When Christina and Tarek from HGTV's Flip or Flop finally decided to divorce in 2017,
it wasn't much of a surprise. That's because, in 2016, the pair had a highly publicized
dispute amid their separation that led to the police getting called, according to TMZ.
The pair have since put their differences aside for the sake of their two kids, and
Tarek got engaged to Selling Sunset's Heather Young in August 2020.
A few months after the exes' divorce was finalized, Christina began dating British television
personality Ant Anstead. And just a little over a year later, in December 2018, the two
tied the knot at their home in Newport Beach, California. Approximately nine months later,
Christina and Ant welcomed their son, Hudson London Anstead.
They both also have children from previous marriages, so this big blended family seemed
pretty perfect. But on September 18, 2020, Christina took to Instagram to share that
she and Ant had decided to separate. So why did the relationship come to an end?
Although Christina's official statement didn't give a concrete explanation for the split,
it did reveal that the decision wasn't an easy one. The Christina on the Coast star
posted on her Instagram.
"Ant and I have made the difficult decision to separate. We are grateful for each other
and as always, our children will remain our priority. We appreciate your support and ask
for privacy for us and our family as we navigate the future."
Of course, maybe a blended family proved challenging, with Ant even acknowledging before the marriage
that it would take some work, telling People magazine,
"We wanted to make it about the kids. It's the six of us. We're a blended family so it
was really important for them to be a part of it."
The TV host and car enthusiast also told Entertainment Tonight,
"Everybody has to be present and pulling in the same direction. That includes Tarek, it
includes my ex."
Who knows, maybe with that many children and relationships involved, one or more members
pulled away from the herd, and things went south. However, a source gave Life & Style
a different take, claiming,
"No one saw this coming. I'm hearing that Christina and Ant just grew apart. They're
very different people from totally different backgrounds, and that definitely played a
factor."
The couple began dating in October 2017 after being introduced by a mutual friend, according
to House Beautiful. In July 2018, Christina gushed about Ant to People, saying,
"He's so down-to-earth, and we have so much in common. We basically do the same thing,
so he gets what my world is like, and he's just rolled with the punches and handled everything
so well."
"I love that you love cars!"
The couple shocked guests with a surprise wedding on December 22, 2018, according to
a later article in People. Guests were told to meet at their home, where they would then
be driven in a charter bus to see the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Instead, guests
were actually treated to a winter-wonderland wedding in their front yard.
Their children had a big part in the wedding, and Christina told Us Weekly:
"They loved the wedding. They each got up and made little speeches, and we really included
them on the big day. They're all doing really good. They're settled, happy and content."
While news of Christina and Ant's split comes as a shock, it's clear they're dedicated parents
and no doubt will continue to keep their brood as top priority.
Considering Christina and Tarek were married for seven years, it's understandable fans
want to know what Tarek thinks about the split. However, a source told Hollywood Life,
"Christina and Tarek only talk about work and the kids, they're not really friends.
As the mother of his children, he wants her to be happy, but they don't discuss personal
lives at all."
As for Tarek's social media activity following the breakup, he recently posted a photo with
fiancée Heather Young on Instagram, captioning it,
"I'm just so excited about life!! I'm in love, I'm engaged, flipping 101 is on the air and
Flip or Flop is on the way. I'm telling you...it's possible to accomplish those things you have
been dreaming of!"
No matter how Tarek might feel about the situation, it's clear their show, Flip or Flop, will
go on as scheduled. And work might come as a welcome distraction for Christina these
days. Hang in there, mama!
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