Former Premier League footballer Andy Carroll and reality TV star Billi Mucklow have announced their divorce after two years of marriage.
In a statement, the former England, Newcastle, and Liverpool striker revealed: “Billi and I privately separated earlier this year, and we are under way with our divorce proceedings.”
He acknowledged the difficulties they faced, adding, “It has been a hard few months for our family, and we continue to move forward amicably for our children.”
A source close to the couple said, “Andy and Billi care about each other a lot and have made some great memories together, but decided it was best for the family if they went their separate ways having grown apart.”
“They’re still focusing on the kids and being the best parents they can be, and they’re being respectful of each other,” the source continued. “They want the process to be straightforward for everyone involved. Andy has been throwing himself into his football.”
Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow difficult relationship
The couple’s relationship faced multiple challenges. One of the most notorious was Carroll’s party scandal, which nearly derailed their wedding.
In 2014, the couple appeared to be on track for happiness, having gotten engaged just a year after meeting. However, before their wedding, Carroll went on a boozy party with friends, leading to headlines.
Pictures surfaced of him passed out in bed with two women in Dubai. One of whom, identified as Taylor Jane Wilkey, was photographed wearing Carroll’s personalized dressing gown.
Wilkey later told The Sun: “It was all just a bit of entirely innocent fun. It was an afterparty. We all went back to his hotel. There was me, Andy, and my female friend. I didn’t sleep with him; it wasn’t like that. There were three of us in the room.”
“It was a full day and night of drinking,” she continued. “Andy was steaming; we were all drunk. We went back to Andy’s hotel suite, and we played some music. He got into bed and passed out. I was there with my friend until the early hours and took the photo as a joke.”
Billi, furious when the photos emerged on social media, took off her £200,000 engagement ring. Shel also left the couples’ family home in Essex. It seemed their wedding would never take place.
However, after Carroll showed her all the pictures from the party during clear-the-air talks, Billi forgave him, and the wedding was back on.
They were married at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in Hampshire, but the trust between them had been damaged.
How Carroll’s career impacted his family and marriage
In 2023, Carroll left Reading FC after triggering a release clause in his contract and moved to French club Amiens in a bid to restart his career. By 2024, he signed with Bordeaux, playing in France’s second division.
While Carroll pursued his football career in France, Billi chose to remain in Essex with their children, signaling their growing distance. Meanwhile, rumors of Carroll’s relationship with a mystery women in France has been making the rounds.
It is believed the infidelity rumors has contributed to the decision of the couples to part ways as well as the distance between them following Carroll’s move to France.
As the divorce proceedings unfold, Carroll is expected to dig deep into his savings, as the split is likely to come with significant costs.
Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow relationship
Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow reportedly started dating in 2013 while Carroll was plying his trade in the Premier League. The pair spent nine years together before recently getting married in 2022. The relationship has been fraught with problems and has now led to the ongoing divorce proceedings.
Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow children
Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow share three children, sons Arlo, eight, and Wolf, five, and daughter Marvel, three. Despite their ongoing divorce proceedings, the pair are said to hold their children in high esteem.
Andry Carroll career
Andy Carroll is an English striker known for his aerial ability and physical presence. He began his career at Newcastle United, where he gained prominence before moving to Liverpool for a then-British record transfer fee in 2011.
Struggling with injuries, he had mixed spells at Liverpool and West Ham. Carroll returned to Newcastle, then played for Reading and West Brom, with injuries continuing to affect his career trajectory. He is currently playing for French club Bordeaux in the French second division.
