Strictly star announces split from husband after nearly 8 years of marriage

Strictly Come Dancing star Alexis Warr has split from her husband after almost eight years of marriage. 

The American dancer, 26, who married her high school sweetheart Jake Burton in November 2018, shared the news in a statement posted on Instagram. 

"Sorry I've been a bit MIA…sharing a personal update," she began. 

© BBC/Ray Burmiston

"After much consideration and with the greatest respect for each other, Jake and I have made the decision to separate."

The dancer continued: "Whilst this hasn't been an easy decision, it has been reached with a huge amount of love and we're each other's biggest cheerleaders.

"We won't be commenting on this further and kindly ask for privacy and understanding as we navigate this life change together."

© Alexis Warr / Instagram

Addressing her followers, Alexis concluded: "Thank you, as always, for your support."

The statement was also shared on Jake's Instagram page. 

The split comes seven months after the pair celebrated their seven-year wedding anniversary. Marking the occasion on Instagram, Alexis penned in November: "Happy anniversary to the absolute love of my life. 7 years of being your wife has been an absolute privilege. I'm so incredibly lucky and grateful to be loved by you. Can't wait to see what more memories we unlock this year."

A month earlier, Alexis shared a gushing post dedicated to her husband after he passed his dental exams. "Proud wifey post," she penned. "My man passed his dental school boards!! Couldn't be more grateful for his heart, his drive, and the way he supports and loves me through it all."

Alexis's Strictly career

Alexis joined Strictly Come Dancing last year as a professional dancer. She was partnered with podcast host and TikTok star George Clarke for the show's 23rd season. The pair reached the final and finished as joint runners-up.

© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy Levy

In May, Alexis marked one year since she joined the Strictly family. Taking to Instagram with a celebratory post, she penned: "Newbies are officially graduating. The end of our first full year on @bbcstrictly and what an unbelievable year it’s been. Can't wait to make more memories very soon."

© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Kieron McCarron

Before joining Strictly, Alexis found fame winning the US version of So You Think You Can Dance in 2022. She then joined the dance troupe on Dancing With The Stars in 2024.