Not like the movies: why Hollywood couples don't work out

Why is divorce seemingly more common for celebrities?

“Living your life under public gaze puts greater pressure on relationships, increasing the likelihood of difficulties. Celebrities are navigating life's ups and downs just like the rest of us - but with the world scrutinising everything they do. That comes at a cost.

“Celebrities, and those in media and entertainment, often need to be away from home for long periods of time for career opportunities, undoubtedly adding strain to a relationship.

“It's also common for the whole family of public profile individuals to relocate several times for the same reason, and such upheaval will challenge even the strongest relationships. This lifestyle sounds glamorous but living it - and handling the logistics - can be tiring and stressful, even when others are organising things for you.

“Celebrities tend to be extremely focused and determined personality types, which can lead to their relationship not being prioritised, placing second or third on their list rather than first. That can certainly mean a shorter lifespan for their relationships.”

What are the consequences of a high-profile divorce battle?

“The consequences vary based on whether the celebrity is perceived as the person who caused the divorce or as a victim of the divorce.

“It's common to have to manage clients' reputations whilst they're divorcing to ensure their brand and future work is protected. Whilst the historical adage is that there is no bad publicity, there tends to be more visibility and accountability with the public nowadays.

“The threat to privacy is real, and the potential for that impacting on a high-profile client's reputation and security can be significant, especially where the other party seeks to gain financially from the divorce. It is sound advice to keep celebrity divorces away from the Family Court, and instead take them into the private adjudication arena, such as arbitration.

“It's usually advisable to seek to save the relationship, often through therapy, if there is a chance it can be steered back on track, but often the party calling time on the relationship has been withdrawing from it for some time. In those situations, the opportunity to repair and make changes that will restore the marriage have passed.

“I tend to see some younger high-profile clients losing their first serious relationship in this way as a result of their career, but getting it right second time around with the benefit of experience and a good therapist; these tend to be highly intelligent and talented people, and they will often continue individual therapy sessions after the divorce to better understand themselves and to become more self-aware, so their next relationship is a successful one.

“I’ve seen one client in particular have two failed marriages when he committed in his late teens and twenties when he was still learning so much about himself and the world of celebrity. Now older and wiser, he’s in a committed, happy relationship and very emotionally aware of what is and isn’t healthy for a long-term relationship to work.”

What are the most common reasons that celebrities file for divorce?

“In England and Wales, there is now just one reason for divorce which is no longer fault based, and relies on the marriage having 'irretrievably broken down'.

“Behind that, the most common cause of celebrity divorce tends to be having drifted apart as careers go in different directions or a new relationship, often with someone they are working with. That tends to happen when there are periods apart for their career or working with someone who might better understand them and the challenges of the industry more than their spouse.

“I’ve also seen celebrities marry quickly whilst in the early, honeymoon stage of a relationship and then face the realisation that long term they are not a great fit for each other. However, it can be challenging to persuade a client in such situation to slow things down and protect themselves by having a prenuptial agreement, for example. For clients I know well, I can steer them to perhaps letting four seasons pass in a new relationship before committing, which is wise for any relationship in my experience.

“Often couples will agree a joint statement for the media factually informing the public of the ending of their marriage but that they remain committed to co-parenting their children and that no further comment will be made. It’s a wise way to proceed, signalling that their situation will remain private, and that their priority is the wellbeing of their family, even though the family will be different to how it was before.”

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An extract of Deborah's comments was published in HELLO! Magazine, 31 January 2025.