Just days after his former wife Davina McCall tied the knot for a third time, her ex-husband Matthew Robertson has opened up about navigating a profoundly difficult period in his life.
A Secret Wedding and a Public Thank You
Davina McCall, 58, married celebrity hairdresser Michael Douglas in a surprise ceremony at London's Marylebone Town Hall last Friday. The low-key event, attended by just ten guests, saw the former Big Brother presenter forgo a traditional wedding dress for a long faux white coat and lace headdress.
The couple, who have been friends for years and got together in 2019, only announced their engagement three months ago after Michael proposed during a holiday in Ibiza. Sources described the intimate nuptials as 'perfect' for the pair.
Matthew Robertson's Emotional Tribute
Now, Davina's ex-husband, Matthew Robertson, 57, has shared a heartfelt public message. On his birthday, the former Pet Rescue host took to Instagram to post a selfie with his best friend, Mark Diggins.
In the caption, Matthew wrote: "He saved my life at a very dark time, he taught me how to live, love and thrive in the outdoors." He described Mark as a "silent warrior" and one of the world's top mountain guides, crediting him with providing crucial support during recent tough years.
Matthew also extended his gratitude to his children—Holly, 24, Tilly, 22, and Chester, 19—whom he shares with Davina, saying they "make me shine."
A Look Back at Their Marriage and Split
Matthew Robertson and Davina McCall were married for 17 years, after meeting by chance on Clapham Common and wedding in 2000. Their union was long considered one of showbusiness's strongest before their shock split announcement in 2017.
In subsequent interviews, Davina revealed the couple had been living "completely separate lives" and were unhappy, staying together for the sake of their children before ultimately deciding to divorce. She has since stated that while they loved each other, "sometimes that isn't enough."
Davina was previously married to Andrew Leggett in 1997, but that marriage lasted only three months. She has been notably private about her relationship with Michael Douglas, citing respect for her ex-husband, her children, and Michael's family as the reason.
The former couple have worked hard to build a positive co-parenting relationship. In 2020, Davina told The Mail on Sunday that, two years on from the divorce, they could "co-parent happily" and acknowledge the split was the right decision, despite the emotional turmoil it involved.
It is not currently known if Matthew Robertson is in a new relationship.
