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    Loved-up Andy Carroll kisses girlfriend Lou Teasdale on an inflatable after confirming wedding plans

    ANDY CARROLL and his girlfriend Lou Teasdale shared a loved-up kiss as they relaxed in a swimming pool.The former England striker is soaking up the sun in the south of France, where he plays for Bordeaux.Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale relaxed on a pool inflatableCredit: InstagramThey shared a loved-up kissCredit: InstagramThe pair have only been dating a few monthsCredit: Instagram/@andytcarrollThey are set to get marriedCredit: Instagram @louteasdaleHe and Lou chilled out on an inflatable and shared a kiss – days after confirming they are set to get married.The Sun exclusively revealed Carroll is planning to propose to his girlfriend of five months, telling friends: “My divorce can’t come soon enough”.The ex-Liverpool striker, 36, split from his estranged wife Billi Mucklow, 37, last year – weeks before revealing his new relationship.He’s set to marry celebrity make-up artist Lou Teasdale, 42, after starting a new life together in France following his transfer to fourth-tier club Bordeaux.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA friend of the loved-up couple said: “Andy is very close to proposing to Lou. They are madly in love.“She is spending as much time as she can with him in France and Andy has never been happier.“Lou is exactly what he needs because she is a calming influence on him and it’s noticeable the change she’s had on him to everyone around them.”Carroll has referred to Lou as his “wifey” as he reinforced his desire to take their relationship to the next level.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe spoke candidly about his “different world” with celebrity stylist Lou shortly after the pair jetted off on their first holiday together as a couple.Carroll, who has two more children from a previous relationship, was once the most expensive British player of all time when he joined Liverpool from Newcastle in 2011 for £35million.Andy Carroll Caught Sneaking Back Into £8.5m Mansion More

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    Who is Thibaut Courtois’ model wife Mishel Gerzig and how long has she been married to the Real Madrid goalkeeper?

    MISHEL Gerzig is the wife of star footballer and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.Courtois will be appearing in Real Madrid’s Champions League 2025 quarter-final clash against Arsenal as Los Blancos attempt to comeback from a 3-0 defeat in the first-leg.Mishel Gerzig is a famous runway modelCredit: Getty ImagesShe is married to Real Madrid star Thibaut CourtoisCredit: Instagram/@MishelGerzigThe star regularly takes fans behind the scenes on InstagramCredit: Instagram/@MishelGerzigMishel’s incredible careerMishel was born on June 5, 1997, in Tel Aviv, Israel. She gained fame as a print model before being signed by Model MGMT, Next Miami and View Spain. The star was recognised on the Forbes 30 under 30 list and even appeared on the magazine’s cover, wearing a white suit. Thrilled about the news, she posted on social media: “Excited to share I was chosen for Forbes 30 under 30! Read More on Football“Thankful for this recognition.”Meeting a football legendMishel opened up to Israeli lifestyle magazine La’Isha about how she met Thibaut.She said that the footballer messaged her on social media about a picture of her and her pet dog. Mishel said: “He started asking me questions about Israel, about the army.Most read in Football”In April I had several jobs in Madrid, and then we met for the first time face-to-face. “We met again in early July, that’s when the relationship between us became romantic.”Watch Thibaut Courtois bizarrely throw cake at fan at Tomorrowland in ‘most random crossover of 2024’Thibaut proposed to Mishel on Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Mishel shared pictures from the romantic event. She captioned the post with: “Yessss to a lifetime with you.”The pair tied the knot at the Château de la Croix des Gardes in France in 2023. Real Madrid vs ArsenalFans are clamouring to see whether Mishel will be supporting Thibaut at the Champions League 2025. The competition kicked off on April 8, 2025 and concludes in Munich, Germany, on Saturday 31 May 2025. Thibaut will be representing Real Madrid in their faceoff with Arsenal at 8pm on April 16, 2025, in what could be one of the competition’s great comebacks.SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens. More

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    ‘Love at first sight’ – The sad romance story and split of Schweinsteiger and ‘world’s hottest tennis star’ Ana Ivanovic

    BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER and Ana Ivanovic were the ultimate sporting power couple. One of the best midfielders of his generation who helped his country win the World Cup.Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ana Ivanovic have split up after nine years of marriageCredit: GettyThe couple tied the knot in 2016 in VeniceCredit: Splash NewsIvanovic was the world No1 tennis player in 2008Credit: GettyShe retired in 2016Credit: Instagram / @anaivanovicAnd a tennis superstar, a former world No1 and a Grand Slam champion.But reports in Germany claim Schweinsteiger and Ivanovic have sadly split up after nine years of marriage.Ivanovic is now said to be living in Serbia with their three sons, almost 1,000 miles away from her husband in Munich.It is far cry from the whirlwind romance they enjoyed more than a decade ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFAMOUS FACESSchweinsteiger, 40, is three years older than his glamorous wife. A talented ski racer, he joined the Bayern Munich academy in 1998 and decided to stick with football, making his first-team debut in 2002. He spent 13 years in the Bayern team, racking up exactly 500 appearances, 68 goals and 18 trophies, including a Bundesliga-DFB Pokal-Champions League treble in 2012-13. Ivanovic, meanwhile, began her pro tennis career in 2003 and reached the Wimbledon Junior final the following year.Most read in FootballBy 2007, she was one of the best players on the planet and reached her first Grand Slam final at the French Open.That was followed by a semi-final run at Wimbledon.Man Utd hero Bastian Schweinsteiger reveals his ultimate 5-a-side team Schweinsteiger won the World Cup with Germany in 2014Credit: Action Images – ReutersIvanovic reached the Wimbledon semis and the final at the Australian OpenCredit: AFPHer solo major came at the 2008 French OpenCredit: EPAThen in 2008, the Serbian lost the Australian Open final then enjoyed the high point of her career by beating Dinara Safina to win the French Open and reach the top of the world rankings. It proved to be her only major title – she reached the semis again in 2015, the year she was voted tennis’ “hottest” player – but she racked up nearly £12million in prize money on the court. SPORTING ROMANCEThe peak of the footballer’s professional career came in 2014 when he was part of the Germany team that beat Argentina to win the World Cup final. And just a few months later, his personal life was transformed, too.Schweinsteiger was set up with the tennis star by a mutual friend, who was herself revelling in a resurgent year on the WTA Tour. Schweinsteiger and Ivanovic got together in 2014Credit: GettyThey got engaged within a few monthsCredit: GettyThe German hired out a private park in London to proposeCredit: GettyThe German’s basketball friend Steffen Hamman linked the duo up in New York – but even had two sets of code words ready depending on how the first meeting went: “come on, let’s go for a walk together” or “okay, see you later, Steffen”. Schweinsteiger told Bild: “I wasn’t that good at English when we met, so I listened to Ana a lot at the beginning.”I was a bit on the defensive and saw what was coming.“It was love at first sight. You feel special moments and you can recognise them when you look deeply into someone’s eyes – that’s exactly how it was with me.”PARK PROPOSALAfter overcoming his initial nerves, their love was clearly blossoming.And within just a few months, Schweinsteiger decided to get down on one knee and pop the question – and did so in classy, romantic style. He said: “In London, there are small parks that are only accessible to local residents and then I secretly rented the park from the film called Notting Hill.”Of course I knew that Ana was extremely curious and when we walked past the gate ajar, I said to her, ‘Come on. We’ll see.'”And then we went in there and then I asked her. This came as a complete surprise to her.The couple were together when he was at Manchester UnitedCredit: AFPThe couple were all smiles on their joyful wedding dayCredit: Getty”I was able to score a few points with her family by asking Ana’s father for her hand in marriage in Serbian.”I flew to Belgrade and asked.”MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFESchweinsteiger and Ivanovic tied the knot in Venice in July 2016.It came five months after she hung up her racquet in retirement and at the end of his first season with Manchester United.They welcomed their first child, son Luca, in 2018 and Leon was born the following year.Then their third – another son, Theo – arrived in May 2023 and spent time living in Majorca.SPLIT APARTHowever, the shock news from Germany suggested the celebrity duo have gone their separate ways.It is claimed by Bild they broke up around two months ago – partly due to the strain of a lack of time together.Schweinsteiger is now based in Munich but travels a lot for work as a pundit and Champions League ambassador. However, Ivanovic is thought to be in her hometown of Belgrade with the boys near her parents and brother.Despite the rumoured split, the pair still have plenty of joint Instagram posts together. They both feature in a video advert for fashion label Brax on her account as recently as March 28.But, crucially, he is not tagged or mentioned – and they walk away awkwardly from each other in the clip. Read More on The SunIvanovic has posted a whole host of selfies in recent months but her last photo with Schweinsteiger is dated November 25, 2024 – with a smiling photo of the pair on a trip to Vienna. But there is no suggestion at this stage that the couple have filed for divorce at this stage, leaving hope for fans their relationship could be repaired and their love rekindled. Their last photo together was in November 2024Credit: Instagram / @anaivanovicIvanovic posts plenty of photos on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @anaivanovicThe Serbian is said to be living in Belgrade near her parents and brotherCredit: Instagram / @anaivanovicShe is reportedly looking after their three sonsCredit: Instagram / @anaivanovic More

