Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo: ‘Our new reality show leaves nothing out’
Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo: ‘Our new reality show leaves nothing out’
Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo have always embraced transparency, a trait that has defined their public journey since their first appearance on *Made in Chelsea*. Their on-screen romantic uncertainty gave rise to the *NearlyWeds* podcast, which transitioned into *NewlyWeds* after they tied the knot. Now, they are diving into a new phase of their lives—parenthood—with a three-part documentary that captures the raw, unfiltered essence of their experience. Titled *Raising Chelsea*, the series follows the couple as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of welcoming their son, Ziggy, into the world.
A commitment to authenticity
The duo’s decision to film every intimate detail, including the birth of their child, feels like a natural extension of their relationship with their audience. “People have come to expect our honesty, so documenting this felt like a continuation of what we’ve always done,” Habboo explains. For Laing, the approach was deliberate: “We used a single camera to keep it vlog-style, which made the process feel more genuine. There were times I didn’t realize we were filming at all,” he says. This method allowed moments of vulnerability to unfold organically, with Habboo recalling how she “forgot the cameras were there” and later “worry[ed] about it afterwards.”
“Everyone has arguments, bad moments, good moments, feels up or down and capturing that is real life.”
Deliberate choices in storytelling
Laing, who also runs the sweets brand Candy Kittens, insists that holding nothing back was essential. “If there were three cameras and a set-up, it feels forced,” he notes. The couple aimed to preserve the unvarnished truth, even during intense moments. “We made a deal to keep everything in,” he adds, emphasizing that “there is nothing off limits.” Habboo, meanwhile, admits to moments of hesitation, describing her initial desire to “put my best foot forward” and edit out the “nitty-gritties” of their relationship. “Jamie made sure every episode kept everything in, which was horrifying,” she recalls, but the audience response proved rewarding.
“I’m happy we did it that way because I love reality TV, I’m the biggest fan, but I feel like today everything is so produced and constructed which is a shame for the viewer.”
Exposure and its consequences
Their openness comes with a price. Laing acknowledges the need for “thick skin,” while Habboo is still refining her ability to handle criticism. “There are so many comments like that,” Habboo says, referencing harsh judgments about her appearance. “People asking what’s wrong with my eyebrows. They’re evil, they’re so mean.” Despite this, the couple remains steadfast in their mission. “The willingness to show both joy and discomfort is what makes the show authentic,” Laing reflects. “I’m more anxious, while Sophie admits she’s ‘worse on no sleep.'” Their documentary is a testament to their belief that true storytelling requires embracing the full spectrum of life’s experiences.
