Rachel Stevens Reflects on Marriage Split

Rachel Stevens has opened up about her marriage to ex-husband Alex Bourne, admitting that her tendency to isolate herself contributed to their split after nearly 13 years together. The singer, who first gained fame with S Club 7, revealed on Jamie Laing's podcast that her fears of heartbreak stemmed from her parents' separation during her childhood, which profoundly affected her relationship with her father. This childhood trauma led her to build emotional walls that prevented her from getting too close to her husband. Stevens announced their separation in July 2022, just a month shy of their anniversary, and has since been working to dismantle those protective barriers. Despite the challenges, she noted that she and Bourne are now on good terms, focusing on co-parenting their two daughters. The couple rekindled their childhood romance before marrying in 2009.