness about parenting, mental health, and personal challenges has endeared her to fans, who see her as a refreshing contrast to the polished facades of many celebrities.
However, her smoking habit has occasionally clashed with this wholesome image, leading to public scrutiny. Smoking, a habit widely criticized for its health risks, seems at odds with Stacey’s health-conscious and family-oriented public persona. This contradiction has fueled debates, with some fans expressing disappointment while others defend her right to personal struggles.
Why Does Stacey Solomon’s Smoking Draw Attention?
Public fascination with Stacey’s smoking stems from several factors. First, her status as a role model, particularly for young mothers and fans of her lifestyle content, makes her personal choices a topic of interest. Second, smoking during pregnancy, a particularly controversial issue, has placed her under intense scrutiny. Finally, the media’s tendency to highlight celebrity missteps amplifies the attention on her smoking, often framing it as a moral failing rather than a personal challenge. Google searches such as “Stacey Solomon smoking,” “Did Stacey Solomon quit smoking,” and “Stacey Solomon smoking while pregnant” reflect the public’s curiosity about her habit and its implications.
The 2012 Smoking Controversy: A Defining Moment
In March 2012, Stacey Solomon, then 22 years old and seven months pregnant with her second son, Leighton, was photographed smoking four cigarettes in two hours during a photoshoot in Fulham, London. The images, published by outlets like The People and Daily Mail, sparked immediate backlash. At the time, Stacey was a celebrated figure, having been named Foxy Bingo’s Celebrity Mum of the Year in 2011. The sight of her smoking while visibly pregnant shocked many fans and drew condemnation from medical experts and the public alike.
Stacey admitted to smoking up to six cigarettes a day during this period, explaining that her doctor had advised her that quitting abruptly could cause more stress to her body and unborn child than continuing to smoke sparingly. She told The People, “I know it doesn’t look good, but I only have a few cigs a day. I don’t think I’ve let down my fans, but I do get a little stressed at times, and a ciggie helps me calm down.” Her publicist, Max Clifford, added that she was “desperately trying to quit” and was “very embarrassed” about the situation.
Public and Media Backlash
The public reaction was swift and harsh. Social media platforms, still in their early days, buzzed with criticism, with some calling her actions “shameful” and “selfish.” Medical experts, including Deborah Arnott from Action on Smoking and Health, described Stacey’s smoking as indicative of a “serious problem” and emphasized the need for support rather than condemnation. However, the media narrative often leaned toward judgment, with headlines like “Seven Months Pregnant Stacey Solomon Caught Smoking Four Times in Two Hours” painting her as reckless.
As a result of the controversy, Stacey was removed from Foxy Bingo’s Celebrity Mum of the Year campaign for 2012. She accepted the decision, stating, “I feel that they have to set a good example, so it’s absolutely their decision, and I have to accept it because at the end of the day, they can’t be seen to support that.” The public shaming was compounded by her emotional appearances on television, where she addressed the issue head-on.
Emotional Response on This Morning
In a tearful interview on This Morning with hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, Stacey broke down as she discussed her smoking. She acknowledged the harm of her actions, saying, “At the end of the day, nothing that I can say makes it right. All I can say is that from the day I found out that I was pregnant, I have tried my best to give up. I completely understand why people would be angry, because for some people it’s incomprehensible.” She admitted to cutting down from 10 cigarettes a day to one to three but struggled to quit entirely. Stacey also mentioned exploring options like electronic cigarettes and hypnotherapy to help her kick the habit.
Her vulnerability during the interview humanized her struggle, earning sympathy from some viewers who appreciated her honesty. However, others remained critical, viewing her actions as irresponsible, particularly given the known risks of smoking during pregnancy, such as low birth weight, premature birth, and developmental issues.
Recent Sightings and Continued Struggles
Fast forward to 2024, and Stacey’s smoking habit resurfaced in the public eye. In March, she was photographed smoking a cigarette while enjoying a coffee in north London, as her husband Joe Swash played with their youngest children, Rose and Belle. The Daily Mail reported that Stacey, dressed casually in a hoodie and biker shorts, “sneaked in a moment of silence” to smoke, looking “a far cry from her glamorous self.” The article noted that she had previously spoken about her struggles to quit, particularly during her 2012 pregnancy, and suggested that she had not fully overcome the habit.
