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split image showing gary lineker and gary lineker with ex-wife © Getty Images

Inside Gary Lineker's love life: from Michelle Cockayne to Danielle Bux

Find out about the sport star's romance history

July 13, 2024
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Gary Lineker is one of the most recognisable faces on TV thanks to his hugely successful career as a professional footballer and as a beloved pundit on Match on the Day.

When the 63-year-old isn't hosting live coverage of massive games in the Premier League and the FA Cup, he can be found at home with his four children whom he shares with ex-wife Michelle Cockayne. 

To get a glimpse inside his sprawling home, check out the video below featuring Gary showing off his cooking skills...

Gary Linekar cooking up a storn in his sprawling family kitchen

Want to know more about the former England captain's love life? Here's all you need to know... 

First wife - Michelle Cockayne

Gary and his first wife Michelle© Dave Benett
Gary and his first wife Michelle

Gary married Michelle Cockayne in 1986 and they share four children together: George, Harry, Tobias, and Angus. Twenty years after they tied the knot, however, it was announced that Michelle was divorcing Gary on the grounds of "unreasonable behaviour," and she later claimed that Gary's actions during their marriage had caused her "stress and anxiety."

Gary is very close to his children, and back in April 2019 he recalled the devastating moment his eldest son George was given just one night left to live when he battled a rare form of leukaemia as a baby.

father posing at event with lookalike son© Getty Images
The sports pundit with his lookalike son George

George, now 31, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia after Gary and ex-wife Michelle noticed a lump on their young son's head. Reflecting on George's diagnosis, Gary said on the BLANK podcast: "I could cope with it while he was ill. I could cope with it while I felt there was hope. But there was a couple of times when they told us, they said, 'Honestly, we've got to warn you that we will be quite surprised if he makes it through the night.'"

Second wife - Danielle Bux

gary lineker and wife danielle© Photo: Getty Images
Gary married Danielle in 2009 but the couple split seven years later

In 2007 Gary started dating model Danielle Bux, who is 20 years his junior, after being set up on a blind date. Two years later, as featured exclusively in HELLO! magazine, Gary and Danielle tied the knot in a gorgeous ceremony in Italy, with Gary becoming a stepfather to Danielle's daughter, Ella. 

However, in 2016 the pair announced they were to divorce amid reports that they parted ways because they had different ideas about starting a family together.

They were granted a decree nisi that finalised the end of their union. The two remained on great terms despite ending their seven-year marriage. Speaking to The Mirror in September 2019, Gary, explained: "Danielle and I are best mates, we still speak three times a day, we text all the time. When she comes to London she stays with me, and when I go to LA I see her."

Speaking to The Times that same month, Gary suggested that Danielle's desire for children caused their split. The former England star recalled: "Obviously I would have done, but she said, 'It's not fair on you.' Then I said, 'Well, I'd feel terrible if I stop you doing it.'"

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 04:  Gary Lineker and Danielle Lineker attend day six of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at Wimbledon on July 4, 2015 in London, England.  (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)© Karwai Tang
Gary and his ex-wife Danielle at Wimbledon in 2015

Gary said at the time: "Thank you for all your kind words. @DanielleBux and I had many wonderful years together. We remain very close and the greatest of friends." Since their split, Gary and Danielle maintained a united front, with Gary's son George even defending Danielle when rumours of hostility emerged.

Alongside a photograph of one such article in 2019, George tweeted: "This is very untrue. Why do papers lie? We all get on very well with @DanielleBux & it doesn't help at a hard time." Danielle, has since gone on to marry her partner Nate Greenwald and the two share a daughter together. 

Who is Gary Lineker dating?

In the summer of 2019, it was reported that Gary was in a relationship with chef Gizzi Erskine, after the two were pictured partying together backstage at All Points East festival. However, Gary and Gizzi's representatives denied any claims, stating: "There is no relationship."

Whilst there has been no confirmation of a new flame, talking about his current relationship status in 2021, he told The Times: "I like being on my own. I know it sounds a bit mad.

Gary Lineker with three of his four sons© Dave J Hogan
Gary has four sons in total

"I have lots of company. I've got lots of friends and I've also got my boys who come around a lot and I cook for them. I don't feel lonely. I have the odd date here and there, but nothing, not in terms of a long relationship.

"I’ve been married most of my adult life. Two really good marriages, I’m friends with both. Danielle's kind of my best mate, so I have that female connection with her. I’m not saying whether it’ll change. It might do. But at the minute I’m very comfortable."

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