Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo: ‘Our new reality show leaves nothing out’
A New Chapter: Raising Chelsea
Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo’s journey began on the reality series Made in Chelsea, where their relationship was always under public scrutiny. Now, they are documenting their latest life stage—parenthood—with a three-part documentary titled Raising Chelsea. The series follows their efforts to conceive, the emotional twists of pregnancy, and the challenges of early family life. For many, the concept of capturing such personal milestones on screen, including the birth of their child, might seem extreme. Yet for Laing and Habboo, it felt like a natural extension of their existing connection with viewers.
Authenticity Over Production
Unlike conventional reality TV, Raising Chelsea was filmed with a single camera, creating a vlog-style format. Habboo explains that this approach made the experience feel more genuine, as she often wasn’t aware they were recording. “I quickly forgot the cameras were there,” she says, noting that arguments and raw moments unfolded without hesitation. Laing, who also founded the sweets brand Candy Kittens, emphasizes the intention behind this method. “If there were three cameras and a set-up, it feels forced,” he argues. “We wanted everything to feel real, so we kept it in—even the intense parts.”
Intimate Moments, Unfiltered
“There is nothing off limits—I don’t like the idea of a filtered version of ourselves, it’s not true, authentic or real,” Laing reflects.
For Laing, this unfiltered approach was a conscious choice. “We made a deal to capture everything,” he adds. Habboo, however, initially hesitated. When they launched their podcast in 2021, she aimed to present her best side, editing out some of the more vulnerable aspects of their relationship. “I didn’t want people to hear the nitty-gritties,” she recalls. But Laing ensured every episode retained the rawness, which she found “horrifying” at first.
Differing Perspectives on Privacy
Habboo admits that being so open has its toll. “There are moments where it’s a lot,” she says, mentioning times when she would mutter, “I’m not doing this” during filming. While she remains more protective of private moments, Laing is more inclined to let even the most personal aspects of their lives be shared. “Jamie made sure every episode kept everything in,” Habboo notes, highlighting the couple’s contrasting views on exposure.
The Cost of Transparency
Despite the challenges, Laing acknowledges that such openness requires resilience. “You have to have thick skin if you’re going to do this,” he says. Habboo agrees, adding that she is still refining her ability to handle public scrutiny. The couple’s willingness to show both joy and vulnerability is central to the documentary. Laing describes himself as “more anxious,” while Habboo admits she is “worse on no sleep.”
