Reality television personality Olivia Attwood has publicly declared she is "learning to forgive herself" in a heartfelt social media update, following the definitive conclusion of her marriage to footballer Bradley Dack. The thirty-four-year-old star, who described herself as "humiliated," recently stated she has "nothing left" after the separation from her thirty-two-year-old husband, whom she accused of "cheating on her multiple times over ten years."
Instagram Revelation and Emotional Turmoil
Sharing a poignant quote to her Instagram Story, Olivia posted a clip that read: "I am in love with this sentence... 'Forgive yourself for not knowing earlier what only time could teach you.'" This message comes as the star is currently filming in South Korea, having announced her split from Bradley in January after nearly three years of marriage. However, a shocking revelation has since emerged regarding the legitimacy of their union.
The Wedding That Never Was
Despite a lavish ITV "wedding special" that aired to viewers, The Daily Mail disclosed last week that there is no official record of the marriage with the General Register Office, the archive for all marriages and civil partnerships in England and Wales. This means the entire televised ceremony, commissioned by ITV for a "significant" sum of cash, was essentially a sham.
One source familiar with Olivia commented: "They never married, it was all about the cash, seemingly. Can you believe anything Olivia tells us anymore? Who knows? It will be very disappointing for Olivia's fans. Her team brokered the deal but she didn't actually get married. You couldn't make it up. What a sham, what a huge lie to tell your fans. What a joke."
Podcast Confessions and Moving On
This development follows Olivia opening up on her podcast, Olivia's House, as she attempts to move forward from the relationship. While speaking to TikTok star Joe Baggs, Olivia reflected: "I think we've just entered the Chinese New Year, year of the horse. I've left everything behind last year Jesus Christ I've got nothing left." The shift from the year of the snake to the year of the horse is said to symbolise the movement from healing to living.
Days prior, Olivia spoke out about what "mistruths" entail, claiming Bradley "lied and cheated" during their relationship, leaving her feeling like a "f*****g idiot." The television personality also denied attempting to deceive fans over the fake wedding scandal and confirmed her new romance with former TOWIE star Pete Wicks, aged thirty-seven.
Details of the Breakdown
Olivia was spotted kissing Pete at the Flute Bar in Soho, London earlier in March, after separating from Bradley in January. In a candid statement, Olivia wrote: "I have stood by Brad for the last ten years during which he lied and cheated on me multiple times. The breakdown of our relationship is because of this. I was in love with him and the potential I saw in him and wanted always to help him try to be the best version of himself - as I did for 10 years - covering up. Lying to my family and friends. Arranging therapy. Believing the grovelling apologies. I of course now feel like a f*****g idiot. (Especially as more things come to the surface) I never wanted to say any of this. I find the whole situation utterly humiliating."
She elaborated on the moment she decided to walk away, stating: "This January when I was confronted at the screening of one of my shows by someone reporting to me yet another night he had gone back with a random girl - I decided it was time to finally leave. I'm not losing my job, I'm not pulling the wool over anyone's eyes. Yes I'm dating. Yes I'm getting up every single day even when I have cried all night to film the shows I love filming, record my podcast, record my radio show, shoot campaigns and somewhere in there TRY to move on."
Career Background and New Romance
Olivia first found fame on the 2017 series of the dating show Love Island. She was in a relationship with Bradley that year but joined the cast after discovering he was cheating. After a brief relationship with Chris Hughes on the show, the TV star rekindled her romance with Bradley in 2019. ITV then commissioned Olivia Meets Her Match, which followed the couple from their engagement in 2020 right up until the seemingly real wedding in 2023. However, last week the wedding veil slipped as it was revealed there was no official record of the marriage.
Following the breakdown of her relationship, Olivia has found comfort in Pete Wicks. A friend of the couple said after pictures emerged of their kiss last week: "Their passionate romance only started in the last few weeks, since she has split from Bradley, there was no overlap. Olivia's close friends know about this new development and are pleased Pete has put a smile back on her face. He has been a shoulder to cry on and there for Olivia during this really tough time. She has been in the depths of a really horrible break-up and Pete has helped her through it."
Past Controversies and Current Reports
Olivia previously raised eyebrows with pal Pete as they were pictured cosying up during a messy trip to Ibiza last August. Photos showed the former TOWIE star with his hand on Olivia's thigh as the pair soaked up the sun on a yacht. She admitted at the time that she could understand why the images made her footballer husband "upset" and confessed her marriage was a "work in progress."
Meanwhile, it has been reported that Bradley has reunited with his ex-girlfriend, Emily Rose Moloney. The news is said to be unsurprising to Olivia. A source told the publication: "After everything Bradley has done, Olivia's friends can't believe he is back with his ex all while he's begging Olivia to take him back. So here it is – Olivia was told he had cheated on her, so went through his phone and saw evidence that confirmed it." They added that it was Olivia who ultimately ended the relationship, as it was not the first time she had questioned his fidelity, and her friends are bemused as to how Bradley caused all this while Olivia was still trying to protect him. The Daily Mail has contacted Bradley's representatives for comment.
