Joe Swash is to present a documentary about foster care.
Joe Swash is presenting a documentary about foster kids
The former ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ winner is expected to front a BBC special, 'Teens in Care', about children in the care system - following in the footsteps of broadcaster Stacey Dooley and ex 'Love Island' star Zara McDermott, who have been involved in agenda-setting documentaries surrounding unexplored topics - that will see him speak to people with experience in the sector.
A source told The Sun newspaper’s TV Biz column: "The BBC love Joe’s everyman appeal and believe he can attract a type of audience who wouldn’t usually tune in for a documentary."
Joe is “familiar” with the subject as his mother Catherine is a foster mum herself after taking in two young people when he was a teenager.
The insider added: “He’s keen to add another string to his bow, and the topic is something he’s familiar with, so it’s a good fit.
“There’s huge scope for Joe to make more series in the future, so it’s exciting times for him.”
The ex ‘EastEnders’ star - who is married to ‘Loose Women’ panellist Stacey Solomon, with whom he has 13-month-old daughter Rose, three year old son Rex and step-sons Leighton, 10, and Zachary, 14 - will be focusing his attention on teenagers over the age of 16 as that demographic living in care has risen by 37 per cent in the last 10 years.
Of the programme, Joe - who also has 15-year-old son Harry with his ex Emma Sophocleous - said: “Foster care is a subject really close to my heart as I grew up with foster siblings so it’s something I’m passionate about exploring.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting the young people in care and hearing their stories.’’
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