Rachel Stevens has opened up about her ongoing struggle with grief, admitting that she often feels the urge to retreat under the covers and weep, even three years after her divorce. The former S Club 7 singer separated from her husband Alex Bourne in 2022 following a 13-year marriage, during which they welcomed two daughters, Amelia, 15, and Minnie, 11. Sadly, Rachel’s relationship with Brendyn Hatfield also recently came to an end.
During a candid conversation on HELLO!’s Second Act podcast, Rachel expressed the emotional toll of both breakups, revealing, “I transitioned from marriage straight into another long-term relationship. I’m not sure if I ever properly mourned the loss of my marriage.” She described the fluctuating emotions she experiences, stating, “Some days, you feel strong and empowered. Other days, you just want to curl up in bed and cry. It’s a mix of sadness, and of course, we not only feel these emotions for ourselves but also for our children.”
Rachel disclosed that she grappled with feelings of guilt as a mother throughout the divorce process, particularly concerning how her daughters would be affected by the dissolution of their parents’ marriage and their father’s subsequent remarriage. Alex has since remarried and is expecting a son with his new spouse. Interestingly, around the same time Rachel and Alex parted ways, she participated in Dancing On Ice, where she crossed paths with and began a relationship with professional figure skater Brendyn.
However, after three years together, Rachel and Brendyn decided to go their separate ways. A source revealed that the split was amicable, with Rachel taking a break to Marbella with her daughters for some much-needed space, while Brendyn and his son moved out of their shared home into a new residence. Despite the affection that remains between them, they agreed that there was no viable path forward in their relationship.
The insider also mentioned that the strains between Rachel and Brendyn, particularly in their efforts to blend their families, became overwhelming. They both prioritized their children and preferred not to engage in conflicts in their presence. This transition marks a significant change for Rachel, who had been in a long-term relationship for the past twenty years, but she is expected to receive numerous offers now that she is back on the dating scene.