Danny Cipriani has pulled out of joining I'm A Celebrity 2023 following the breakdown of his two-year marriage.
The former England rugby ace, 36, tied the knot with Victoria Rose, 42, in an intimate ceremony in 2021, but last week he told fans it's all over between the pair. Danny reportedly split up from his wife amid reports she found some "text messages" on his phone.
Taking to Instagram earlier this month, he wrote: "Victoria and I sat together this weekend and agreed to separate after 4 years of marriage. Whilst we've had some wonderful times together, we've also recognised we're on different journeys and whilst this is sad news, it's also a new chapter for us both to pursue our own happiness. I only wish the best for Victoria and her children."
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The rugby pro was believed to be getting paid a six-figure sum to appear on I'm A Celebrity, however, just days before the show was due to air, he announced his split from Victoria. Danny's relationship problems appear to have ruined his plans to enter the Jungle after he was hailed by ITV insiders as 'one of the most exciting signings for this series.'
Back in August, a source told Mail Online : "He will be the hunk of the lineup and already there is talk of him and shower scenes amongst staff working on the programme. There is also huge anticipation that he will reveal secrets from his showbiz lifestyle, he has been linked to many women over the years, and his scandals are well documented too so there will be lots for him to share.
"But he has a sense of humour too which will ensure he is both popular amongst his camp mates but also with those watching at home. Danny might have settled down now but he is still wild at heart. There are high hopes that he will make it to the final."
It comes after Danny and Victoria hinted their marriage was in trouble when they recently unfollowed each other on social media. Speaking about the couple's relationship two weeks ago, a source claimed: "Victoria had been increasingly unhappy over the last few months. Things got tense and then she saw some text messages on his phone and it led to some difficult rows between them and they have now split up. They are both devastated at the breakdown of their marriage," reports MailOnline.
When the pair got hitched in an intimate ceremony before travelling to a sun-kissed Caribbean island for another celebration, Victoria told her followers she couldn't be happier as she took to Instagram, gushing "Today we officially became Mr & Mrs Cipriani in a small intimate setting with our nearest and dearest. We are looking forward to our big day Caribbean style when travel is permitted. Cheers to love, laughter, but especially to our happily ever after. Our adventure begins. Dannie Cipriani I love you."
Danny, who has dated celebrities including Katie Price and Kelly Brook, replied: “Officially Mrs Cipriani @victoriarosecipriani - married my best friend today!!”
The pair got engaged after just four months of dating in August 2020. Announcing their happy news, the rugby star took to Instagram, sharing a snap of a rose-strewn bathroom, writing: "You make me the happiest man in the world. I love waking up with you every morning, not knowing which one of our personalities is going to arise, and how we fall in love with each other over and over again. You make every day so much better, I can’t wait to get home from training every day to see you. I can’t imagine life without you.
"You make me want to be the best man i possibly can for you and our family. You are my now wife to be. I can’t wait to marry you in October. You’re my lover my best friend, you are so loyal, incredibly intelligent, sexy with so much class. I learn from you all the time. "Love and support you for the rest of our lives....."
The Mirror has approached Danny's representatives and an ITV spokesperson for comment on this story.