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    Kompany’s ‘newly single’ Bayern assistant looking for love with ‘woman named Nathalie’ as he posts brilliant public plea

    VINCENT KOMPANY’S right-hand man revealed he is looking for love – but there is one crucial requirement.Rodyse Munienge is a close friend of the Bayern Munich manager and has followed him throughout his career.Rodyse Munienge is looking for loveCredit: GettyMunienge is Vincent Kompany’s right-hand manCredit: GettyHe now works as team coordinator at Bayern and is looking for love.However, it comes with a catch, as Munienge joked his partner would have to be called Nathalie, as he has the name tattooed.The Belgian tweeted: “Newly single man, 40 years old, looking for a woman named Nathalie. So I don’t have to redo my tattoo.”It is not clear if his ‘Nathalie’ tattoo was inspired by an ex-partner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMunienge is a colourful character and he has fulfilled a number of roles alongside Kompany.At Bayern he is always on the training ground and often operates a drone to film players’ positioning and running patterns.He has previously acted as a CHAUFFER for Kompany, with his first job being his personal assistant while the former defender played for Hamburg.Kompany’s father, Pierre, once said of the relationship: “He does everything possible for Vincent, and has done so for years.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”Rodyse is his bodyguard, his driver, his jack-of-all-trades.”Munienge was part of Kompany’s backroom staff at Anderlecht and Burnley and is known for his humorous posts.Harry Kane leaves fans stunned by his German and fans are convinced it is a major hint over transfer future At Christmas he wrote on Instagram: “Can you please stop asking Santa for the perfect man? I was almost kidnapped three times.” More

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    Ex-Man Utd star Bastian Schweinsteiger ‘splits from tennis ace wife Ana Ivanovic with couple now living apart’

