Stacey Solomon: 'I don't want to look like a fool'

Whether it's amassing six million Instagram followers or gracing the Loose Women panel, Stacey Solomon's no stranger to adding strings to her career bow.

And while she's more used to spending her days decluttering, DIY-ing or promoting her kids' clothing range, the mum of five is not afraid of a challenge. Now, a source tells heat that Stacey is considering a foray into acting, after TV bosses reached out to snap up the star for an upcoming drama.

"Stacey does not see herself as an actor, but she's been approached by ITV producers about potentially playing a character loosely based on herself in a big TV drama," says our insider. "At first, she thought they were joking and practically laughed in their faces, but her management have begged her not to write it off. It feels as though the role has been especially created for her, so it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to play. Plus, her people say it could open a lot of new doors."

But while Stacey's team are keen for her to take up the offer, we're told the Sort Your Life Out star – who shot to fame as a singer on The X Factor in 2009 – is slightly more hesitant.

"Stacey is worried about making a fool of herself," we're told. "She gets enough flack from trolls as it is without inviting any more. People have said mean things about everything, from the way she looks to the way she speaks, and although she's developed a thick skin over the years, the nasty comments still get to her. The idea of putting herself out there and acting – something she has no experience of – terrifies her. Her fear is, if she did it and then got panned, she'd never live it down."

While undoubtedly a novice, it wouldn't be the first time the 34-year-old has trod the boards. Back in 2016, she starred as Fairy Bowbells in pantomime Dick Whittington – however her debut didn't quite go to plan. Hot off the heels of presenting I'm A Celebrity... Extra Camp in Australia, it appeared that learning lines wasn't top of the star's to-do list. Albeit disguised on a bedazzled clipboard, the jam-packed audience couldn't help but notice Stacey's highlighted script on full show, with her rep confirming, "She didn't want to let one person down, so she went on, clipboard in hand."

And alongside fear of the critics, we're told Stacey's also aware her day-to-day life doesn't lend itself to long stints on set.

"She's concerned about taking on yet another project, or for fans to think she's got too big for her boots," we're told. "She's also got her hands full with all the product deals and TV work she already has, and she doesn't really need anything more going on. Acting sounds like a fun idea on paper, but Stacey is worried that once someone shouts 'Action', it'll become all too real – and by then, it's too late for her to pull out. She doesn't want to be laughed at, and she's worried about it damaging the brand she's work so hard to build."

However, we're told Stacey's husband, ex-EastEnders star Joe Swash, 42, is eager for his wife to try something new. The source says, "Stacey thinks it's better to play it safe rather than rock the boat, but Joe thinks she should give it a go. They're always striving to be the best version of themselves, and he thinks Stacey going into acting could change everything for her."

The source adds, "Even if it means a few long days on set, Joe's agreed to take care of things on the home front – he just wants to have the courage to go for it."

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