The sighting sparked renewed criticism on social media, with comments on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) expressing surprise and disappointment. One user remarked, “Surprised that she smokes – she is health-conscious and environmentally friendly online,” while another called it a “foul habit.” A source told OK! Magazine that Stacey was “upset” by the backlash, noting, “She’s had a lot of stick in the past about smoking, and she finds it difficult. The comments can be hurtful.” The source emphasized that Stacey’s busy life and the pressures of balancing work and motherhood contributed to her reliance on smoking as a “release.”
Emotional Context in 2025
In May 2025, Stacey was again spotted smoking, this time outside a veterinary practice while dealing with the distressing news of her dog Teddy’s illness. The Daily Mail reported that she appeared “visibly emotional” as she lit a cigarette, mindful of a “no smoking” sign on the building’s exterior. The article highlighted the emotional toll of Teddy’s condition, a predisposed illness that left him without feeling in his hind legs, and suggested that Stacey’s smoking was a coping mechanism during this difficult time. This sighting underscored the personal challenges that often accompany her smoking, adding complexity to the public’s perception of her habit.
Stacey’s Efforts to Quit Smoking
Stacey has been vocal about her desire to quit smoking, acknowledging its health risks and the negative example it sets for her children and fans. In her 2012 This Morning interview, she discussed reducing her cigarette consumption significantly during pregnancy and exploring alternatives like electronic cigarettes. She also expressed openness to hypnotherapy, indicating a willingness to try various methods to break the habit.
Her struggles reflect the broader difficulty of quitting smoking, particularly for those with nicotine addiction. Experts like Deborah Arnott have noted that Stacey’s case highlights the need for support rather than judgment, as addiction is a complex issue influenced by stress, mental health, and environmental factors. Stacey’s doctor in 2012 reportedly advised that quitting abruptly during pregnancy could be more harmful than smoking sparingly, a controversial stance that sparked debate about medical advice in such situations.
Ongoing Struggles and Public Perception
Despite her efforts, recent sightings suggest that Stacey has not fully quit smoking. Her candidness about the difficulty of quitting resonates with many who face similar challenges. In a 2024 interview, she admitted to struggling with the “right work/family balance,” which may contribute to her reliance on smoking as a stress-reliever. The pressures of her career—working on shows like Sort Your Life Out and Bricking It, collaborating with brands like Primark and ASDA, and managing her own hair product line—combined with raising five children, likely exacerbate her challenges in quitting.
Public perception of Stacey’s smoking is mixed. While some fans criticize her for not quitting, others empathize with her struggles, recognizing that addiction is not easily overcome. Her openness about her imperfections aligns with her relatable persona, but it also invites scrutiny from those who expect celebrities to embody idealized standards.
The Broader Context: Smoking in the Celebrity World
Stacey is not alone in facing public criticism for smoking. A 2025 Daily Mail article titled “Celebrity Smoke-Show!” highlighted other stars, including Dua Lipa, Keira Knightley, and Jenna Ortega, who have been photographed smoking despite public health campaigns against it. The article noted that while many celebrities claim to have quit, some continue to smoke in private, reflecting the difficulty of breaking the habit even under public scrutiny.
Smoking among celebrities often garners attention because it contrasts with their glamorous images and the health-conscious trends promoted in modern media. However, it also highlights the human side of fame celebrities, like anyone else, face personal struggles and vices. Stacey’s case is particularly notable due to her family-oriented image and the specific controversy surrounding her smoking during pregnancy.
Health Risks and Public Awareness
The health risks of smoking are well-documented, including increased risks of cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. During pregnancy, smoking can lead to complications such as low birth weight, premature delivery, and developmental delays in the child. Public health campaigns, such as those by Action on Smoking and Health, emphasize the importance of quitting, particularly for expectant mothers. Stacey’s 2012 controversy brought these risks into sharp focus, prompting discussions about the challenges of addiction and the need for supportive interventions.
In recent years, the rise of vaping and electronic cigarettes has offered alternatives for smokers looking to quit. Stacey’s mention of trying electronic cigarettes in 2012 suggests she was open to these options, though it’s unclear whether she has continued to use them. Public awareness of smoking’s dangers continues to grow, but the stigma surrounding it can sometimes overshadow the need for empathy and support for those trying to quit.
