Loose Women host Linda Robson has opened up about the reasons behind her 30-year marriage coming to an end, citing a lack of sexual satisfaction. The 65-year-old star of Birds Of A Feather is now on the hunt for a new home in Islington for herself and her pet, after putting the family house up for sale. Linda has previously spoken about how she and her former husband Mark Dunford grew apart over time, leading to a platonic relationship and her describing herself as “celibate”.
Earlier this year, Linda revealed that the passion she once shared with Mark had faded away and she had no desire to find love or engage in any intimate activities. In light of Linda’s recent appearance on James Martin’s Saturday Kitchen, we take a look back at her marriage to Mark and the reasons behind its demise.
Linda and Mark had known each other since their teenage years as they were neighbours, but they didn’t start dating until later in life. Reflecting on their early interactions in 2017, Linda shared, “I used to babysit for Mark, he was a couple of years younger than me… I was 16 and he was 13 and a half, and he was a bit of a pain, to be honest. And we lived in the street next to each other.”
Their romance was rekindled by a chance encounter in the park, where Linda was accompanied by her eldest daughter, Lauren, 40. Linda and Mark started dating again and eventually tied the knot in 1990.
Linda, the former wife of Mark, has made a shocking revelation about the state of their marriage. In an interview on ITV’s Loose Women, she candidly spoke about the struggles they faced, admitting that their relationship lacked intimacy for a significant period of time. Linda described herself as “celibate” and expressed her contentment with her current lifestyle, focusing on spending time with her friends, children, and grandchildren.
Despite their difficulties, Linda shared that they were still living together and emphasized their love for their children. She acknowledged that every marriage has its ups and downs, especially after being together for 33 years. However, their split eventually became public knowledge when Linda discussed her single status in an interview with Woman magazine.
Reflecting on their relationship, Linda recognized that they had some good years but ultimately grew apart. She highlighted their differences in sociability, with her being more outgoing compared to Mark. Linda believes that they stayed together for the sake of their children, who are now adults with their own lives. However, she made it clear that she is not interested in pursuing another relationship, stating that she doesn’t need a man and is happy with her friends and family.
Linda also opened up about her previous relationship with her ex, Tony Tyler, whom she describes as her ‘first love’. They were together for 11 years and had a daughter named Lauren before parting ways. Linda expressed regret over allowing Tony to cheat on her multiple times and wished she had ended the relationship sooner. In a recent family gathering, he even had the audacity to blame her for their breakup.
In conclusion, Linda has bravely shared the struggles she faced in her marriage and her decision to prioritize her own happiness and well-being. She has chosen to focus on her family and friends, embracing her single status without any desire for a new romantic relationship.
