Everything you need to know about Gary Lineker's love life

Publish date: 2024-10-06

Find out about the Match of the Day star's romance history

Gary Lineker is one of the most recognisable faces on TV thanks to his hugely successful career as a professional footballer and now as a beloved pundit on 

 When the 62-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...

WATCH: Gary shows off his cooking skills in his kitchen 

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

Michelle Cockayne

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."

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Danielle Bux

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. 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.

MORE: Gary Lineker's vintage living room is even more luxurious than we thought

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 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.'"

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, Ella, 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.

"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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