'Not many people want us on Christmas Day!'

Joe Swash tells new why he's excited about the festive season, and why his large brood won't receive invites for the big day

- GEORGIA TREVITT

With six children, Joe Swash and Stacey Solomon’s home – aka Pickle Cottage – is busy at the best of times, but Joe tells new that it’s on another level during the festive period.

“I’m really looking forward to Christmas this year,” he says. “I’m so lucky because it’s all about kids – and we’ve got so many!”

In fact, the former EastEnders star, 41, jokes that the numbers involved mean they no longer receive invites. “I think we’ll go down to see my family on Christmas Eve. Not many people want us on Christmas Day. Who wants two adults and six kids including a baby?” he laughs. “So we’ll be at home, and anyone who wants to come and see us will be more than welcome.”

Wife Stacey, 34, has become a crafting queen, sharing her homemade decorations with her 5.8 million Instagram fans. And she’s been busy putting special touches around their home.

“Stacey’s been making some crackers and making stars to put on the tree,” says Joe. “She had me outside cutting down some bits from the Christmas trees in the garden to make a display on the mantelpiece, so she’s always doing something. I lose track sometimes of what she’s doing!”

He adds, “I only get involved if I’m invited. If I get involved uninvited, then sometimes it gets me in trouble! I’m just there when she needs me.”