Rachel Stevens has thanked her supporters for their kind messages following the announcement of her separation from her husband of 12 years, Alex Bourne. The 44-year-old singer took to Instagram on Sunday evening to express her gratitude, writing: 'I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your lovely messages of love and support.'
The former S Club 7 star, who shares two daughters with Bourne, announced the split in a statement on Friday. She told her 283,000 followers: 'After time and consideration the difficult decision has been made for Alex and I to separate. While we are no longer partners in marriage, we will remain partners in parenthood to our beautiful girls.'
The couple, who met as children, were first boyfriend and girlfriend at the age of 12. After losing touch during their teens, they reconnected in their late twenties. Their wedding took place at London's Claridge's hotel, where Rachel walked down the aisle to her own S Club 7 hit 'I've Never Had A Dream Come True'.
Guests at the lavish ceremony included Coronation Street actress Kate Ford and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips. The couple's relationship had been widely covered in the press, with Rachel previously speaking about their reunion on Loose Women.
Rachel first found fame with S Club 7 before pursuing a solo career. She later finished as runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing in 2008 with professional partner Vincent Simone. More recently, she has spoken of her ambition to create her own fashion and lifestyle brand.
