GARY Lineker and his wife Danielle will divorce today – because the young
model wants kids and he feels he’s too old to start another family.
The
England football legend, 55 and 36-year-old Danielle are still on good terms,
but sources say they have been living separate lives for almost a year.
A decree nisi will be issued at 10am today bringing their six year marriage to
an end.
Lineker has a personal fortune of around £20 million but the thrifty couple
decided to use a government website to formalise their split.
The online divorce site costs around £400, meaning the couple saved tens of
thousands of pounds in legal fees. They have agreed a financial settlement
between them said to be, ‘agreeable to both parties’.
Pals say the pair still care deeply about each other, but they have gradually,
‘fallen out of love’. Danielle, who already has a 13-year-old daughter from
a previous relationship, desperately wants another child.
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But Match of the Day pundit Lineker already has four grown up children from
his first marriage to Michelle Cockayne and he is completely against
starting a young family.
In recent months Danielle has spent more and more time in LA, while Lineker is
tied to the UK for work reasons.
They spent Christmas together – when Danielle
tweeted a picture of her husband’s cut hand and likened him to
accident-prone Frank Spencer – and on Monday Lineker tweeted about a
trip to the theatre that they had enjoyed. But tellingly Danielle barely
mentions her husband on her Instagram account.
And despite still remaining close, they have decided that the marriage is
over.
Last night a source close to the couple told The Sun: “Usually these things
are very sad and often acrimonious but with Gary and Danielle it is very
much friendly with no legal battle that can cost a lot of money.
“They didn’t use any solicitors and filed for divorce using a government
website where they filled out the forms together. It cost about £400, rather
tens of thousands in legal bills.
“They made a great couple but their different views on having children is what
made them realise they had to split.
“They both know it is the right thing to do and are looking forward to the
future. They are convinced they will stay friends.”
Leicester-born Lineker played for his hometown club as well as Everton,
Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona and Japanese side Nagoya Grampus Eight.
After retiring from football he became a hugely successful TV personality,
earning fortunes as the face of Match of the Day, Walkers Crisps and more
recently BT Sport’s UEFA Champions League coverage.
He married his first wife in 1986, divorcing in 2006 and was introduced to
Welsh underwear model Danielle the following year by a mutual friend who set
them up on a blind date.
They married in September 2009 in a lavish ceremony held in Ravello, Italy.
Last night a spokesperson for the couple confirmed the split, saying: “Gary
and Danielle have decided to end their marriage and their divorce was
confirmed today with the judge granting a Decree Nisi. They remain the
greatest of friends and wish each other every happiness.”
Lineker himself then tweeted confirmation.
Thank you all for your kind words. and I had many wonderful years together. We remain very close and the greatest of friends.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker)