Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo: ‘Our new reality show leaves nothing out’

Since their initial meeting on the popular reality series Mad in Chelsea, Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo’s relationship has been under constant scrutiny. From their first romantic sparks to the drama and milestones of their journey, audiences have witnessed every detail—both the highs and the lows. This transparency culminated in the NearlyWeds podcast, which followed their engagement, and later evolved into NewlyWeds after they tied the knot. Now, the couple is embracing a new phase of their lives: parenthood, which they are documenting in a three-part series titled Raising Chelsea.

A Personal Journey on Screen

Raising Chelsea captures the couple as they navigate the challenges of conception, the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy, and the early days of raising a child. While many might hesitate to film such intimate moments, including the birth of their son Ziggy, Laing and Habboo see it as a natural extension of their media presence. “People are used to following our journey, so documenting this and having an audience come with us felt really natural and fun,” Habboo says in a

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. The documentary’s unique approach involves minimal camera setups, with the couple often unaware they are being recorded. “We only had one camera so it was very vlog style,” Habboo explains. “There are lots of times I didn’t know we were even filming.” She notes that arguments unfolded organically, only for her to later “worry about it afterwards.”

Authenticity Over Production

Laing, who also founded the sweets brand Candy Kittens, emphasizes that the documentary’s rawness was intentional. “If there were three cameras and a set-up, it feels forced,” he says. The couple’s commitment to unfiltered content means nothing is left unexplored. “There is nothing off limits,” he reflects. “I don’t like the idea of a filtered version of ourselves—it’s not true, authentic or real.” Habboo, however, admits she initially wanted to “put my best foot forward” when starting their podcast in 2021. “I didn’t want people to hear the nitty-gritties of our relationship,” she says. Yet, she quickly realized Jamie ensured every episode retained its unpolished essence, which she found “horrifying” at first. Over time, she grew to appreciate the connection it fostered with viewers. “They loved it and felt connected, like they weren’t alone,” she recalls. “So going into this, I thought we had to keep that authenticity.”

Exposure and Criticism

Their openness comes with a price. Laing acknowledges that “you have to have thick skin if you’re going to do this,” a lesson he has learned through experience. Habboo, meanwhile, is still “developing it,” as she admits to being more instinctively protective of private moments. Despite this, their willingness to share both joy and discomfort defines the series. “I’m worse on no sleep,” Habboo jokes about her own struggles. Laing, on the other hand, describes himself as “more anxious.” One memorable moment of public critique involved a comment about Sophie’s appearance: “Why does she look like an Afghan hound?” Laing laughs at the memory. “There are so many comments like that,” Habboo adds. “People asking what’s wrong with my eyebrows. They’re evil, they’re so mean.” As the documentary airs just months after Ziggy’s birth, the couple is prepared for whatever opinions come their way.