Why 2025 is the year of celebrity splits – from shock ‘I don’t love you anymore’ divorce to Raya cheating scandal

WE'RE just a few months into 2025 and the year has already seen an avalanche of celebrity marriages crumble.

And not just ‘situationships’ or short-term relationships, but marriages, with a hefty amount of years attached to them.

On New Year's Day, starting the year off as it seemingly would go on, the first split hit – Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson, after a five year relationship.

Sam and Zara, who appeared on Made In Chelsea together, struggled to paper over the insecurities and cracks in their five-year relationship, following a cheating scandal and family feuds.

And just a day into the New Year, and it was confirmed that their relationship was no more.

The year also began with the news that Lily Allen and Stranger Things actor David Harbour had called time on their marriage, after a whirlwind Las Vegas ceremony.

And if the shock of that wasn’t enough for fans, a dating app scandal then hit the couple, after Lily was left “in agony” after learning the American Netflix star had an active profile on celebrity dating app Raya.

Just a couple of weeks later and another marriage that fans thought would stand the test of time, fell apart.

Jessica Simpson split from her husband Eric Johnson after more than 10 years of marriage.

The singer and businesswoman, 44, and the retired NFL star, 45, had been living separate lives for months.

Jessica and Eric had tied the knot in 2014 in a fairytale ceremony in Montecito, California, with A-list guests including Jessica Alba.

And on the topic of Jessica Alba, she too started the year with a split from her husband, after 16 years of marriage.

Jessica confirmed her split from Cash back in January after reports swirled that they were headed for divorce.

The actress wrote to fans about her “journey of self realization and transformation for years-both as an individual and in partnership with Cash.”;

With notable names announcing that their marriages or relationships were no more, just a mere few weeks into the new year, it posed the question: “What the hell is going on with celeb marriages?”;

Louella Alderson, relationship expert and co-founder of So Syncd has spoken exclusively with Flying Eze to weigh in on why 2025 is proving to be a headline-making year for celeb splits.

She said one of the reasons was down to the ‘domino effect.'

“High-profile divorces can have a ripple effect—when one celebrity couple announces their split, it can subconsciously validate similar decisions for others,” Lou explained.

She continued: “Seeing peers choose separation over staying in an unhappy marriage may give others the confidence to do the same.

“This is especially true in Hollywood, where public image and career considerations play a significant role.”

Another shock split was announced as 2024 ended – that of Fearne Cotton and Jesse Wood – with more details about their split coming to the light in the new year.

For a while, Fearne's love life mostly dwindled out of public interest after she tied-the-knot with musician Jesse, son of Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, back in 2014.

But just after celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary, the couple announced that they'd called it quits via an Instagram announcement, and, shortly after, Fearne was pictured kissing TV boss Elliot.

Flying Eze understands that Elliot ended his marriage to his wife Laura, mum of his three children, on Boxing Day.

As the year gained momentum, another split was bubbling behind the surface.

Flying Eze was first to report how Mis-Teeq hitmaker Alesha Dixon had split from her long-time partner, dancer Azuka Ononye, 44, in March.

The couple had been married for eights years, and met in 2006, with a source saying: “Alesha confirmed she’s split from Azuka and is navigating that as best she can.

“They are still living together for the sake of their family and are co-parenting.”;

And at the same time, reports emerged that Jacqueline Jossa of EastEnders fame and her husband Dan Osbourne had called time on their eight-year marriage.

Flying Eze reported that Jacqueline was hopeful of a reconciliation with Dan, and not “rushing into divorce,”; instead hoping he may change his mind.

But friends close to Dan said he was resolute, adding: “For Dan, it’s over.”;

A source said: “Dan has fallen out of love with Jacqueline and there’s no way back for him.

“Jacqueline is absolutely devastated and will do anything to make it work.”;

Lou goes on to speak about the “seven-year itch.”

She says: “Many relationships hit a natural breaking point around the seven-to-ten-year mark.

“This is the stage where the initial passion and novelty of a relationship have faded and couples are left to confront the deeper reality of their compatibility.

“While some navigate this transition successfully, others find that they have grown apart, leading to a decision to separate.

“What once worked seamlessly may start to feel misaligned and partners may realise they have different visions for the future.”

And then of course, while all of this has been going on, Kanye West and Bianca Censori have kept fans guessing with ‘will they, won’t they.’

Kanye and Bianca reportedly split just days after his vile antisemitic outbursts on social media in February.

He had been staying at the Four Seasons hotel in Los Angeles, while Bianca, 30, was living in their new $35 million Beverly Hills estate, a source told The U.S. Sun of the tumultuous pair.

“Bianca has always stood by him, but things have not been good after his rants, and she’s still at the house,” a source claimed.

A separate source said the couple has been “up and down” from the very beginning of their romance.

It may have been a split that a lot of fans “saw coming,”; but it’s another split for 2025 just the same.

And Lou explains that there has been something of a cultural shift in how we view marriage.

She says: “More than ever, people are prioritising personal fulfilment, self-growth and emotional well-being over staying in a relationship simply because it’s expected.

“With the rise of therapy, self-help movements and discussions around attachment styles and mental health, individuals are becoming more self-aware and attuned to their emotional needs.

“They’re more likely to recognise when a relationship no longer aligns with their values, desires or long-term happiness.

“For celebrities, this shift is particularly relevant. Many of them have access to top-tier therapists, coaches and wellness experts who encourage self-reflection and personal growth.

“As they grow and change under the public eye, they may feel an even stronger need to ensure their relationships align with their evolving sense of self.”