Natasha Kaplinsky, the first winner of Strictly Come Dancing, has separated from her husband Justin Bower after 20 years of marriage. The couple, who married in August 2005, have two children together and have issued a joint statement confirming their decision to end their marriage.
"We can confirm that we have made the joint decision to end our marriage and our focus now is on our children," the statement said. The announcement brings to a close a relationship that began long before Kaplinsky became a household name through the BBC dance competition.
From newsroom to ballroom
Kaplinsky, 52, was partnered with professional dancer Brendan Cole when she won the second series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004. She was the first celebrity to lift the glitterball trophy, a feat that cemented her place in the show's history. Before her dancing success, she was already a familiar face on British television, having presented for Sky News, Channel 5 and ITV News.
The couple's split comes three years after Kaplinsky spoke publicly about her desire to renew her wedding vows. In an interview at the time, she said: "I'd love to. We did go to our local church on our tenth wedding anniversary with renewal in mind, but our children were screeching, so we've put it off for a bit."
Family focus following separation
The announcement follows a period of public attention on the Strictly family, with judge Shirley Ballas recently facing criticism from fans over what they perceived as a "fake" moment on the show. However, the Kaplinsky-Bower split is a private matter that the couple have chosen to address directly.
Both parties have emphasised their commitment to co-parenting, with the joint statement placing the wellbeing of their children at the forefront. The couple have not provided further details about the practical arrangements following their separation.
Kaplinsky's career has spanned more than two decades in broadcasting, and she remains one of the most recognisable winners of the popular BBC programme. Her victory in 2004 helped establish Strictly Come Dancing as a cultural phenomenon, and her subsequent work in news and current affairs has kept her in the public eye.
The news of the separation is the latest development in the personal lives of those associated with the show, which continues to attract significant viewer attention. For now, the former couple have asked for privacy as they navigate this transition, with their children remaining their primary concern.