    ONE of sport’s biggest power couples appears to have called full-time on their relationship.According to reports in Germany, World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger and former tennis world No.1 Ana Ivanovic have split after nine years of marriage.Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ana Ivanovic have reportedly splitCredit: EPAThe sporting superstars have been married for nine yearsCredit: Instagram @anaivanovicSchweinsteiger and Ivanovic are believed to have split two months agoCredit: Getty – ContributorEx-Manchester United midfielder Schweinsteiger, 40, and wife Ivanovic, 37, ended their relationship two months ago according to German outlet Bunte.The couple, who have three sons together, are reportedly living separately after the break up.Schweinsteiger is said to be travelling for work, but is regularly based out of Munich – where he spent most of his playing career as a Bayern Munich star.While Ivanovic is living almost 1,000 MILES away in her hometown of Belgrade, Serbia alongside the couple’s children Luka, Leon and Theo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIvanovic, who won the French Open in 2008, is thought to be living in an apartment near the homes of her parents and brother.Reports from Bild claim that the couple’s relationship began to strain after a lack of time together. The sporting superstars first met back in 2014, with Schweinsteiger dropping the knee in London just a matter of months after their first encounter.They later married in Venice in July of 2016, just five months before Ivanovic hung up her racquet and retired from tennis.Most read in FootballSchweinsteiger and Ivanovic met back in 2014Credit: Instagram @anaivanovicIvanovic is reportedly living in her home country of Serbia near her parentsCredit: GettyThe tennis star is a French Open championCredit: EPACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIvanovic had an impressive career that saw her win 15 career titles and pocket over £11.6MILLION in prize money.While she reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2007, the Australian Open final in 2008 and won the French Open that same year against Dinara Safina.Moment former Man Utd star Bastian Schweinsteiger suffers awkward coffee cup punditry blunder live on TV at Euro 2024 Schweinsteiger spent 18 years as a professional footballer, spending most of his career with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.The defensive midfielder made 500 appearances for the Bavarians, making him their 11th top appearance maker in history.While he won eight league titles, seven German Cups and one Champions League with the club.He later switched the Allianz Arena for Old Trafford in a move to join Man Utd in 2015.He stayed with The Red Devils for two seasons, making 35 appearances and helping United win the League Cup, FA Cup and Europa League.He later left the Premier League to join MLS side Chicago Fire in 2017, spending three seasons in the US before retiring in 2019.On the international stage, Schweinsteiger earned 121 caps for the German national side and was part of their 2014 World Cup winning squad.Schweinsteiger proposed to Ivanovic just a few months after the pair metCredit: Getty Images – GettyThey have three sons togetherCredit: AFPSchweinsteiger had a brief spell at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyHe spent most of his career at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty – ContributorThe midfielder won the World Cup with Germany in 2014Credit: Getty More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez shares pic of enormous sparkler on ring finger amid marriage rumours

