Laila Rouass and Ronnie O'Sullivan's rocky romance and 12-year engagement before secret wedding

Laila Rouass and Ronnie O'Sullivanwere engaged for 12 years before they finally tied the knot in a secret ceremony. The couple split nine months ago after previously spending over a decade together. But they got back together earlier this year and Laila confirmed the big news in a post on her Instagram account, which included a snap of the newlyweds after their ceremony.

The Footballers' Wives star shared snaps of the couple standing outside St. George's Town Hall as they celebrated being newly weds. Snooker icon Ronnie wore a navy button-up shirt and matching trousers while Laila looked out of this world in a silk cream dress and cowboy boots. She completed her look with a Palestinian keffiyeh draped over her shoulders.

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She called for a "Free Palestine"as she said in the caption: "The Palestinians have taught me so much, most importantly to honour human connection, make love your motivator and to keep refreshing it. So after almost a year break…this was one way of pressing the refresh button.

"Ok...so it wasn’t Venice…that was fully booked. It was Cable Street in Shadwell where I was born and where my heart belongs. It’s where in 1936, local activists along with the Jewish community gathered together to demonstrate against the planned fascist BUF marchers and it’s on their shoulders we stood today and said our “I do’s”.

"The Battle of Cable Street was used by my father as an example of how a community rooted in justice, can bring change…that we all have a duty to fight for the freedom and rights of others."

"The East End is the land of the immigrants. Its vibrancy, diversity and working class roots is something I treasure. I was born there, I was educated there, today I was married there and I will be buried there because my roots are my roots. Free Palestine. Mrs O’Sullivan."

It has been said the couple are hoping to have a fresh start in Dubai after rekindling their romance. The Sun also outlined that O'Sullivan is planning to sell his home in Essex to relocate abroad, with Dubai just a two-hour flight away from the snooker academy that he has set up in Saudi Arabia.

Ronnie and Laila had an on-off romance for years, with the two first meeting in 2012 and getting engaged a year later. Ronnie even became stepdad to Laila's daughter, Inez, from her marriage to Nasir Khan.

However, they put any idea of marriage on the "back burner" as Laila said they were "enjoying their time" and there was "no rush". Their relationship soon struggled in 2022 and their split up.

Laila, known for Holby City, wrote at the time: "After nearly ten years of love and memories, Ronnie & I have parted ways." It wasn't long before they worked things out, with Ronnie insisting he was "happier than ever".

He said: "It’s good. She’s great. I love her. She’s great company and I love being around her. She’s very supportive. I have to behave myself. I know when to go, ‘Alright, you’re in charge'. But she’s also really good at going, 'Listen, you’ve got a busy life, you’ve got a lot to do, just get on with it'."

In 2024, their relationship hit another rocky patch as Ronnie moved out of their £2million home in Essex, with the couple listing the house up for sale.

"They’ve tried so hard but they just can’t make it work," it was claimed at the time. And now, the couple found their way back to each other again and tied the knot.

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