The couple's intimate documentary, Raising Chelsea, chronicles their emotional and chaotic transition into parenthood.
Category: Arts & Culture
Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo, stars of the reality series Made in Chelsea, have embarked on a new chapter in their lives and careers with the release of their intimate documentary series, Raising Chelsea. Premiering on April 2, 2026, exclusively on Disney+ in the UK and Ireland, the three-part series offers a candid look at the couple's experiences during pregnancy, childbirth, and the early days of parenthood.
Filmed over 18 months, Raising Chelsea captures the couple's emotional rollercoaster as they prepare for the arrival of their son, Ziggy, born in December 2025. The series begins with their attempts to conceive, highlighting the joy and anxiety that accompanies the prospect of becoming parents. As Jamie, 37, and Sophie, 31, navigate the challenges of pregnancy, they also face the pressures of home renovations and family expectations.
In the first episode, set in December 2024, viewers witness Jamie's reluctance to embrace the role of a father. Describing himself as a "boy who won’t grow up," he finds the transition to parenthood overwhelming. Meanwhile, Sophie balances her career aspirations with the emotional and physical toll of pregnancy, grappling with fears about maternity leave and motherhood. The couple's contrasting approaches to impending parenthood create a dynamic that is both humorous and relatable.
As the episodes progress, the couple's relationship is tested by the realities of baby preparation. Jamie attempts to learn parenting skills, such as nurturing a robotic baby, which proves to be a humbling experience. The couple also faces generational differences during a visit to the in-laws, where discussions about Jamie's candid new book lead to honest conversations about their future. This exploration of their relationship adds depth to the narrative, providing insight into how they support each other through the multitude of changes.
The series culminates in a dramatic hospital scene during episode three, where the couple rushes to welcome their son. The birth does not go as planned, but Ziggy arrives safely, bringing both joy and chaos into their lives. In an unexpected turn, Jamie reflects on his feelings of inadequacy as he adjusts to his new role, feeling more like an intern than a father. Sophie, on the other hand, grapples with the desire to manage everything herself. Wise words from her sister prompt a much-needed reset for the couple as they prepare for their first night back at work, hosting the BAFTA red carpet.
In a recent interview, Sophie expressed the overwhelming nature of new parenthood, saying, "All of it is insane. You’re up all night, you’re changing nappies – there’s not a minute to yourself. But at the same time, the love you feel is almost too much. I feel overwhelmed by love." Jamie added humorously, "If I’d known the power I had when I was a kid, I would be a dictator! And they don’t sleep. Ziggy hates sleep." Their candid reflections reveal the highs and lows of parenthood, echoing with many new parents who face similar challenges.
Jamie and Sophie’s decision to create this series stems from their desire for authenticity in reality television. Sophie noted, "I’m a massive reality fan, but I do feel like everything is becoming really produced and constructed. So, with this, we thought if we’re going to do it, we’ve got to do it properly. We want it to be authentic, and that’s what it is. The arguments are all out there for everyone to see!" Jamie echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the raw nature of their experience, stating, "You have cameras in your face 24/7, as well. It was scary and nerve-wracking, and on our show, we argue a lot. It’s insane that we captured it all."
One of the most poignant moments in the series is the filming of Ziggy’s birth, which initially was not intended to be captured on camera. Jamie recounted, "We weren’t going to have any cameras during the birth. Then we went through our phones and the anaesthetist had filmed it. It was like she was Martin Scorsese! But we wanted to do proper storytelling, and it kind of felt unfair if we didn’t share the birth." Sophie admitted that Jamie persuaded her to include the birth video in the show, recognizing the significance of the moment.
As the series progresses, Jamie and Sophie reveal their hopes for the future, with Sophie expressing a desire for four children, and Jamie jokingly adding that he wants eight. Their playful banter about naming their future children after Santa’s reindeer adds a lighthearted touch to their otherwise serious discussions about parenthood.
In an emotional Instagram post coinciding with the series premiere, Jamie shared his thoughts on the project, stating, "We’re nervous but we promised we wouldn’t hold anything back, and we kept our promise. Get ready for the curtains to be drawn back!! Thank you for always supporting us - We hope you love it." He described Raising Chelsea as their most raw and honest show yet, capturing the essence of life’s ups and downs.
The series has been well-received, with audiences appreciating the unfiltered portrayal of Jamie and Sophie’s transition into parenthood. As they navigate the challenges of raising Ziggy, the couple invites viewers to join them on this emotional and often hilarious adventure. With all three episodes available for streaming, fans of Made in Chelsea and new viewers alike can witness the joys and struggles of modern parenthood through the lens of this beloved couple.
As the series continues to gain attention, it stands as a reminder of the beauty and chaos that comes with starting a family, and the importance of sharing these experiences with honesty and humor.