    CRISTIANO RONALDO’S girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez has shared a picture of a stunning ring amid marriage talk surrounding the couple.Ronaldo and Georgina have been together since 2016 and have two daughters together, Alana, seven, and Bella, two, while she is also the stepmother of the Al-Nassr star’s other three kids.Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez shared a stunning ring to her Instagram pageCredit: instagram @georginagioThe couple have been dating since 2016 and have two children togetherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/?hl=enRonaldo has previously referred to Georgina as his ‘wife’ but the couple are not marriedCredit: GettyBut taking to Instagram, where she has just shy of 66 million followers, she showed off a rectangular, translucent stone.She captioned the picture with the words: “And keep evil away from us, Amen,” in Arabic, while the 31-year-old also appears to have the same line tattooed on her.Despite the glamorous ring on her finger, Georgina and Ronaldo are not officially married.Former Real Madrid and Manchester United star Ronaldo, 40, has previously appeared to hint that the couple are hitched.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai in December, he said: “‘It’s a big pleasure to win this trophy. My oldest son is here, my wife [Georgina] is here.”Meanwhile, during a game of Mr and Mrs on his YouTube channel, Ronaldo also referenced Georgina by the same title.Indeed, on her reality TV Show, I Am Georgina, the 31-year-old revealed how her friends often tease her about her and Ronaldo’s relationship status.She said: “They’re always joking about the wedding. ‘When is the wedding?’ Most read in Football”Since Jennifer Lopez’s song ‘The Ring Or When’ came out, they started singing it to me. And well, this is not up to me.”However, officially they remain long-term partners rather than husband and wife.Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he is a playable character in new Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves game Speaking in March, Ronaldo revealed the reason why he and Georgina have not officially tied the knot, though admitted he is sure it will happen eventually.He told Netflix: “I always tell her, ‘when we get that click.’ Like everything with our life, and she knows what I’m talking about.”It could be in a year or it could be in six months or it could be in a month. I’m 1,000 per cent sure that it’ll happen.”Ronaldo and Georgina have both been busy pursuing business ventures away from the pitch.Georgina headed to Paris Fashion Week in March as she stepped out for the Ludovic de Saint Sernin Fall RTW 2025 fashion show.Meanwhile, Ronaldo bizarrely revealed himself to be in a new street fighter style fighting game, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.Inside the glamorous world of Georgina Rodriguez…Georgina lives a life to be enviedCredit: InstagramThe stunning partner of Cristiano Ronaldo offers insights into her world using her social channelsCredit: instagram @georginagioShe has over 65 million followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramShe met Ronaldo whilst working as a shop girl at DiorCredit: The Mega AgencyShe is now the mother to his five children, two of which Georgina is the maternal motherCredit: EPAGeorgina now resides in Saudi Arabia follower her partner’s move to the countryCredit: Georgina Rodriguez/instagramGeorgina loves luxury holidays and can often be seen on mega yachtsCredit: Instagram @georginagioBoats are a big love of hersCredit: Refer to CaptionShe travels almost exclusively by private jetCredit: Georgina RodríguezThe Argentine beauty is a regularly at the Venice film festival where she can be seen turning headsCredit: GettyGeorgina is loved by fashion magazines for her sense of styleCredit: AlamyShe models for a range of companiesCredit: georginagio/InstagramRodríguez has modelled for PrettyLittleThing lingerieCredit: InstagramGeorgina’s love of travel is something she regularly shares on her social channels, including this trip to IbizaCredit: Instagram, @georginagio More

