IT’S the battle of the cleaning queens that’s turned former showbiz pals Stacey Solomon and Sophie ‘Mrs Hinch’ Hinchliffe into “frenemies” – and it’s a rift that won’t go away anytime soon.
The two “glam housewife” influencers were once solid friends before a bitter rivalry over brand deals tore them apart, insiders say. Now, pals have revealed how Stacey really feels about the bust-up and why she is too “terrified” to speak out.
Stacey Solomon and Mrs Hinch were once inseparableCredit: Instagram
We can reveal Stacey’s true feelings about it all – as desperate fans speculate on the falloutCredit: BBC
Our insider explained: “Stacey’s no fool, she understands Mrs Hinch has a platform and huge popularity and, quite frankly, this type of narrative doesn’t make Stacey look good at all.
“She’s trying to brush it off and put on a brave face – her friends would be very surprised if she ever addressed the situation publicly – but she’s actually really upset.
“Stacey’s built her brand around being this really affable, fun-loving mum – so rumours suggesting she’s a cold-hearted, shrewd businesswoman who ditches her vulnerable mates isn’t good for business.”
Separate sources revealed that Stacey and Sophie had fallen out after three years of friendship when both sought out the same brand deals and advertising opportunities within the lifestyle influencer sphere.
The clean-fluencers, who have cornered the “glam housewife” market, have worked with many of the same companies, including Home Bargains, Tesco, Amazon and Asda. A brand deal with one of these companies could earn them over £10k per post.
Despite Sophie, 35, being a bridesmaid at Stacey’s wedding to Joe Swash in 2022, the pair have ceased all communication, and were last seen on screen together in 2023 when Sophie appeared on Stacey’s BBC show Sort Your Life Out.
Sources claimed that Stacey, 36, befriended fellow Essex dweller Sophie, only to ditch her in what was a “manufactured” friendship.
A source alleged: “It was competition for advertising and sponsorship revenue that eventually came between them.
“Hinch thought it was a real friendship. Once Stacey got deals that Hinch wanted, it was heartbreak. Stacey likes to come across as this goofy, sweet woman when, in fact, she’s a very shrewd businesswoman.”
The bust-up between the two Essex mums, who live just 20 miles away from each other, Stacey in the £1.3million Pickle Cottage and Sophie in her £1.1million farmhouse, is said to have left the former X-Factor star stressed and fearful about her career.
They said: “Stacey hates that her name is always linked back to this so-called ‘war’ with Sophie.
“She just wants everyone to move on. People don’t always stay mates forever, and it’s causing a fair bit of stress behind the scenes.
“It’s devastating to her when she’s painted as the bad guy. She’s bored of it and is terrified it’ll affect her career.
“She doesn’t want to speak out about it because she doesn’t want to bring more attention and conversation to it.
“Stacey is the same girl on and off screen; there’s no hidden agenda or nasty streak. She’s hard working, yes, but she’s not in the business of ruining lives.”
‘Trolls are getting to me’
Stacey has never publicly addressed the fallout, but last week, it appeared that she was feeling the strain of influencer life when she told supportive fans: “You have no idea what your kindness and words meant. Forever grateful.”
It came off the back of an uncharacteristic social media rant in which she revealed she’s been trolled for posting affiliated links – a special link that tracks sales or clicks so the person sharing it can earn commission when someone makes a purchase.
In an Instagram story, she said: “A couple of trolls over the last few days, well, I don’t know if they’re trolls, maybe this is how everyone’s feeling, and that’s why I need to ask a question.
“Does that[affiliate links] really upset people? Or is it any different to doing an ad with a brand? I would earn more if I did an ad with the actual brand than an affiliate link, so I don’t know if it offends everybody or if it’s really annoying or no one wants it.”
She continued: “I do earn a very small commission on it, nothing like what you’d get for an ad campaign… I would just share the normal links if it really offends people and p*** people off. Those couple of trolls are really getting to me. I’m like, ‘Oh my god, maybe people just hate this!’”
The pair used to have lots of playdates with their children
They worked together on various projects over the years
Mrs Hinch, who has also stayed silent on the reasons behind the feud, graced the cover of Fabulous magazine earlier this month to widespread acclaim, where she opened up about the grief of losing her beloved dad and her autism diagnosis.
In an emotional interview, she revealed how she’d stepped out of the limelight following the death of her dad, Alan, who died suddenly last April.
She admitted: “People think you are OK, but you’re not.”
Sophie also addressed the cruel trolling she received off the back of her huge social media presence.
The mum of three boasts an enormous 5m followers on Instagram but has to deal with keyboard warriors spouting venom and lies on a regular basis.
She said: “It’s hard for me to understand why they do it, and it’s frustrating, because you want to say, ‘That’s lies, ‘ but I just shut it off.
“I’m not saying it’s OK, because it’s wrong to accept what can feel abusive, but it comes with the job.”
Stacey is of course also no stranger to trolling, but rather than the horrible experience bringing them closer together, it’s driven them apart.
And as Stacey ploughs on with her career, Sophie seems to be getting left behind. Fans may pray for a Christmas miracle that sees the former pals reunited, but it really doesn’t look like their frosty friendship will thaw any time soon.
Mrs Hinch has gone through a very difficult time after the death of her fatherCredit: Instagram
Joe Swash and wife Stacey with their brood
Stacey Solomon’s career so far
Stacey Solomon has been a familiar face on viewers’ screens for over a decade. Let’s take a look back at her career.
The X Factor (2009): Stacey competed in series six of long-running ITV singing competition The X Factor. During her time in the show, she was mentored by Danni Minogue in the ‘Girls’ category. The star finished in third place, behind Joe McElderry and Olly Murs.
I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here (2010); In late 2010, Stacey headed to the infamous I’m A Celeb Aussie jungle. After 21 days, she triumphed to win the tenth series. It was through I’m A Celeb that she met future husband Joe Swash – who’d won two years earlier and was hosting the ITV2 spinoff.
Celebrity Juice (2011―2013, 2016―2019): The star appeared as a panellist on 21 episodes of the comedy panel game show hosted by Keith Lemon. Stacey was a regular in the 21st series, broadcast in 2019.
Loose Women (2016 – present): Stacey has been a permanent panel member of the daytime show since 2016. She previously made guest appearances in 2011 and 2012.
Sort Your Life Out (2022 -present): This BBC show sees Stacey, with the help of an expert team, transform participants’ living spaces after removing clutter.
