THEY were soap land’s golden couple – with the perfect marriage and gorgeous little girl. But in 2018 Alan Halsall and Lucy Jo-Hudson shocked Corrie fans when they announced their split and proceeded to have a rather public fallout. Fast forward six years and the pair are still not on speaking terms, with sources telling us the atmosphere between them is ‘as bad as ever’. And as Alan touches down in Australia to take part in I’m A Celebrity, there is one person you can guarantee will be voting for him to do the nasty trials.
An insider told us: “Alan and Lucy-Jo still aren’t on speaking terms. If Alan needs anything he goes through her boyfriend Lewis (Devine). They both want what’s best for their daughter Sienna but they won’t communicate. Things are just as bad as when they first fell out. Alan still has a few issues with how things played out between them when they split.”
The insider added: “Alan’s pals are joking that Lucy-Jo will make sure he’s put through the wringer Down Under.”
The Coronation Street Romance
Alan and Lucy-Jo met on the set of Corrie when she joined as Katy Harris in 2002 and they began dating in 2004. They tied the knot in 2009 and in 2013, they welcomed their daughter Sienna- Rae. They initially called time on their marriage in March 2016, before rekindling their romance just months later. But in 2018 they called it quits for good and just two months after announcing their break up, Lucy went public with her new man.
She fell for panto pal Lewis Devine, who played her title character’s best mate Muddles in Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs. Sources at the time said Alan “felt like a mug and was gutted” after getting to know Lewis too during the panto run. Things turned sour when Lewis called the actor's daughter Sienna his own on social media. Furious Alan, posted in response: “You’re welcome to keep the lying cheating one & call her your own! But not my daughter.”
Lucy later spoke out about Alan’s actions and told OK!: "I had literally just given birth to Carter when he posted that so I didn’t see it and my head was elsewhere. He quickly deleted it so he must have regretted it. I didn’t bother bringing it up with him. Lew and I were both too focused on Carter so it just didn’t get our attention." And Lucy-Jo admitted co-parenting with the actor can be difficult as they sometimes clash over parenting styles. She continued: "The thing is, everybody who has a blended family knows it’s not easy. You can’t pretend that it is. And me and Alan sometimes have different views on raising Sienna so trying to co-parent can be challenging. It’s probably like that for a lot of blended families."
Alan hit back again – this time sharing a picture and simply writing: “No regrets.” Lucy-Jo left Corrie in 2005 and went on to play prostitute Donna-Marie Quinn in Hollyoaks. Alan – who still plays Tyrone Dobbs on the soap, moved on with former co-star Tisha Merry but they split earlier this year. Lucy and Alan's reps have been contacted for comment.
Timeline of a Tumultuous Relationship
- 2002 – Lucy-Jo joins Corrie and they start dating
- 2009 – They get married in front of their co-stars and family
- 2013 – Lucy gives birth to their daughter Sienna
- 2016 – The couple split but get back together after a short time
- 2018 – They announce their split for good.
- 2018 – A couple of months after their split, Lucy goes public with new man Lewis Devine
- 2020 - Lucy gives birth to a son called Carter with Lewis
The I'm A Celebrity Fallout
Following Alan’s entry into the I’m A Celebrity jungle, speculation arose about Lucy-Jo’s potential involvement in orchestrating difficult challenges for her ex-husband. However, Lucy-Jo herself took to Instagram to address these rumors, stating unequivocally that she and Alan have been divorced for seven years and that their co-parenting relationship is focused solely on the well-being of their daughter, Sienna. She emphatically denied any intention of sabotaging Alan's experience in the jungle, emphasizing their consistent communication and shared commitment to Sienna’s happiness. She even shared videos of Sienna excitedly preparing for her father's appearance on the show, further highlighting their commitment to putting their daughter first. Alan himself, during his time in the jungle, briefly addressed his past relationship with Lucy-Jo, confirming their divorce and focusing on his role as a father. His comments were measured and devoid of negativity, suggesting a desire to move past the past and focus on his present circumstances. The situation highlights the complexities of co-parenting after a high-profile separation and the ongoing media scrutiny that often accompanies such relationships. The focus, however, ultimately remains on the well-being of their child, a point emphasized by both parents.
A New Chapter?
Despite the past tensions, recent reports and social media activity suggest a shift towards more amicable co-parenting. Both Alan and Lucy-Jo appear committed to ensuring their daughter's well-being is prioritized, marking a potential turning point in their complicated relationship. This demonstrates a mature approach to co-parenting, despite the lingering challenges. The situation serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by many families navigating separation and the importance of prioritizing children's best interests. The future remains uncertain, yet a path towards healthier co-existence seems to be emerging.