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    Nicola Adams’ ex Ella takes swipe at Strictly star after she revealed ‘real reason’ for break up

    NICOLA Adams’ ex Ella Baig has taken a huge swipe at the Strictly star after she revealed the ‘real reason’ for their break up.Ella, 27, posted a cryptic message about “judgement” while plugging her OnlyFans account – just hours after retired boxer Nicola, 42, publicly addressed their recent separation.Nicola Adams’ ex Ella Baig has taken a huge swipe at the Strictly star after she revealed the ‘real reason’ for their break upCredit: InstagramNicola admitted that Ella’s OnlyFans had a big impact on their relationshipCredit: ella.baig/InstagramNicola revealed that Ella’s career as an OnlyFans creator, which involves sharing nude content and engaging in explicit conversations, ultimately contributed to the breakdown of their seven-year relationship.In the wake of Nicola’s comments, Ella promoted her X-rated page on Instagram before sharing a video reposted from another OF star.It included the caption: “Ur a bad influence. But you’re judgemental and that’s worse.”Over the weekend, sportsperson Nicola has opened up about her heartbreaking split in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday.read more on Nicola AdamsShe said: “I have always been incredibly supportive of Ella’s career and the choices she has made, including her work on OnlyFans.“She is an amazing woman, and I admire her confidence and ­independence.“However, as much as I respect what she does, I can’t deny that it has had an impact on our relationship.”The couple have a two-year-old son, Taylor Nate, born via IVF using one of Nicola’s eggs.Most read in BoxingThe former flyweight, who is the first British woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal, said: “I’ve always considered myself to be mentally strong, but I’ve found this situation challenging at times and have had to reflect on how ­sustainable it is — especially as we raise our son together.“Parenthood changes your perspective on so many things, and I’ve had to be really honest with myself about my emotions and what’s best for our family.Olympic boxing champ Nicola Adams on becoming a mum through IVF‘Both been to therapy’“Ella and I have shared so much love and happiness and, no matter what happens, my respect and admiration will never change.“Right now, we’re navigating this as openly and honestly as possible, with the priority being our little boy.”Speaking from her home in Dubai, Nicola revealed that the couple tried several months of therapy before calling it quits.She said: “The decision to split has been a gradual process.“We first discussed the notion of breaking up five months ago and came to the decision over a period of time.In the wake of Nicola’s comments, Ella reposted from another OF starBoxing champ Nicola publicly addressed their separation over the weekendCredit: SplashThe former couple have a two-year-old son, Taylor Nate, born via IVF using one of Nicola’s eggsCredit: Nicola Adams/Instagram“We’ve both been to therapy, ­separately and together, to try to help heal our trauma, and we decided that it would be easier for us to split.“We need to be apart — it’s a lot easier to fix yourself.“It’s been hard because Ella has been my best friend for so long, so not having her there has been a big change for me and I’m still getting used to it. We’ve tried to keep it amicable and do things as a family for Taylor.”Nicola has been open in the past about her difficult childhood, ­growing up in poverty and pain in Leeds, throwing herself into boxing as protection from her violent father, named Innocent.A 2021 Prime Video documentary — named Lioness after her old nickname in the ring — also highlighted a rift with her mother and long-time supporter, Dee, who she is estranged from.Nicola believes she is still coming to terms with what she went through as a child.She said: “I have a lot of childhood trauma. I don’t want to pass any of it on to Taylor.“I do a lot of meditation and see a therapist to help me combat it. I can also see trauma in other people too.”Nicola is determined to give her son the best childhood possible. She said: “Our early years experiences are worlds apart.“I grew up on a council estate in Leeds in a single-parent household, I didn’t have anything to do.“There were people in my neighbourhood drug dealing and stealing cars — it was very different to how he is living now.“Even as a two-year-old he has a full social life, going swimming, having golf lessons and listening to music.“Thanks to the career I have had, I don’t have to work as hard as my parents did. I never got to see them, whereas I can spend so much time with Taylor.“Taylor is super-happy and ­confident. He is really independent and I love the person he is evolving into. He is a bundle of joy.”In 2020, Nicola made TV history when she became the first same-sex pairing on Strictly Come Dancing with Russian pro dancer Katya Jones.Unfortunately the pair had to pull out of the competition when Katya caught Covid, but Nicola thinks they could have won the Glitterball trophy.I do a lot of meditation and see a therapist to help me combat it [trauma]. I can also see trauma in other people too.Nicola AdamsShe said: “It was such a cool ­experience.“Learning how to open up and perform was awesome.“People still recognise me from the show and they have no idea about my sporting history.“I still talk to Katya. She really got the best out of me, and I liked the fact she had just as much energy as I did, so we were able to really get the dance moves right. It was a good partnership.“I definitely think we would have made the finals. I’m confident we’d have won. It was just unlucky that she got Covid.”Nicola admits that Ella struggled with the show as they were isolated during the height of the pandemic.Nicola said: “It was lonely for Ella. We filmed during lockdown so we had to be in a bubble.“Ella wasn’t able to go see friends, so when I’d be out training from like 9am to 9pm, I think it was quite tough for Ella being alone for that amount of time.“Then the only people she’d get to see when we came back was either me or Katya.“I think it would have been a nicer experience if we’d have done Strictly now, where you can talk to everyone.“We couldn’t even interact with the other dancers or contestants — it wasn’t as social as the show normally is.”But she did not fall victim to the Strictly curse and enjoyed later ­teaching Ella the dance moves.Nicola said: “In some ways there are some good points as I was able to teach her all the dances.”Read More on The SunWhile Nicola is not currently ­dating, she is looking forward to new work projects this year, including ­acting in a movie and launching a podcast with the BBC.She said: “I don’t want a rebound relationship, I just want to focus on my work and being a good mum.”Nicola on her way to beating Sarah Ourahmoune to retain Olympic flyweight title in Rio in 2016Credit: Getty More