Public and Media Dynamics: The Role of Paparazzi and Social Media
The 2012 smoking controversy was amplified by paparazzi photographs, which captured Stacey in vulnerable moments. A 2012 Guardian article criticized the ethics of stalking a pregnant woman to catch her smoking, questioning the morality of media outlets that profit from such images. The article argued that the stress induced by public shaming could be more harmful to Stacey and her unborn child than her smoking itself, highlighting the complex interplay between media, celebrity, and public health.
Paparazzi continue to play a significant role in Stacey’s smoking narrative. The 2024 and 2025 sightings were also captured by photographers, often framing her in unflattering contexts, such as looking “downcast” or “a far cry from her glamorous self.” These descriptions contribute to a narrative of shame, even when Stacey is engaging in a legal activity in a private moment.
Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword
Social media has been both a blessing and a curse for Stacey. On one hand, platforms like Instagram allow her to connect directly with fans, sharing her DIY projects, family life, and personal reflections. On the other hand, they amplify criticism, with users quick to judge her smoking. The 2024 sighting prompted comments on X like “What a foul habit” and “Didn’t think she was a smoker,” reflecting a sense of betrayal among some fans who associate her with a health-conscious lifestyle.
However, social media also provides a space for Stacey to address criticism and share her perspective. Her posts about struggling with work-life balance and the emotional toll of her dog’s illness offer context for her smoking, fostering empathy among supportive fans. This dynamic illustrates the power of social media to both vilify and humanize celebrities.
Stacey’s Response and Future Outlook
Embracing Vulnerability: Stacey’s willingness to address her smoking publicly, despite the backlash, demonstrates her commitment to authenticity. Her emotional interviews and social media posts reveal a woman grappling with a difficult habit while navigating the pressures of fame and motherhood. By sharing her struggles, she challenges the expectation that celebrities must be flawless, fostering a more human connection with her audience.
The Path to Quitting: While Stacey has not yet quit smoking, her history of reducing her consumption and exploring alternatives suggests a genuine desire to break the habit. Advances in smoking cessation tools, such as nicotine replacement therapies and behavioral support programs, could aid her efforts. Public health campaigns and her own influence as a role model may also motivate her to continue trying, particularly as she raises her children in the public eye.
A Call for Empathy: Stacey’s story underscores the need for empathy in addressing addiction. Rather than shaming individuals, experts advocate for support systems that provide resources and understanding. Stacey’s openness about her struggles could inspire others to seek help, while her journey highlights the complexities of quitting smoking in a high-pressure environment.
FAQs
Has Stacey Solomon ever smoked?
Yes, Stacey has been open about her smoking habit. She has been photographed smoking on several occasions, including during family outings. Despite her public image, she has acknowledged her struggle with quitting smoking.
Did Stacey Solomon smoke while pregnant?
Yes, Stacey admitted to smoking during her pregnancy with her second child, Leighton. She faced significant backlash for this and was even removed from the shortlist for the Foxy Bingo Celebrity Mum of the Year award. In interviews, she expressed deep regret and embarrassment over her actions.
How did Stacey respond to criticism about smoking during pregnancy?
Stacey appeared on This Morning in 2012, where she tearfully apologized for smoking while pregnant. She explained that she had tried to quit but found it challenging. She acknowledged the harm her actions could have caused and expressed a commitment to quit smoking.
Has Stacey Solomon quit smoking?
Stacey has publicly stated her intention to quit smoking. She has mentioned that she has reduced the number of cigarettes she smokes and is working towards quitting entirely. However, she has also acknowledged that quitting is a difficult process and has not yet fully succeeded.
In Summary
Stacey Solomon’s smoking habit has been a recurring topic of public interest, from the 2012 controversy to recent sightings in 2024 and 2025. Her struggles with nicotine addiction, particularly during pregnancy, have sparked debates about celebrity responsibility, media ethics, and the challenges of quitting smoking.
Despite the criticism, Stacey’s candidness and vulnerability have endeared her to many fans, who appreciate her honesty about her imperfections. As she continues to balance her career, family, and personal challenges, her journey serves as a reminder that addiction is a human struggle, not a moral failing. By fostering empathy and support, society can better address the complexities of smoking and help individuals like Stacey achieve lasting change.
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