Louise Thompson and Ryan Libbey have issued apologies following public backlash to comments made on their podcast regarding children and potty training. The couple subsequently embarked on a family camping trip with their son, Leo, an experience Thompson described as preferable to a hotel stay.
Thompson took to Instagram on Saturday to express her regret, stating she was "deeply devastated" by the offense caused by remarks made on their "He Said, She Said" podcast. The comments, which appeared to mock children still in nappies at school, drew significant criticism, with many highlighting that children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or other disabilities may require additional time for toilet training.
Thompson clarified that the statistics they cited – suggesting one in four children start school before being fully potty trained – were from a January Guardian article and, in their understanding, did not refer to children with SEN or disabilities. However, she acknowledged the oversight, admitting, "What this has taught us is that we should have considered those other groups of children and this is an area that is so under-discovered."
Read More: Tess Daly and Vernon Kay separate after 23 years on May 8 2026
The couple's subsequent camping trip, reportedly costing £20 per car per night, was shared on social media. Thompson posted images of the trip, including Libbey cooking outdoors and Leo enjoying the environment, remarking, "This over a fancy hotel any day of the week." She also indicated a desire for further discussion on the topic, suggesting an "informed" podcast episode to "raise awareness."
Thompson, who has spoken openly about her own invisible disability, suggested the experience has been a significant lesson. The public reaction to the initial comments, which occurred earlier in the week, was substantial, leading to demands for a formal apology.
The original discussion on their podcast referenced a survey of teachers indicating a proportion of children entering reception classes in 2025 were not toilet-trained. Ryan Libbey had commented that this presented a "raw deal" for educators. Thompson’s own perspective, shared previously, suggested that "parents are just doing too much for their kids."
Read More: Elsie Hewitt says she is tired and raising daughter alone
