Our new reality show leaves nothing out
Our new reality show leaves nothing out
Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo’s journey began on Made in Chelsea , where their relationship became a focal point for audiences. Over time, their dynamic transitioned into the NearlyWeds podcast after engagement, and later rebranded as NewlyWeds following their marriage. Now, they are delving into a new phase of their lives with a three-part documentary titled Raising Chelsea, capturing their experiences as they embrace parenthood. The show follows their attempts to conceive, the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy, and the early challenges of raising a child.
For many, the concept of broadcasting intimate moments—like the birth of their son Ziggy—would seem extreme. Yet for Laing and Habboo, it felt like a natural progression. “Audiences have grown accustomed to following our story, so documenting this felt like an extension of what we’ve already shared,” Habboo explains. The documentary was shot with a single camera, adopting a vlog-style format that allowed for a more candid feel. “I often forgot the camera was there,” she recalls, noting that arguments unfolded without pretense, only for her to reflect on them later.
“We wanted everything to feel genuine. Even when things got intense, we kept it in because we made a deal,” Laing adds. “Holding anything back would undermine the whole point.” He emphasizes that authenticity is central to their approach, stating, “There’s nothing off limits—filtered versions of ourselves aren’t real.”
The couple’s openness has led to mixed reactions. While Habboo leans toward protecting private moments, Laing embraces full transparency. “There are times when I’m not doing this,” Habboo admits, revealing her initial reservations about the podcast’s early days. “I wanted to present my best side, so I was keen to edit out the details.” However, Laing ensured every episode retained unfiltered content, which she found “horrifying” at first.
Laing and Habboo’s commitment to raw storytelling has resonated with viewers, fostering a sense of connection. “People felt like they weren’t alone,” Habboo says. This authenticity, she notes, is rare in today’s media landscape. “We wanted to create something real, not something overly produced.” Laing, meanwhile, acknowledges the challenges of such exposure, saying, “You need thick skin to do this.” Habboo adds that while she’s still learning, the pair remains dedicated to sharing their truth.
Public critiques have ranged from lighthearted to sharp. Laing recalls a comment that stuck: “Sophie thought she’d read the Daily Mail, and the first remark was, ‘Why does she look like an Afghan hound?'” Habboo jokes about the harshness of online judgment, including questions about her eyebrows. “They’re so mean,” she says, hinting at future scrutiny as she navigates motherhood. The documentary, airing just months after Ziggy’s birth, underscores their belief that vulnerability is the essence of real life.
