Stacey and Joe viewers shared the same complaint minutes into the second episode on Tuesday (April 8).
The six-part BBC series, which debuted last week, offers an intimate look into the lives of Stacey Solomon and her husband Joe Swash at their Pickle Cottage home during the summer and autumn of 2024.
Throughout the episodes, cameras capture the couple’s daily experiences, including glamorous events, milestones, and the ups and downs of parenting.
In the latest episode, Stacey’s eldest son, Zach, anxiously awaited his GCSE results, which held the key to his future plans.
“If Zach passes his Maths and English, then he gets to go straight into the apprenticeship that he really wants to do. If he doesn’t pass, then he can only do his apprenticeship so many days a week and has to do his Maths and English the rest of the time,” Stacey explained.
Zach opened up about his struggles with school, saying, “I don’t like how the school system works, I don’t think it was for me. I revised for like six months, my memory’s not very good with these types of things,” reports Wales Online.
Joe chimed in, adding, “The educational system is not designed for every child out there, some children don’t conform.”
As Stacey received the results on her phone, Zach opted to read them privately, away from the cameras. Before sharing the outcome, Stacey checked in with her son, asking, “Are you sure you’re happy with this being filmed?”
After getting Zach’s consent, the cameras captured the moment when Stacey revealed that Zach had passed PE but unfortunately didn’t pass his English and Maths exams.
“You did your absolute best and it didn’t work out. I personally don’t believe that these results will reflect how intelligent you are… I’m sorry Zach, I know you worked really hard,” Stacey empathised.
“But it didn’t go well, so there’s nothing I can do,” a downhearted Zach responded.
“You’ve got so much going for you, and you work really hard, so anything that you do, you’re going to be a success in. None of your results or anything that you’ve read today is going to change that,” Stacey encouraged.
However, the show’s viewers were not pleased with the decision to broadcast such a personal scene, with many expressing their dismay on X (formerly Twitter).
“Why are they still recording this kid who is clearly upset about his results. It’s Stacey’s show not Zach,” critiqued one viewer, while another expressed disbelief: “Crazy this is being filmed.”
Another sympathised, saying: “I really feel for Zach,” and someone else said: “Aw Zach, I feel for him (and Stacey). The system is completely geared towards those with a good memory! It’s that simple.”
Meanwhile, other viewers shared their love for the show, with one person writing: “Great series so far,” while another added: “I’m actually loving this.”