Former Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton, 38, was left heartbroken when her husband Richie Myler, 31, left the family home months after she gave birth to their third child

Is age really ‘just a number?’

By the appearance of some tumultuous celebrity relationships, you’d have to say age gaps can often get in the way of long-lasting marital bliss.

Last week, BBC presenter Helen Skelton announced that her marriage to Leeds Rugby player Richie Skelton is over just four months after the couple welcomed their third child.

The Countryfile star, 37, who was missing from the latest episode of the programme, announced the sad news on her Instagram story last week.

It has since been reporter that Helen’s estranged husband is now dating a Yet, the split had us wondering whether the 7-year age gap had anything to do with the break-up, especially now that Helen’s estranged husband is reportedly now in a relationship with marketing executive Stephanie Thirkill, 32.

We take a look back at some other celeb romances that have hit the rocks after couples with a sizeable age gap found love – even if it was ever-lasting…

Madonna and Guy Ritchie

Age gap: 10 years

Relationship length : 8 years

The Queen of Pop married the Prince of British cinema at a private ceremony in Scotland in December 2000.

At the time Madonna was 56 and Guy, 48.

Months before the wedding, the loved-up pair had welcomed a son, Rocco Ritchie, while the couple also adopted David Banda six years later.

The marriage lasted just eight years before they divorced in 2008.

Madonna said: “The time goes by, and you share a life, you have children and there are cracks in the veneer.

“It’s not as romantic as it used to be.”

The star also hinted that she felt Guy was at odds with her pop star persona, “If you’re an artist you have got to find someone who accepts who you are and is comfortable with that.”

Rather than being put off love, Madonna said she was open to marrying again while Guy went on to tie the knot with model Jacqui Ainsley, 40.

Amanda Holden and Les Dennis

Age gap: 17 years

Relationship length : 8 years.

When Les and Amanda tied the knot back in 1995 there was a great deal of shock – not least due to Les being in his early 40s and Amanda only 24.

“I was worried, well scared, actually about the age difference,” said the former Family Fortunes host, now aged 68.

“I realise now that it’s about loving each other and not whether you relate to the same kind of music.”

Sadly, the optimism wasn’t to last.

Revelations that Amanda was having an affair with Men Behaving Badly star Neil Morrisey were soon uncovered and, after that, the marriage was as good as over.

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher

Age gap: 16 years

Relationship length : eight years.

Despite their 16-year age-gap Ashton Kutcher, 44, and Demi Moore, 59, seemed the perfect couple after they got together in 2003 when Demi was 40 and Ashton 24.

They certainly weren’t afraid to show off their attraction to each other with frequent Public Displays of Affection in person or communicated in very over the top lovey-dovey tweets to one another.

But the bubble burst in November when accusations of Ashton’s infidelity surfaced leaving Demi, now 49, heartbroken at collapse of their six-year marriage.

Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris

Age gap: 60 years

Relationship length: three years

Hugh met model Crystal at a Halloween party in 2008 when she was just 22 to his 82.

Hef started dating Crystal soon afterwards – alongside 20-year-old twin models Kristina and Karissa Shannon.

The relationship got serious when Hefner ditched the twins and went exclusive with Harris, who dismissed age-gap cynics by pointing to their shared interest in psychology.

In June 2011, at the sprightly age of 85, Hefner became engaged to the Playboy bunny 60 years his junior.

Sadly for Hef, she broke it off just days before they were due to be married – but still kept the £58,000 engagement ring.

Pete Davidson and Kim Kardashian?

Age gap: 13 years

Relationship length : 7 months

Ok, so these two aren’t married, but what a ride the last few months have been.

Kim announced her split from husband Kanye West last year but has moved on pretty quickly since – causing a rift between her ex and new partner Pete.

Kanye and Pete have waged a war of words over social media over the last few months – with Kanye calling out Pete in a number of songs.

Kim, 41, and Pete, 28, put on a defiant display for the haters at this years Met Gala 2022.

The pair looked more loved up than ever, with Kim dressed in Marilyn Monroe’s famous gown and Pete looking on in awe.

In the latest episode of The Kardashians, Kim even said she was open to marrying again – watch this space….

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