Jake Quickenden has spoken publicly for the first time since reports of his marriage breakdown were revealed earlier this week, posting a touching tribute to his two sons on social media.
The 36-year-old former X Factor contestant shared a collection of photographs featuring himself with Leo, aged five, and 15-month-old Kit on Instagram, captioning the images: "My boys. My world!!"
When a follower offered words of encouragement, writing that "the kids have the best parents ever" and wishing him well, Mr Quickenden replied with a telling response.
"Appreciate that, they are all that matter," he wrote back.
The heartfelt exchange came just days after it emerged that the reality television personality and influencer Sophie Church had ended their four-year marriage.
Despite the apparent end of their relationship, the pair are understood to have parted on good terms and continue to share a strong bond.
A source told The Sun: "There is still a huge amount of love and respect between them.
"Their main priority has always been, and continues to be, their children, and they are fully committed to being the best parents possible."
Jake Quickeneden broke his silence to say his children are his 'world'
|According to the insider, the couple had gradually drifted apart over time and engaged in lengthy, candid discussions about their situation.
"While they might not be together any more, they are still on great terms and are looking to the future, co-parenting together," the source added.
"Maintaining a happy and supportive family unit together is their focus now."
Mr Quickenden also serves as stepfather to Freddie, Church's son from a previous relationship.
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Sophie Church and Jake Quickenden are understood to have 'drifted apart'
|The couple's romance began in 2018, with Mr Quickenden proposing three years later during a holiday in Rhodes, Greece. They exchanged vows in Ibiza the following year.
Speaking after the ceremony, the Scunthorpe-born singer revealed he had penned personalised vows for his bride, whom he called his "soulmate."
"I thought it was an angel walking down the aisle," he said of seeing Ms Church in her wedding dress.
Mr Quickenden shared some of the lighter moments from his vows, including promises not to leave empty wrappers in cupboards and pledging to love her despite the noises she makes whilst eating.
Jake Quickenden broke his silence following reports of the split
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"I said at the end, 'I think there's only one true love and you're my soulmate,'" he recalled.
Mr Quickenden has previously spoken about the difficulties of juggling his career with raising young children, acknowledging that time away from his sons takes an emotional toll.
"It's hard. But there's so many parents who have to work away in all lines of work, and it can be tough," he told The Mirror. "But we've got FaceTime now which is great, so we get to see their faces every day."
The singer expressed his determination to set a positive example for his boys, explaining he wants them to understand that hard work and self-improvement are essential values.
"I just want to be a decent role model for my kids," he said, adding that he hopes his work ethic will influence them positively.
Mr Quickenden first found fame on The X Factor, appearing on the ITV talent show twice before going on to star in I'm A Celebrity, Dancing on Ice, and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.