Dame Denise Lewis releases statement as Olympics icon splits from husband after 19 years of marriage

Lewis wrote: “After much thought and consideration, Steve and I decided to separate two years ago as a couple.

“This decision was made with mutual respect and care for one another after many meaningful years together.

“We remain grateful for the time we shared and the wonderful children created.”

She continued: “We value the kindness and support from our family and friends over the last two years and our priority moving forward is maintaining a positive co parenting relationship and focusing on the wellbeing of those we care about most.”

She signed her message simply: “We appreciate your understanding for privacy during this time as we move forward. Denise.”

The post was accompanied by the song Teardrop by Massive Attack, shared again in her Instagram stories.

Speculation surrounding the couple’s relationship had circulated quietly last year, when it was reported that Steve had moved out of the family home in Buckinghamshire.

At the time, a source suggested that the couple had been attempting to navigate growing distance between them.

“Despite trying to make it work, Steve and Denise just found themselves drifting apart from one another. In the end they decided that breaking up was probably the most sensible thing to do,” the source told the Daily Mail.

It was also noted then that the pair no longer followed one another on social media, further adding to the assumption that their relationship had come under strain.

Lewis and O’Connor married in 2006 and built their family life in Buckinghamshire, raising three sons together: Ryan, Kane and Troy.

Both also brought children from previous relationships.

Denise has a daughter, Lauren, while Steve has a son, Joe.

The couple first crossed paths at the Brit Awards in 2000, introduced through mutual acquaintances.

Their relationship did not begin until several years later, however.

Lewis later said in an interview that she had been married to her first husband, the sprinter Patrick Stevens, at the time of that initial meeting.

Speaking to the Mirror in 2006, she described their eventual romance as “love at second sight”.

O’Connor is known in the entertainment industry both for his family background and his own professional achievements.

He is the son of the late comedian and television host Tom O’Connor, who died in 2021 at the age of 81.

Steve made his name managing acts including Neneh Cherry, Madness and All Saints before moving into property development.

His management work continued selectively in recent years, including a period advising former One Direction singer Liam Payne.

Lewis, who won Olympic gold in the heptathlon at Sydney 2000 and has since become a prominent sports broadcaster, did not elaborate on future personal arrangements, beyond the shared intention to co parent amicably.