Strcitly Come Dancing star Ian Waite has reportedly split from his husband of seven years. The 53-year-old BBC star married airline pilot, Drew Merriman, back in 2017 but now they have allegedly parted ways.
A source told the Daily Mail that the couple had split “a while ago” after “trying to work on their problems”. However, it was reported that they are “still friends”.
The source told the publication: “They tried to work through their problems but sadly decided it was best to separate. They are still friends despite the breakdown of their marriage”.
It seems that Ian’s partner, Drew, has already moved on as he has recently posted to his Instagram account with another man who he branded as his “boyfriend”. He penned an emotional message to mark the end of Pride month.
He penned: “I get to be me and do all this with the most incredible man by my side. It was just a normal day at work until it wasn’t.
“We started talking and everything just seemed to fall into place. You are the most incredible person I’ve met.
“You are there through everything I go through. We laugh together, we cry together, and I’m so lucky to call you my boyfriend.”
The pilot added: “After some of the most difficult years of my life you have made things make sense, and made me know what I want and where I want to be in this world.”
Meanwhile, Ian shared a video earlier this year showing him in Australia. He said that the trip abroad had helped him to “reset” and “change normal patterns”.
The dancer wrote: “Coming out to Australia has been a revelation, to work here and train here for a few months is the complete reset I need. Lots of exciting stuff to announce very soon!”
Ian appeared on Strictly for six years, between 2010, being paired with Denise Lewis, Zoe Ball, Mica Paris, Penny Lancaster-Stewart, Jodie Kidd and Jade Johnson. He also appeared in the eighth season of the show in 2010, but didn’t have a partner.
However he did appear on the Saturday night show again when partnering with Michelle Williams whilst Brendan Cole was unable to do so.