Former Liverpool and England striker Emile Heskey has split from his wife Chantelle, with the couple now in the process of divorcing. The news comes as pictures emerged of Heskey with a new partner, former Miss Blackpool Jade Slusarczyk.
Divorce Confirmed
Chantelle Heskey confirmed to the Manchester Evening News that she is divorcing Emile, but declined further comment. A friend of Chantelle told the MEN: "Their marriage has been over for a while, but not many people know, they have kept it very quiet. But now that Emile appears to have gone public with his new girlfriend it's been quite difficult for Chantelle as lots of people have been messaging her asking what's going on." The friend added that the couple had "grown apart" in recent years due to work commitments.
New Relationship
Emile Heskey was pictured arm-in-arm with Jade Slusarczyk on the red carpet at the Ricky Hatton tribute event at Manchester's AO Arena in June, arriving hand in hand. They also shared pictures together on social media supporting a darts event, with love heart emojis exchanged. Jade, 40, a former Miss Blackpool, describes herself as a Sky Sports Walk-on Girl, involved in snooker, pool, and darts events. She had previously been in a high-profile relationship with snooker world champion Jimmy White, 63, since 2018.
Background of the Marriage
Emile Heskey first met Chantelle Tagoe when she was a waitress in Liverpool, aged 18, while he had just joined Liverpool as a 23-year-old star striker. Chantelle initially thought Emile was a builder, unaware of his football career. Their relationship began after Emile's previous relationship with Kylee Pinsent, with whom he has three children, ended. Emile proposed to Chantelle in 2006, and they married in a lavish ceremony at Rookery Hall in Cheshire in 2014, attended by family, friends, and football stars. The same venue was where David and Victoria Beckham announced their engagement in 1998.
Life After Football
Since retiring from football in 2016, Emile has worked as a TV pundit and returned to Leicester City, his former club, as head of women's football development. Chantelle became a prominent figure on Cheshire's social scene, organizing charity events and themed parties, including an annual Halloween bash in Alderley Edge. She later co-owned a bar, Parea, in Alderley Edge and its sister restaurant, Honuku by Parea, in Liverpool's Dingle area. The couple have four children: Jaden (20), Reigan (18), Milanna (11), and Mendez (9). Jaden and Reigan made their first-team debut for Manchester City together earlier this year, with Reigan earning England caps.
Emile Heskey's Football Career
Emile Heskey scored 39 goals in 150 appearances for Liverpool from 2000 to 2004, winning two League Cups, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Cup. He was recently ranked 71st in Liverpool FC's list of the club's greatest ever players. He also earned 62 caps for England, scoring seven goals.
