Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo: ‘Our new reality show leaves nothing out’
Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo: ‘Our new reality show leaves nothing out’
Intimate Journey on Screen
Since their first encounter on the reality series *Made in Chelsea*, Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo have been under constant public scrutiny, with their relationship’s highs and lows broadcast for all to see. Their on-screen romantic journey, marked by a will-they-won’t-they dynamic, transformed into the *NearlyWeds* podcast upon engagement and later became *NewlyWeds* following their marriage. Now, the couple is offering a fresh perspective on their lives through a three-part documentary, *Raising Chelsea*, which captures their experiences as they navigate pregnancy, parenthood, and the challenges of new parenthood.
“The audience has grown accustomed to tracking our journey, making it feel natural to document this phase with them as companions,” Habboo says. “It’s not like we’re starting from scratch—people already know us, so capturing these moments felt like a seamless extension of our work.”
Filming Style and Authenticity
Unlike traditional reality TV setups, *Raising Chelsea* was filmed with a single camera, creating a vlog-style format that prioritized rawness. “We only had one camera, which meant I often didn’t realize we were recording,” Habboo explains. This method allowed the couple to act as if the cameras were invisible, resulting in unfiltered moments that felt genuine. Laing, who also founded the sweets brand Candy Kittens, emphasized the intention behind this approach. “Three cameras would make things feel staged, but one camera lets everything happen naturally,” he says. “Even intense scenes were kept in because we agreed to capture everything—there’s no room for filters.”
“There’s nothing off limits—filtered versions don’t reflect real life,” Laing reflects. “Everyone has arguments, good and bad days, and emotions that fluctuate. Showing that is what makes it authentic.”
Public Reception and Criticism
The documentary debuts less than four months after their son Ziggy was born, marking a swift transition from private to public life. While they embraced transparency, there were moments of doubt. Habboo, who tends to be more protective of personal boundaries, admits to feeling overwhelmed. “There are times when I wanted to draw a line, but Jamie always pushed for more,” she says. Laing, on the other hand, embraces the unfiltered nature of their content. “I think people are used to our style, so they’re not surprised by the honesty.”
“I’m not doing this” was something I said on camera, Habboo recalls. “Jamie made sure every episode kept everything in, which was terrifying at first. But listeners loved it—they felt like they weren’t alone in the chaos of life.”
Their openness has come with a price. Laing acknowledges the need for resilience. “You have to have thick skin if you’re doing this,” he says. “Some people are harsh, like asking what’s wrong with my eyebrows. They’re evil, so mean.” Despite the criticism, both agree that authenticity is key. “Today, everything feels produced, but we wanted to create something real,” Habboo concludes. “Even when things get messy, it’s still real life—and that’s what we’re here for.”
