Jamie Laing, the reality television personality known for his role on Made in Chelsea, has openly admitted that he once considered divorce as a viable option before marrying his wife Sophie Habboo. This revelation comes as the couple promotes their new documentary series, Raising Chelsea, which chronicles their journey into parenthood with the arrival of their son Ziggy in December last year.
From Reality TV to Real-Life Parenting
The three-part series, available on Disney Plus from April 2, offers an unfiltered look at the couple's life as they transition from reality TV stars to first-time parents. Unlike their scripted appearances on Made in Chelsea, this documentary adopts a fly-on-the-wall approach, with cameras capturing their daily lives almost around the clock.
"Sophie and I had already captured so much of our lives on television, and then we were entering this next stage," Jamie, 37, explained. "I thought it would be incredible to document this experience authentically, showing the ups and downs, the anxieties, and the love that comes with becoming a parent."
Intimate Moments and Raw Footage
Nothing was deemed off-limits for the documentary, including the intimate birth of their son. Initially, the couple had decided against filming the birth to preserve privacy. However, their anaesthetist unexpectedly recorded the entire event on a phone.
"We reviewed the footage afterward and felt it was too emotional and significant to exclude," Sophie, 31, shared. "After nine months of filming the pregnancy, it felt wrong not to share that pivotal moment. It's a raw depiction of what birth entails—scary, complicated, but ultimately a wild journey."
Navigating Marriage and Parenthood
Jamie and Sophie, who married in 2023 with two wedding celebrations, have had to adapt their relationship dynamic since becoming parents. "You essentially become colleagues managing a tiny baby," Jamie noted. "I've learned to never complain about being tired because Sophie undoubtedly has it harder, especially after giving birth."
Sophie added that while their love has deepened, conflicts have also increased. "Before, during arguments, you might think, 'Ugh, I'm going to divorce you.' Now, that thought doesn't even cross your mind because Jamie is Ziggy, and Ziggy is Jamie."
Divorce as a Learned Option
Jamie's perspective on divorce stems from his personal history. Growing up in a household affected by his parents' separation, he initially viewed divorce as a potential outcome in relationships.
"When you come from a divorced family, you tend to see divorce as an option," he admitted. "But family means everything to me now. Relationships are challenging, but you make a promise and fight through it. I believe 90% of happiness derives from your partner."
When asked about the remaining 10%, Jamie humorously replied, "Just from Sally down the road," eliciting laughter.
Hopes for Their Son Ziggy
The couple also discussed the traits they hope Ziggy will inherit—or avoid—from each of them. Sophie expressed a desire for their son to possess Jamie's energy, kindness, and charisma, while joking about his tendency to tell "constant little lies throughout the day."
Jamie, in turn, praised Sophie's authenticity and insight, hoping Ziggy inherits even a fraction of those qualities. "Sophie is the most authentic person I've ever met. She perceives things in a unique way, and I hope Ziggy has even a smidge of that."
Future Plans and Celebrity Parenting Challenges
As celebrity parents, Jamie and Sophie have already faced public scrutiny. Jamie recalled backlash after posting photos of Sophie managing motherhood while looking glamorous, with critics accusing him of "rage baiting." Sophie clarified, "It's not about appearance; he's proud of me."
Looking ahead, the couple hinted at the possibility of more children, though Jamie humorously lamented the unsexy reality of conception. "I thought it would involve Barry White and wine, but it's not like that at all," he quipped.
They also expressed hopes for the documentary's success, drawing comparisons to MTV's The Osbournes. "We've set it up to potentially continue in that vein, so fingers crossed," Jamie teased, without confirming any specifics.
Raising Chelsea premieres on Disney Plus on April 2, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the lives of one of reality TV's most beloved couples as they navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood.
