Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Gavin Rossdale talks candidly about split from Gwen Stefani: 'Divorce was opposite to what I wanted'

gavin gwen
Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
Share this:

Gavin Rossdale has opened up about his "shocking" split from Gwen Stefani. In an interview with Fabulous magazine, the 51-year-old musician admitted that the decision to end the couple's 12 year marriage had not been his, but emphasised that he holds nothing against his "incredible" ex-wife.

"[Divorce] was completely opposite to what I wanted," Gavin said. "But here we are. Apart from death, I think divorce is one of the hardest, most painful things to go through."

gavin gwen1© Photo: Getty Images

Gavin Rossdale has admitted divorce from Gwen Stefani was the "opposite" of what he wanted

Gwen filed for divorce in August 2015 on the grounds of 'irreconcilable differences', amid allegations that Gavin had had a three-year affair with the couple's nanny.

While he did not comment on the speculation, Gavin told the magazine: "I have to deal with reality. You can't not have regrets and be human at the same time. There are lots of scenarios [I'd like to change]."

Gavin Rossdale and Daisy Lowe: How they fixed their broken bond

The 51-year-old also said he was grateful for the time he was able to share with Gwen. "We had 20 years together and that in itself is pretty incredible," he commented. "It's a lifetime. It was a lovely 20 years and we have three amazing children. There were lots of positives, and with time they'll become more and more obvious."

gavin sons© Photo: Getty Images

Gavin pictured with his two eldest sons, Kingston and Zuma

Of their three children – sons Kingston, ten, Zuma, eight and Apollo, two – Gavin said that both he and Gwen remain committed to being amicable co-parents.

"For me, it was about being solid for them, and silent but respectful of Gwen," he said. "That's what I'll be forever. Those days were the worst days ever. It's all a bit of a blur.

"It was weird because I had to go and make a home from scratch that could compare to the great one they already have. That was the challenge for me as a dad.

He continued: "The one thing - the only good thing, because everything else is not good - is we care about the children and it's about them. So we do everything to make this life change as seamless as possible."