Strictly star announces split from childhood sweetheart who she married when she was 18

Strictly star Alexis Warr's split from childhood sweetheart Jake Burton is a harsh reminder that even love can't conquer all

As Alexis Warr, 26, a professional dancer on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, announced her separation from husband Jake Burton, the news disrupted the Strictly community and beyond. The couple, who tied the knot when they were just 18 years old, has been married for almost eight years. Alexis, who made it to the 2025 Strictly final with celebrity partner George Clarke, shared a personal update on social media, revealing that she and Jake have decided to separate after much consideration and with the greatest respect for each other.

It's not uncommon for young couples to get married in their teens or early twenties, especially in the Mormon community where Alexis and Jake come from. However, their marriage has been a long-term one, with Alexis regularly celebrating their love on social media. In November, she marked seven years of marriage with a heartfelt message, praising Jake as her "absolute love of my life" and expressing gratitude for being loved by him. It's clear that their relationship has been a significant part of Alexis' life, and her decision to separate from Jake must have been a difficult one.

One thing that stands out in this story is Jake's absence from Alexis' social media for months. He was notably absent from her recent birthday celebration posts, and his last appearance was on her anniversary post. It's not entirely clear what led to their break-up, but it's possible that Jake's absence was a sign of trouble brewing in their relationship.

As a Strictly pro, Alexis is under a lot of pressure to perform, not just on the dance floor but also in her personal life. The show's grueling schedule and the constant scrutiny from the media and fans can take a toll on even the most strong-willed individuals. It's possible that the stress of being a Strictly pro contributed to the breakdown of Alexis and Jake's relationship.

The news of Alexis and Jake's separation comes at a time when Strictly is undergoing a significant change. The show has been revamped for its new era, with a new format and a new cast of pros. Alexis, who has been a part of the show for several years, is one of the surviving pros who will be returning for the new series. It's unclear how her personal life will affect her performance on the show, but one thing is certain: Alexis will face a new set of challenges as she navigates her separation from Jake and her return to the Strictly dance floor.

As Alexis returns to Strictly for the new series, I predict that her personal life will continue to make headlines. The Strictly community is known for its close-knit relationships, and Alexis' separation from Jake will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion among the pros and fans alike. While Alexis has asked for privacy as she navigates this life change, it's unlikely that she will be able to keep her personal life out of the spotlight for long.

As Alexis takes to the Strictly dance floor once again, it's clear that she will face a new set of challenges, both on and off the dance floor. Will she be able to separate her personal life from her professional one, or will the pressure of being a Strictly pro take a toll on her performance?