Our new reality show leaves nothing out
Our new reality show leaves nothing out
Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo’s journey has always been under the public microscope, dating back to their first encounter on *Made in Chelsea*. Over the years, their relationship has been dissected by audiences, capturing both the highs and lows of their evolving story. This transparency continued when they transitioned from a fictional on-screen dynamic to a real-life podcast, *NearlyWeds*, following their engagement. The show later rebranded as *NewlyWeds* after their marriage, cementing their reputation for unfiltered storytelling.
The Intimate Journey
Now, the couple is diving deeper into personal territory with a three-part documentary titled *Raising Chelsea*. The series follows their efforts to start a family, the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy, and the challenges of early parenthood. For many, the idea of broadcasting such vulnerable moments—like the birth of their child—would seem extreme. Yet for Laing and Habboo, it felt like a natural extension of their relationship with the audience.
“People are used to following our journey, so documenting this and having an audience come with us felt really natural and fun,” Habboo says.
Their approach to authenticity shaped the documentary’s production. Rather than using a traditional multi-camera setup, they opted for a single camera, adopting a vlog-style format. This meant Habboo often forgot the cameras were present, allowing arguments and raw emotions to unfold organically. “There are times I didn’t know we were even filming,” she explains. “I quickly got used to it, and the reaction from listeners was overwhelming—many felt connected, like they weren’t alone.”
Balancing Privacy and Public Exposure
Laing, who also founded the sweets brand Candy Kittens, emphasizes the deliberate choice to avoid a staged feel. “If there were three cameras and a set-up, it feels forced,” he notes. “We wanted everything to feel real, even when things got intense.” This commitment led to a deal where no moments were excluded, ensuring the documentary reflected their true selves. “There is nothing off limits—filtered versions feel untrue,” he reflects.
Habboo, however, admits to moments of doubt about where to draw the line between private and public. “There are times when it’s a lot,” she says. “I even said ‘I’m not doing this’ at certain points.” While she prefers some boundaries, Laing’s insistence on inclusivity often pushed her to embrace the full spectrum of their experiences. “Jamie made sure every episode kept everything in, which was horrifying,” she recalls. Yet the audience’s positive response reassured her. “We had to keep that authenticity,” she continues. “I love reality TV, but today’s shows feel too constructed.”
Public Reactions and Personal Challenges
The couple’s openness has not gone unchallenged. Laing shares a particularly harsh comment he received: “Sophie thought she’d read the Daily Mail one day, and the first comment was: ‘Why does she look like an Afghan hound?'” Habboo echoes similar criticisms, including remarks about her eyebrows. “People asking what’s wrong with my eyebrows—evil, so mean,” she says. “I don’t know what they’ll say when they see me pregnant.”
Despite the scrutiny, Laing and Habboo remain steadfast in their mission. “We wanted to create something real,” Habboo says. “It’s the joy and discomfort that make it authentic.” Laing adds, “Even when things happened that were intense, we kept it in because we made a deal.” The documentary, airing less than four months after their son Ziggy’s birth, stands as a testament to their unyielding honesty.
