Stacey Solomon’s ‘special pact’ with ex Dean as Joe Swash is left as ‘third wheel’

Spending a day out with your former “baby daddy” and your husband sounds like a recipe for awkwardness, but for Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash, a family get-together with her ex-partner appears to have been just the tonic.

Mum-of-five Stacey headed to Silverstone with Joe to attend the British Grand Prix, but also invited her ex, Dean Cox – the father of her eldest child, Zachary – and his wife Nikki.

And far from there being an icy atmosphere, it sounds like both couples got on like a house on fire, with a source telling us that the day out has even made Stacey and Joe’s bond stronger.

“Joe is so easy-going that he doesn’t mind spending time with Stacey’s ex,” says our source. “He knows Stacey’s got a past and is fine about it. It’s actually made things easier for Stacey and Joe as they all have a bit of banter together and a giggle. Joe’s not jealous at all.”

Taking to Instagram last week, Stacey gave fans an insight into her and former EastEnders star Joe’s “rare” couple’s day out at the legendary sporting event. After arriving at the VIP section, the Sort Your Life Out star revealed that her dad Dave had also joined them, joking that Joe now “feels like the third wheel”.

But the fun didn’t stop there, as Stacey then announced there were two more additions to the party. “Do you know who is really important to bring on a date day with your husband? Your last baby daddy and his wife,” she laughed as she filmed herself with Dean.

She then panned the camera across her Grand Prix party, saying, “Zach’s dad, Zach’s stepmum, my dad are all on this date with us.” “Gooseberry,” Joe laughed.

According to our source, Stacey – who first shot to fame on The X Factor in 2009 when Zach was just one – made a pledge to ensure she and Dean would always maintain a friendly relationship.

“She has a special pact with her ex that they will always get on and be friends for the kids,” says our source. “They put the kids first and they always have.

“They’re really good parents and the kids love seeing them laughing and joking. It makes it all light-hearted and they all get along.”

TV psychologist Emma Kenny believes that it’s a smart move of Stacey’s to remain on good terms with Dean. She tells us, “When it is safe, healthy and respectful, having an amicable relationship with an ex-partner – particularly when you share a child – can be incredibly positive.

“It shows emotional maturity and for children, this kind of dynamic can be hugely reassuring. It tells them they do not have to choose sides, they do not have to feel guilty for loving both parents and they are not responsible for managing adult tension.

“When parents and stepparents can be warm, civil and inclusive, it creates a much more secure emotional environment.”

Keeping things amicable is also beneficial to current partners as it “removes secrecy and threat”, says Emma, while for Joe, being able to spend time with Stacey and her former love is another positive sign.

“A new partner who can comfortably be around an ex is often showing confidence in the relationship and an understanding that the child’s family network still matters,” Emma explains. “That does not mean there are no boundaries – boundaries are essential – but it does suggest trust, communication and a shared commitment to making the blended family work.”

Childhood sweethearts Stacey and Dean were just 17 and 18 when they welcomed Zachary, now 18. Stacey is also mum to son Leighton, 14, with former fiancé Aaron Barham, as well as son Rex, seven, and daughters Rose, four, and Belle, three, with husband Joe.

The family day out comes after a turbulent few months for Stacey, who has been forced to dismiss speculation that her marriage to Joe is on the rocks.

In March, the rumour mill went into overdrive after she was pictured without her wedding ring. And on Mother’s Day, Stacey, 36, did little to silence the chatter when she posted a family snap – without 44-year-old Joe or her ring.

But in May, she finally dismissed the rumours and hit back, saying, “Who cares if the whole world is like, ‘Oh, they’re on the brink of divorce’? Being in the public eye I think creates certain pressures, but not on our relationship. If we know it’s not true, who cares?”

Opening up on the Sort Your Life Out Unpacked podcast, she continued, “Sometimes I fancy the pants off him and can’t wait to come home to see him. Sometimes I’m like, ‘Get out of my stratosphere – stay away from me.’ I think we’re just like any other couple.”

According to Emma, the pair do a great job of showing how well blended families can work.

“They do not have to be built on awkwardness or rivalry,” she says. “They can be built on respect, humour and emotional generosity. Ultimately, children benefit when the adults around them behave like a team, even if the romantic relationship between their parents ended years ago.

“A friendly co-parenting relationship can be one of the greatest gifts parents give their children.”