Jamie Laing is a prominent British entrepreneur, broadcaster, and media personality best known for co-founding the gourmet confectionery brand Candy Kittens and hosting the flagship “Going Home” show on BBC Radio 1. As of 2026, Laing has successfully transitioned from his origins as a reality television star on Made in Chelsea to become one of the UK’s most versatile entertainment figures. Beyond radio, he operates JamPot Productions, which produces a suite of chart-topping podcasts including NewlyWeds (with wife Sophie Habboo) and Great Company. His business acumen was further solidified in late 2025 and early 2026 when Candy Kittens expanded its footprint through the high-profile acquisition of the snack brand Graze from Unilever, elevating his estimated net worth to the region of £10 million.
Early Life and Family Background
Jamie Laing was born on November 3, 1988, in Oxford, England, into a family with a historic connection to the British food industry. He is the great-great-grandson of Sir Alexander Grant, the creator of the McVitie’s digestive biscuit, though Laing has frequently clarified that he is not a direct heir to the vast McVitie’s fortune.
Educated at the prestigious Radley College and later the University of Leeds, where he studied Theatre and Performance, Laing’s early ambitions were rooted in acting. This academic background provided the foundation for the charismatic public persona that would later make him a household name in British media.
The Made in Chelsea Era
Laing joined the second series of the E4 reality show Made in Chelsea in 2011, quickly becoming one of its most recognizable and long-standing cast members. His storylines often centered on his “lost boy” persona, characterized by a playful attitude and a series of high-profile romantic entanglements.
Despite the “playboy” image depicted on screen, Laing utilized the platform as a springboard for his entrepreneurial ambitions. He officially departed the show in 2021, marking a definitive shift away from reality television toward a career in mainstream broadcasting and business.
Candy Kittens and Business Success
In 2012, Laing co-founded Candy Kittens with Ed Williams, aiming to disrupt the confectionery market with high-quality, vegan-friendly sweets. The brand originally started with a shop on King’s Road but quickly pivoted to a successful wholesale model, securing placements in major retailers like Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco.
The Acquisition of Graze
A pivotal moment for Laing’s business portfolio occurred in December 2025, when Candy Kittens (backed by Katjes International) acquired the snack brand Graze from Unilever. This deal, valued at approximately £36 million, expanded the company’s reach from confectionery into the wider healthy snack market, increasing the overall size of the business by an estimated 300%.
JamPot Productions
In addition to sweets, Laing is the founder of JamPot Productions, a media company focused on digital content and podcasting. The company produces several of the UK’s most popular audio shows, capitalizing on the “creator economy” by turning personal conversations into commercially viable media assets.
BBC Radio 1 and Broadcasting
Laing’s transition to serious broadcasting culminated in March 2024 when he was named the new co-host of BBC Radio 1’s “Going Home” show, replacing Jordan North. He hosts the drive-time slot alongside Vick Hope and Katie Thistleton, a role that has cemented his status as a mainstream presenter.
His radio career began with covering maternity leave for Mollie King in 2022 and participating in the 6 Degrees from Jamie and Spencer podcast for BBC Sounds. His ability to connect with a younger demographic while maintaining a professional broadcasting standard has made him a key asset for the BBC’s 2026 programming strategy.
Podcasts and Digital Media
As a pioneer in the UK podcasting space, Laing has built an extensive network of listeners through various long-form series. His podcasts are known for their candid, often humorous approach to personal lives and celebrity culture.
NewlyWeds: Co-hosted with his wife Sophie Habboo, this podcast documents their life as a married couple and follows their sold-out 2024 UK tour.
Great Company: A series where Laing interviews high-profile guests, ranging from musicians like Yungblud to international icons like LL Cool J, focusing on mental health and success.
Private Parts: One of his longest-running ventures, featuring intimate conversations with celebrities about their most private stories.
Philanthropy and Physical Challenges
In March 2025, Laing completed one of his most significant personal challenges by running five ultra-marathons in five days for Comic Relief. Despite having limited previous long-distance running experience, he covered over 150 miles from London to Salford, raising over £2 million for charity.
This feat was part of his broader commitment to advocating for mental health awareness. He frequently uses his platforms to discuss his own struggles with anxiety and tinnitus, encouraging a more open dialogue about wellbeing among his millions of followers.
Practical Information and Media Access
For those wishing to follow Jamie Laing’s work or engage with his brands in 2026, the following details are essential.
Radio: Listen to Going Home with Vick, Katie, and Jamie on BBC Radio 1, Monday to Thursday from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
Confectionery: Candy Kittens and Graze snacks are available at most major UK supermarkets and online via the official Candy Kittens website.
Podcasts: All JamPot Productions shows are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and BBC Sounds.
Social Media: Follow @jamielaing on Instagram and TikTok for daily updates on his business ventures and family life.
Net Worth: As of May 2026, his estimated net worth is between £8 million and £10 million, driven primarily by his business ownership and media contracts.
Personal Life and Family
Jamie Laing lives in London and Gloucestershire with his wife, Sophie Habboo, whom he married in a highly publicized ceremony in Marbella in May 2023. In December 2025, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Ziggy.
His personal life is frequently a topic of his podcast NewlyWeds, where the couple shares the realities of parenting and marriage. Despite his high-profile lifestyle, Laing is known for his close-knit group of friends, many of whom have been part of his circle since his university days and early years in Chelsea.
FAQs
What is Jamie Laing’s current job in 2026?
He is a co-host of BBC Radio 1’s “Going Home” show and the founder of Candy Kittens and JamPot Productions.
Is Jamie Laing the heir to McVitie’s?
No, he is the great-great-grandson of the creator of the McVitie’s digestive biscuit, but he has stated he does not have a direct claim to the company’s current fortune.
Who is Jamie Laing married to?
He is married to fellow media personality and former Made in Chelsea star Sophie Habboo.
What is Jamie Laing’s net worth in 2026?
His estimated net worth is approximately £10 million, largely thanks to the success and expansion of Candy Kittens and his media ventures.
Does Jamie Laing have children?
Yes, he and Sophie Habboo have a son named Ziggy, born in December 2025.
What was Jamie Laing’s ultra-marathon challenge?
In March 2025, he ran five ultra-marathons in five days for Comic Relief, raising over £2 million.
Which radio station does Jamie Laing work for?
He works for BBC Radio 1, hosting the afternoon drive-time show.
Is Candy Kittens still vegan?
Yes, Candy Kittens remains a 100% vegan-friendly, gourmet gummy sweet brand.
What happened to the Private Parts podcast?
While Jamie launched Great Company and NewlyWeds, Private Parts remains a key part of his podcasting history and JamPot Productions’ catalog.
Why did Jamie Laing replace Jordan North?
Jamie was selected by the BBC to bring a fresh energy to the “Going Home” show following Jordan North’s departure to Capital FM in early 2024.
Did Jamie Laing win Strictly Come Dancing?
No, he finished as a runner-up in the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing with his professional partner Karen Hauer.
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