Actress Laila Rouass has offered fans an intimate look into her new life with husband Ronnie O'Sullivan, posting a charming snapshot of their romantic dinner date in Dubai on Thursday. The couple, who recently relocated to the United Arab Emirates for a 'fresh start', appear to be settling into their sunny new home with evident joy and humour.
A Playful Evening with a Musical Twist
The 54-year-old star of Footballers' Wives first shared a casual image of the seven-time world snooker champion, 50, enjoying a sandwich while 'vibing' to pal Kenny Thomas' 1991 hit Thinking About Your Love. In a subsequent video clip, Laila posed a cheeky question to her husband: 'Ronnie, how old were you when Kenny Thomas came out with his song Thinking About Your Love?'
O'Sullivan, dressed in a £100 grey Bathing Ape T-shirt paired with light blue chinos, delivered a witty retort: 'One, so that must make Kenny about 85 now.' The quip left his wife in stitches and was later reshared by singer Kenny Thomas himself, who wrote: 'Alright @ronnie - Too funny, and at times I definitely feel it - love ya and @lailarouass.'
A Journey to Dubai After Turbulent Times
The couple's relocation marks a significant chapter following a relationship that has seen multiple separations. They most recently parted ways in 2024 but reconciled in January 2025, marrying in a low-key ceremony at St George's Town Hall in Shadwell, East London, just months later. The wedding was intentionally understated, with no best man and only Laila's sisters in attendance.
Their decision to sell their Essex home and choose Dubai over other considered locations like Yorkshire or Spain was influenced by Laila's Moroccan heritage and desire for a sunny climate. O'Sullivan emphasised that the move is not about a 'bouji lifestyle' but rather the simplicity and favourable weather.
Embracing a Digital Detox and New Lifestyle
Known for his focus on snooker, Ronnie has previously cut off all social media and phone apps, including messaging services, news apps, and web browsers, though he now appears to have returned to Instagram. He told The Sunday Times: 'I wish I'd [cut myself off] before, I might do it every six months. I'm not looking to progress my career through networking. I've got my friends and that's enough. The phone doesn't really add to my life.'
He also noted that not speaking the local language in Dubai contributes to an undisturbed lifestyle: 'One of the beauties of not knowing the language is I don't really want to talk to everyone that I come in contact with. We just smile at each other, hello, and it's good.'
Personal Challenges and Resilience
In October, Laila revealed she has been diagnosed with an 'incurable condition' that has left her feeling 'broken'. While she did not disclose the specific illness, she confirmed it is not life-threatening but has 'tested her in ways she never imagined'. She wrote: 'Losing a bit of control over my body has humbled me… and, at times, broken me open.'
This is Ronnie's first marriage, while Laila was previously married to Abdeslam Rouass from 1990 until their divorce in 2003; he was later jailed for fraud. Despite these challenges, the couple's recent posts suggest a renewed bond and contentment in their Dubai adventure.
