Johnny Vegas splits from wife Maia Dunphy with a ‘heavy heart’ after seven years of marriage

The couple called time on their marriage last year, but decided now was the right time to go public 
Split: Johnny Vegas and Maia Dunphy
Tristan Fewings/Getty
Emma Powell14 May 2018
The Weekender

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Comedian Johnny Vegas and his wife Maia Dunphy have announced they have split after seven years of marriage.

The couple posted a joint statement on Twitter, telling fans they had parted with a “heavy heart” last year.

They said they decided to announce the news now to avoid “dangerous” speculation and asked for their privacy to be respected.

The post, from TV producer Dunphy’s account, said: “It is with a heavy heart that we want to let you know that we separated some time ago last year.

“We are telling people now because speculation is unhelpful at best, and dangerous at worst.

“As we think is obvious, we continue to fully support each other; there is no acrimony, no story and no one else involved.”

The message continued: “We have never played out our relationship publicly, so we don't feel it's too much to ask for privacy now.

“We also ask people to be mindful that there are two children involved, and their welfare is our main concern now. Thank you. X.”

Vegas and Dunphy tied the knot in April 2011. They have two-year-old son Tom Laurence together. Vegas, real name Michael Joseph Pennington, also has 12-year-old Michael from his previous relationship.

The news comes months after Vegas lost his father. The Benidorm comedian revealed in September that he hadn't mourned the death, saying he was angry that he had died so quickly.

“I haven't dealt with it, I haven't mourned him yet, I've got no idea of what mourning is,” he told Loose Women.

“I haven't had the cry yet. In fact, I'm angry at him for going as quickly as he did.”

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