Louise Thompson and Fiancé Exit Podcast After Backlash

and Ryan Libbey have quit their podcast, He Said, She Said after suffering backlash from their recent 'tricky' episodes. 

The former star, 36, and her fiancé, 35, launched their podcast back in October 2024 and candidly discussed their relationship, mental health, journey and parenthood.

But in recent months it hasn't been plain sailing after Louise and Ryan, who share four-year-old son Leo, suffered huge backlash , because it didn't consider parents of SEN children, (children with Special Educational Needs). 

In a new update, the pair revealed they are 'pressing pause' on their joint show as they want to focus on their son and other work commitments. 

Speaking on their podcast, Louise said: 'For a long time we've really been focusing heavily on work and I think now it's time for us to take some time for ourselves.

'Our son starts school in September and also you know we've spoken very honestly about our fertility journey and the run up to that on here.'

She continued: 'We're really in an exciting spot with it now, moving quite quickly.

'So we're actually going to be pressing pause on the podcast for a little while as we step into what feels like maybe a new chapter in our lives.'

Ryan quipped: 'There's been sort of a mixed bag of some pretty tricky episodes but then some fun moments and overall it's a good opportunity to grow as a couple.

'Those days that felt particularly difficult, it's reassuring and super refreshing as well to know that the level of honesty and vulnerability does touch and connect people.'

'We're so grateful for your continued support and I just wanted to say how much we've loved building this community,' added Louise.

Fans took to the comments to wish the couple well on their next journey, they wrote: 'Loved this pod from the beginning, glad you're both looking after yourselves and your lovely family and all positive and loving thoughts for what might be your next chapter;

'I will miss your lovely voice, Louise, and Ryan’s tender spirit. Love and prayers for the next step of your journey;

'Love listening to this , honesty and communication is key and you’ve both been so generous with your thoughts , wishing you a very happy and fruitful break……;

'Raw and honest, thank you for sharing your lives. Sending love as you journey into the next chapter'.

Speaking on their, the couple discussed the statistic that one in four children are sent to school before they are potty trained.

Louise admitted she was 'shocked' by the statistic before laughing when Ryan said 'that's a raw deal' for teachers.

'I think a basic human right is to teach your child before the age of four how to use the loo and how to wipe their bum,' insisted Louise.

The couple laughed again as Louise added that '28% of kids are going to reception unable to eat and drink on their own. That's like almost a third of children. So, you've got a large number of kids in reception who have got nappies on and they can't feed or drink themselves.'

The comments sections on the podcast's social media accounts were flooded with criticism from parents.

'I just can't believe you were laughing while talking about it without a single thought for parents and children who are struggling. I was very sad to see the video,' commented one.

'Laughing while talking about children who are struggling is disappointing, whether it was aimed at the children themselves or just immature humour about “poo,” it came across poorly. Overall, very disappointing.'

'Just genuinely gobsmacked, kids who aren’t toilet trained or unable to feed themselves is definitely not something to laugh about,' agreed another. 'I am also a parent whose child struggled through no fault of his own. Please read parents stories and hopefully use this to educate your audience in future.'

Accounts dedicated to SEN (Special Educational Needs) children have also reposted the clip with their own commentary.

The Instagram account autismandourworld states that 'children with special needs deserve dignity, understanding, and compassion - not public ridicule.'

'Platforms that should be used to promote kindness, compassion, and understanding are instead being used to mock and ridicule children with special needs, and to blame parents for developmental delays that are often far more complex than people realise.'

The account tagged Louise and pointed out her brother Sam Thompson's ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, saying: 'I really expected more from a person who has a brother who is neurodivergent'.

Others pointed out Louise's well-documented health issues could make her more sympathetic.

'How incredibly ignorant. As someone who has listened to your podcast for a while, this will be my last,' read one comment. 'Please educate yourselves before commenting on subjects like this. All I take from this is 2 very privileged GROWN ADULTS laughing at children because they wear nappies.'

'As a woman who's a mum and has a stoma bag, I really did think better of you. No 2 children are the same. No 2 families are the same. Let's not judge and tear down others.'

Reality star Lateysha Grace joined in the criticism, writing on her Instagram account: 'The lack of compassion and empathy shown towards families and children facing real struggles has honestly been heartbreaking to watch.'

'So many parents are already carrying so much behind closed doors, questioning themselves daily while doing everything they possibly can for their children.'

'There are also children growing up without the support, understanding, care, or love they deserve, which makes laughing at situations like this even more upsetting. Words matter. The way we speak about people matters.'

'I’ll always stand for kindness, empathy, and understanding because you never truly know what someone is going through behind closed doors.'