Stacey Solomon smiling
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Stacey Solomon sets record straight on sons’ new TV job amid ‘nepo baby’ backlash

Behind-the-scenes snaps show the boys filming their scenes

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Stacey Solomon’s two eldest sons have landed their very own roles in TV world!

That’s right, the younger generation of the Solomon-Swash family are following in the footsteps of their star-studded parents and snagging their very own showbiz jobs!

Stacey’s boys, Zachary and Leighton, have starred in a very popular soap and fans are very excited. However, there has been some criticism…

Stacey Solomon and son Zachary on the red carpet
Zachary and Leighton are following in the footsteps of their famous mum (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Stacey Solomon breaks silence over ‘nepo baby’ backlash

Stacey Solomon has broken her silence amid upset over Zachary and Leighton’s new gigs.

Taking to her Instagram Story, Stacey has reflected on their latest opportunity: “So many are you messaging me saying: ‘Was that Zach and Leighton I saw in Hollyoaks?’

“I know it’s so random but it was,” she confirmed.

Describing how the gig came about as the “funniest story”, she explained: “So when me and Zach went to the NTAs, we ended up meeting, on the red carpet, the exec of Hollyoaks and Zach is the biggest Hollyoaks fan.

“He’s obsessed. When he was little he used to get so excited for Sundays to watch the Hollyoaks Omnibus.

“And he was like: ‘Oh my God, I love Hollyoaks!’ and he was talking to her and she was like: ‘Why don’t you come down and see the set?'”

‘Zach wants to be a mechanic when he’s older’

She added: “He was just over the moon and so excited. Zach wants to be a mechanic when he’s older, there’s no interesting in acting.

“Neither Zach or Leighton want to do anything in that industry but he was just so excited to go and see the set.

“So me, Zach and Leighton went up there and they just loved it,” she detailed.

“They were so nervous to be extras. They loved every second of it and the people at Hollyoaks were just so lovely and so kind and so nice to us and they just had the best day ever,” she concluded.

It’s keep it in the family and it’s wrong.

Despite Stacey setting the record straight about Zachary and Leighton’s career plans, unfortunately, the pair have received some criticism with viewers dubbing their roles as “nepotism”, due to their famous mum.

One fumed: “There’s a surprise. It’s not what you know or can do. It’s WHO YOU KNOW. Makes me sick.”

Another penned: “Makes me sick. Just because they’re her sons! There are many young brilliant actors who work hard and never get that kind of break.

“Definitely who you know not what you know. Another Bradley Walsh.”

“It’s keep it in the family and it’s wrong,” said a third.

Stacey Solomon’s sons land TV gig

Zachary and Leighton landed a role in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, as shared earlier this week. Snaps of the boys showing off their acting skills have been shared on the programme’s official Instagram page.

Alongside the pictures, which saw the boys filming inside and outside Price Slice, a video clip showed Zachary and Leighton in a scene with Jennifer Metcalfe, Charlie Wernham, Charlie Clapham and Dawn Hope.

Proud mum Stacey quickly hit the like button on the post.

Zachary and Leighton on Hollyoaks

In the clip, Parcel Patrons worker Zachary can be seen accidentally barging into Mercedes (Jennifer Metcalfe) whilst lugging a delivery into the shop. Leighton, who seems to be a paper boy sporting a neon yellow satchel, is also spotted as he arrives late.

Pearl Anderson (Dawn Hope) can be heard quipping to Leighton: “Oh Leighton, what time do you call this to be collecting papers? I’ll be having a word with your mother. Go on.”

It is yet to be revealed whether Zachary and Leighton’s roles are a permanent fixture within the cast or whether this is a one-off opportunity for the duo.

Stacey Solomon and young son Zachary
Zachary has grown up fast! (Credit: ITV)

Fans react

Regardless, fans can’t wait to see them in action!

One penned: “Welcome to the Hollyoaks family.”

So lovely to see them on my favourite show.

Another said: “Aww Stacey’s kids. So lovely to see them on my favourite show.”

“No freaking way,” chimed in a third.

“Omg it’s @staceysolomon’s pickles,” exclaimed another.

A fifth then tagged Stacey and asked: “Your big boys. You must be proud. Was this just a cameo?”

Proud auntie Jemma Solomon also commented on the post. She shared: “Well done boys,” with the love heart emoji.

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So, what do you think of Zachary and Leighton’s soap debut? Follow our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and share your thoughts.


Emily Towers
TV & Showbiz Writer
Emily loves to write about the latest trending news, whether it’s reality TV chaos or Royal drama. She also has a passion for translating editorial content into share-worthy social media posts after spending two years as a social media manager and marketing executive.