Gary Lineker & Danielle Bux: The Amicable Split Over Having Children
They still holiday together, but wanting different things for the future made staying married impossible.
Key Facts
What Happened
Gary Lineker, one of England's greatest footballers and the face of BBC's Match of the Day, married Welsh model and actress Danielle Bux in September 2009 in a romantic ceremony in Ravello, Italy. Lineker was 15 years older than Bux and already had four sons from his first marriage to Michelle Cockayne. Despite their age gap, the couple appeared deeply compatible, frequently appearing at public events together and projecting an image of marital bliss.
The fundamental issue that ended their marriage was the question of children. Bux, in her mid-thirties, wanted to have children of her own. Lineker, who was approaching his mid-fifties and already had four sons, felt he was too old to start a new family. This impasse, rather than any infidelity or conflict, became the irreconcilable difference that dissolved their seven-year marriage. Friends of the couple described it as genuinely heartbreaking because they still loved each other deeply.
The divorce was granted as a 'quickie' decree on January 13, 2016, with the financial settlement described as 'agreeable to both parties.' Lineker's estimated personal fortune at the time was around 20 million pounds, making the potential settlement significant. However, neither party disclosed the specific terms, and the entire process was characterized by mutual respect and cooperation.
What makes the Lineker-Bux divorce unusual is its aftermath. The couple has maintained an exceptionally close friendship, regularly vacationing together and remaining in each other's lives. Bux went on to have a daughter, Ella, with her subsequent partner, entertainment lawyer Nate Sherwood, in 2020. Lineker has publicly expressed happiness for her. The case stands as a rare example of how a divorce can be conducted with genuine grace and mutual respect when both parties prioritize kindness over bitterness.
Legal Breakdown: Irreconcilable Differences Over Family Planning
Quickie Divorce in England
The English 'quickie divorce' allows couples to obtain a Decree Nisi relatively quickly when both parties agree on the grounds and terms. The Linekers used this process to finalize their separation efficiently, avoiding the prolonged proceedings that characterize contested divorces.
Family Planning as Irreconcilable Difference
Disagreements about having children are among the most common but least discussed grounds for divorce. Unlike infidelity or abuse, there is no villain in these cases. English courts recognize that fundamental incompatibility about life goals constitutes a valid basis for divorce.
The Amicable Settlement Advantage
By cooperating on the settlement rather than litigating, both parties saved significant legal fees and preserved their relationship. Amicable settlements also tend to produce more creative and mutually beneficial financial arrangements than court-imposed judgments.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Not all divorces stem from conflict; sometimes two good people simply want different things from life.
- →Cooperating on a settlement saves money, preserves relationships, and protects reputations.
- →Discussing major life goals like having children before marriage can prevent heartbreak later.
- →A respectful divorce is possible and can lead to a genuinely positive post-divorce relationship.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.