Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan has opened up about his remarkably low-key wedding to actress Laila Rouass, describing an intimate ceremony where he had "no one there" apart from his bride's sisters.
A Wedding Built for Two
The seven-time world champion, 49, married the Footballers' Wives star, 54, in a private London ceremony in June after thirteen years together in an on-off relationship. O'Sullivan confessed he deliberately planned the nuptials to be as small as possible, expressing his distaste for hosting large events.
"I didn't actually have anyone there," the snooker icon revealed. "I mean, we had Laila's sisters. But we didn't want nothing big. I'm just not into all that stuff. I f***ing hate being the host - I can't stand it."
The couple officially tied the knot ten months after announcing they had ended their relationship. Their most recent separation occurred in 2024, but they reconciled in January this year, culminating in their summer wedding and subsequent relocation to Dubai for what they describe as a "fresh start".
Digital Detox in the Desert
The newlyweds have completely transformed their lifestyle since moving to the Middle East. They sold their Essex home, choosing Dubai over Yorkshire or even Spain, which O'Sullivan had briefly considered, to focus on his sporting career.
In a dramatic digital cleanse, the snooker champion has cut off social media completely and removed all messaging apps, news applications, and even web browsers from his phone. Only a select group of friends and family can now reach him directly.
"I wish I'd done it before, I might do it every six months," O'Sullivan told The Sunday Times. "I'm not looking to progress my career through networking and that sort of thing. I've got my friends and that's enough. The phone doesn't really add to my life. So it's quite nice, really."
Health Challenges and New Beginnings
Laila Rouass has also recently deleted her Instagram accounts after revealing last month that she has been diagnosed with an incurable condition that has left her feeling "broken". While the Footballers' Wives star didn't disclose the specific illness, she confirmed it isn't life-threatening but has "tested her in ways she never imagined".
In one of her final social media posts before deleting her account, the actress wrote: "I have something to tell you. I've recently been diagnosed with an incurable condition - one that's tested me in ways I never imagined. It's not life-threatening, but losing a bit of control over my body has humbled me... and, at times, broken me open."
She explained that her treatment has prompted her social media silence, adding: "There have been nights of tears, not from weakness, but from release. Sometimes strength looks like simply showing up again tomorrow. That's why I've been quiet."
The couple's choice of Dubai was largely influenced by Rouass, who is of Moroccan origin and wanted a sunny home. O'Sullivan admitted that not speaking the language actually contributes to their peaceful lifestyle. "One of the beauties of not knowing the language is I don't really want to talk to everyone that I come in contact with," he said. "I know it sounds terrible but we just smile at each other, hello, and it's good."
Meanwhile, the snooker champion continues to expand his professional footprint, having recently opened an academy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, through a joint venture with the Saudi government.
