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 are taking their reality TV journey to the next level with a fresh three-part documentary that captures their transition into parenthood. The series, titled *Raising Chelsea*, follows the couple as they navigate the challenges of trying for a baby, the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy, and the early days of raising a child. For Laing and Habboo, this level of exposure feels like a natural extension of their existing connection with their audience.
Since meeting on *Made in Chelsea*, their relationship has been under constant public scrutiny, with fans tracking every detail, from the positive to the contentious. Their on-screen dynamic, which began as a will-they-won’t-they narrative, evolved into the *NearlyWeds* podcast after they got engaged and later transformed into *NewlyWeds* following their marriage. Now, they’re unearthing even more personal moments, including the birth of their son, Ziggy, in a way that feels unfiltered and authentic.
Authenticity Over Production
Unlike traditional reality shows that rely on multi-camera setups, *Raising Chelsea* was filmed with a single camera, adopting a vlog-style approach. This method allowed for a more candid feel, as Habboo notes: “There were times I didn’t even realize we were filming, and I quickly forgot the cameras were there.” Laing, who also founded the sweets brand Candy Kittens, emphasizes that this approach was intentional. “If there were three cameras and a set-up, it feels forced,” he explains. “We wanted to capture everything exactly as it happened.”
“People are used to following our journey, so documenting this and having an audience come with us felt really natural and fun,” Habboo says.
Laing adds that the couple made a pact to include all moments, even the intense ones. “Holding anything back defeats the point,” he reflects. “There’s nothing off limits—everyone has arguments, bad moments, and feelings that fluctuate. Capturing that is real life.”
Privacy vs. Public Exposure
While their commitment to authenticity is clear, their views on privacy differ. Habboo admits there are “moments where it’s a lot,” and she occasionally voices hesitation about the level of exposure. “I even said ‘I’m not doing this’ at certain points,” she recalls. “If I had my way, there would be things off limits, but I never get my way.” Laing, on the other hand, is more comfortable with the idea of sharing every detail, including the nitty-gritties of their relationship.
When the podcast began in 2021, Habboo aimed to “put my best foot forward” and wanted some moments edited out. “I didn’t want people to hear the nitty-gritties of our relationship,” she says. But Laing ensured every episode retained the raw truth, which she found “horrifying” at first. Over time, she grew to appreciate the authenticity it brought, noting that “the reaction from listeners was that they loved it and felt connected, like they weren’t alone.”
Comments and Resilience
Their openness has come with a price—being subjected to public scrutiny and criticism. Laing acknowledges that “you have to have thick skin if you’re going to do this,” something he has learned to handle over time. Habboo, however, is still developing that resilience. “I don’t know what they’re going to say when they see me pregnant,” she jokes, referencing harsh comments like “Why does she look like an Afghan hound?” and critiques about her eyebrows.
“There are so many comments like that,” Habboo says. “People asking what’s wrong with my eyebrows. They’re evil, they’re so mean.”
Despite the challenges, the couple believes the blend of joy and discomfort in their documentary is what makes it compelling. Laing describes himself as “more anxious” during the process, while Habboo admits she is “worse on no sleep.” Together, they aim to create a reality show that feels genuine, even as the line between private and public moments blurs.