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    My fiancé’s OnlyFans nude pics had huge impact on relationship, reveals Olympic boxer Nicola Adams after love split

    BOXING champion and Strictly star Nicola Adams has opened up about her heartbreaking split from girlfriend Ella Baig.In an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday, the Olympic fighter has revealed that she struggled with ex-fianceé Ella’s work as an OnlyFans model during their seven-year relationship.Boxing champ Nicola Adams has split from her fiancee Ella BaigCredit: SplashNicola admits that Ella’s OnlyFans had a big impact on their relationshipCredit: ella.baig/InstagramElla posts nude snaps on the ­platform and engages in explicit chat with fans.Nicola said: “I have always been incredibly supportive of Ella’s career and the choices she has made, including her work on OnlyFans.“She is an amazing woman, and I admire her confidence and ­independence.“However, as much as I respect what she does, I can’t deny that it has had an impact on our relationship.”READ MORE ON NICOLA ADAMSThe couple have a two-year-old son, Taylor Nate, born via IVF using one of Nicola’s eggs.The 42-year-old former flyweight, who is the first British woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal, said: “I’ve always considered myself to be mentally strong, but I’ve found this situation challenging at times and have had to reflect on how ­sustainable it is — especially as we raise our son together.“Parenthood changes your perspective on so many things, and I’ve had to be really honest with myself about my emotions and what’s best for our family.‘Both been to therapy’“Ella and I have shared so much love and happiness and, no matter what happens, my respect and admiration will never change.Most read in Boxing“Right now, we’re navigating this as openly and honestly as possible, with the priority being our little boy.”Speaking from her home in Dubai, Nicola revealed that the couple tried several months of therapy before calling it quits.Olympic boxing champ Nicola Adams on becoming a mum through IVFShe said: “The decision to split has been a gradual process.“We first discussed the notion of breaking up five months ago and came to the decision over a period of time.“We’ve both been to therapy, ­separately and together, to try to help heal our trauma, and we decided that it would be easier for us to split.“We need to be apart — it’s a lot easier to fix yourself.“It’s been hard because Ella has been my best friend for so long, so not having her there has been a big change for me and I’m still getting used to it. We’ve tried to keep it amicable and do things as a family for Taylor.”Nicola has been open in the past about her difficult childhood, ­growing up in poverty and pain in Leeds, throwing herself into boxing as protection from her violent father, named Innocent.A 2021 Prime Video documentary — named Lioness after her old nickname in the ring — also highlighted a rift with her mother and long-time supporter, Dee, who she is estranged from.Nicola believes she is still coming to terms with what she went through as a child.She said: “I have a lot of childhood trauma. I don’t want to pass any of it on to Taylor.“I do a lot of meditation and see a therapist to help me combat it. I can also see trauma in other people too.”Nicola is determined to give her son the best childhood possible. She said: “Our early years experiences are worlds apart.“I grew up on a council estate in Leeds in a single-parent household, I didn’t have anything to do.Ella posts nude snaps on the ­platform and engages in explicit chat with fansCredit: instagram/ella.baigNicola on her way to beating Sarah Ourahmoune to retain Olympic flyweight title in Rio in 2016Credit: Getty“There were people in my neighbourhood drug dealing and stealing cars — it was very different to how he is living now.“Even as a two-year-old he has a full social life, going swimming, having golf lessons and listening to music.“Thanks to the career I have had, I don’t have to work as hard as my parents did. I never got to see them, whereas I can spend so much time with Taylor.“Taylor is super-happy and ­confident. He is really independent and I love the person he is evolving into. He is a bundle of joy.”In 2020, Nicola made TV history when she became the first same-sex pairing on Strictly Come Dancing with Russian pro dancer Katya Jones.Unfortunately the pair had to pull out of the competition when Katya caught Covid, but Nicola thinks they could have won the Glitterball trophy.I do a lot of meditation and see a therapist to help me combat it [trauma]. I can also see trauma in other people too.Nicola AdamsShe said: “It was such a cool ­experience.“Learning how to open up and perform was awesome.“People still recognise me from the show and they have no idea about my sporting history.“I still talk to Katya. She really got the best out of me, and I liked the fact she had just as much energy as I did, so we were able to really get the dance moves right. It was a good partnership.“I definitely think we would have made the finals. I’m confident we’d have won. It was just unlucky that she got Covid.”Nicola admits that Ella struggled with the show as they were isolated during the height of the pandemic.The former couple have a two-year-old son, Taylor Nate, born via IVF using one of Nicola’s eggsCredit: Nicola Adams/InstagramNicola said: “It was lonely for Ella. We filmed during lockdown so we had to be in a bubble.“Ella wasn’t able to go see friends, so when I’d be out training from like 9am to 9pm, I think it was quite tough for Ella being alone for that amount of time.“Then the only people she’d get to see when we came back was either me or Katya.“I think it would have been a nicer experience if we’d have done Strictly now, where you can talk to everyone.“We couldn’t even interact with the other dancers or contestants — it wasn’t as social as the show normally is.”But she did not fall victim to the Strictly curse and enjoyed later ­teaching Ella the dance moves.Nicola said: “In some ways there are some good points as I was able to teach her all the dances.”Read More on The SunWhile Nicola is not currently ­dating, she is looking forward to new work projects this year, including ­acting in a movie and launching a podcast with the BBC.She said: “I don’t want a rebound relationship, I just want to focus on my work and being a good mum.” More