Charlotte Church sought rugby star’s approval to date her husband post-breakup
Charlotte Church began her relationship with musician Jonathan Powell only weeks after her breakup with Welsh rugby star Gavin Henson. The couple had shared five years together, welcomed two children, and became briefly engaged. However, Church moved on quickly after their 2010 split.
Seeking Approval Post-Breakup
During a 2010 interview with the BBC, Church revealed that she felt compelled to seek Henson’s approval before officially dating Powell. “I kind of asked Gav’s permission in a way,” she reflected. “I said to him, ‘I really want you to know that nothing ever went on between me and Johnny while we were still together.’”
Background on Charlotte Church and Gavin Henson
- Relationship Duration: 2005 to 2010
- Children: Two – daughter Ruby (born 2007) and son Dexter (born 2009)
- Rugby Career: Henson earned 33 caps for Wales and played for the British and Irish Lions.
Church described their initial connection as one filled with excitement. Yet, as time passed, their contrasting lifestyles began to create significant challenges. “We were such different people in every way,” she admitted. This disparity grew more pronounced over the years, leading to their eventual separation.
Media Intrusion and Its Impact
The media extensively covered their relationship, resulting in considerable pressure. Church noted, “The press intrusion was insane, there was all sorts of dark stuff going on.” This attention combined with personal struggles added strain to their romance. Church spoke about feelings of shame imposed by the media, affecting her deeply. “If I had let that shame in, my life could have gone in a very different way,” she explained.
After the Breakup
Despite their separation, Church and Henson have maintained a positive co-parenting relationship. Both have since married other partners; Church tied the knot with Powell in 2017, and welcomed daughter Frida in 2020. Henson married Katie Mould in 2019.
Charlotte Church’s experience illustrates the complexities of navigating a high-profile relationship and the challenges of moving forward amidst personal and public scrutiny.
