Shaun Murphy, the 2005 World Snooker Champion, has faced a turbulent personal life away from the baize. The 43-year-old has been married twice and is now engaged to musician Jo Rochell, but his past includes an escort scandal and significant health struggles.
Murphy's first marriage ended in 2008, after which he reconnected with a woman from his teenage years via Facebook. He later discovered she was an escort, leading to a media storm. Murphy insisted he was unaware of her profession, calling the episode 'unnerving'.
His second marriage to Elaine ended in 2023, though the pair remain amicable and focus on their two children. Murphy has since proposed to Rochell, describing the private proposal as 'a very special moment'.
Murphy has also undergone a dramatic physical transformation after reaching 20 stone. He underwent gastric sleeve surgery in 2022, which he says 'changed my life from top to bottom' and was potentially life-saving.
Now an atheist, Murphy previously identified as a born-again Christian. He admitted to being 'completely unprepared' for the scrutiny following his 2005 World Championship win, which remains a highlight of his career.
