Pregnant singer Paloma Faith has revealed that her decision to leave her husband, French artist Leyman Lahcine, was "the best choice" she ever made, leading to a better relationship with him as a co-parent.
A Difficult Split and a New Perspective
The 44-year-old Celebrity Traitors star married Lahcine in 2017, and the couple share two daughters, born in December 2016 and February 2021. They confirmed their separation in 2022 after nine years together, a split that Faith previously said contributed to her suffering a nervous breakdown.
However, speaking candidly on her Mad, Sad and Bad podcast, Faith offered a new perspective. She challenged the notion that women must "stay and suffer" for their children's sake, explaining that her dynamic with Lahcine has vastly improved since their romantic relationship ended.
"I think the relationship with my children's dad that I got out of is amazing now," Faith said. "Maybe in choosing to get out of the relationship in the romantic sense and into a relationship with him as a friendship and a co-parent was the best choice I ever made in hindsight."
Navigating Forever Heartbreak as Co-Parents
Faith has been open about the unique challenges of heartbreak when children are involved. In a November interview on Jamie Laing's Great Company podcast, she described the process as an "ongoing navigation" that will likely continue "until we die."
She explained that unlike clean breaks where ex-partners never speak again, co-parenting means the other person remains a constant presence. "You look at your kids and you see that person in your kids, or they come back from visiting your ex-partner and they're doing the mannerisms," Faith noted, highlighting the perpetual connection.
The singer, who released what she termed a "heartbreak album" following the split, said the pressures of parenting two young daughters contributed to the breakdown of her marriage.
New Love and Future Happiness
Faith has now found happiness with her new partner, boyfriend Stevie Thomas. The couple went public with their relationship in March at the Sony Music BRITs afterparty and announced in October that they are expecting their first child together.
A source close to the singer described the relationship as her "healthiest ever," praising Thomas as a "great communicator" and a "kindred spirit." The pair are said to be "head over heels" for each other and committed for the long term.
Faith's journey from a difficult marital breakdown to a positive co-parenting arrangement and a new, fulfilling relationship offers a candid look at modern family dynamics. Her experience underscores her belief that sometimes, ending a romantic partnership can ultimately foster a stronger, more functional family unit for all involved.
