Ryan Libbey reveals he struggles being a ‘modern-age dad’ who earns less than his ‘breadwinner’ fiancee Louise Thompson

Ryan Libbey has admitted he struggles with being a ‘modern-age dad’ who earns less than his fiancee, Louise Thompson. 

The Made in Chelsea alum, 34, also revealed his fears over one day becoming a stay-at-home-father as work dries up.

The former TV star, who also works as a personal trainer, expressed his concerns on the latest episode of the couple’s podcast, He Said, She Said.

‘I’m down in the weeds and not feeling particularly grateful for who I am or what I’m doing,’ he explained. ‘There are days when it’s like, I’m really not getting this right. It’s not moving and it’s not progressing how I would want it to. 

‘It’s been a very quiet start to 2025 on the work front for Ryan – and it’s panicked me.’

Ryan, who lives in London with Louise, 35, and their son, Leo, three, claimed part of the problem is not knowing what career choices to make. 

Ryan Libbey admitted he struggles with being a ‘modern-age dad’ who earns less than his fiancee, Louise Thompson, on the pair’s podcast (pictured: the couple in December)

The Made in Chelsea alum, 34, also revealed his fears over one day becoming a stay-at-home-father for their son Leo, three (pictured) as work dries up

He currently describes himself as a digital marketer and podcaster who ‘works with brands’.

Speaking to Louise he added: ‘I don’t wrestle with the fact that you’re the breadwinner – I think it’s wonderful and I’ll support you – but if I can be as relaxed about that situation… me being a slightly modern-age dad… I think that’s the bracket I’m falling into.

‘There have been days over the past few weeks where I’m like, I might just fold! I might just be the stay-at-home dad and I might just do the cooking and the food shopping and the guy who pretends he can do DIY and hammers things all day.

‘Because Louise is actually earning more than I ever will, and she’s pretty bloody good at the whole business side of things, so why don’t I let her do that and I’ll do the other stuff.

‘But then I think, I’ve got lots to offer as well. I just need to figure out how to press go.’

Ryan made the candid confession just days before running the Marathon des Sables in Morocco – a gruelling nine-day race he started last Sunday and is due to finish next Monday.

‘Even this race in the desert, I’m like, “why the f*** am I doing that? What am I doing?”‘ he said. ‘I’ve now lost my sense of direction with that.’

He added that being ill recently triggered this blow to his mental health and outlook on life.

Ryan (pictured, with Louise in 2024) currently describes himself as a digital marketer and podcaster who ‘works with brands’

He added: ‘I look at the successes that you’re having – and Sam [Thompson] – and I don’t feel like it’s happening for me’ (pictured: the pair with Louise’s brother Sam last year)

Ryan said: ‘The wheels came off completely. I was having so many unhelpful thoughts and I was doubting everything – I was doubting my career, and where it’s going, I was doubting my lack of direction and conviction behind it all.

‘Intrusive thoughts have been a constant over the past couple of weeks. And that’s been really debilitating in many ways.

‘I’ve considered starting therapy again because I feel the lowest I’ve felt for a long time.

‘I have this desire to become more than what I am now. I’m at this stage where I have a lot of hesitation and reservations and question marks as to what is not working so well for me on the work side.’

He added: ‘I look at you – not in a jealous way – but I look at the successes that you’re having – and Sam [Thompson] – and I don’t feel like it’s happening for me and I’m not sure what to do about it.’