Cher Lloyd has revealed that she and husband Craig Monk have separated after 13 years of marriage, confirming the news in a candid social media exchange.
The announcement comes during a challenging period for the singer, who is still mourning the recent loss of her father.
While the split has surprised fans, Cher Lloyd and Craig Monk’s relationship began in an unexpected way shortly after her rise to fame on The X Factor, a story the singer once admitted was “embarrassing” to tell.
Cher Lloyd has confirmed that her marriage to longtime partner Craig Monk has come to an end after more than a decade together.
The 32-year-old singer appeared to address the split on social media, revealing that her wedding ring was “in the bin,” and no longer part of her life.
Fans began speculating about her relationship status after she shared a photo showing her left hand without the ring. When one follower asked about its absence, Cher responded bluntly, saying it had been thrown away.
The revelation comes during an especially difficult period for the former “X Factor” star, who recently experienced the loss of her father, Darren, earlier this year.
Lloyd and Monk first crossed paths in 2011 shortly after her rise to fame on The X Factor. At the time, Monk worked as a hairstylist and reportedly met the singer while fitting her for hair extensions.
The ‘X Factor’ Star Once Called The Story Of Meeting Craig Monk ‘Embarrassing’
Lloyd has previously shared the unusual story of how she first crossed paths with Monk in the months following her rise to fame on “The X Factor.”
In an interview with Metro in 2014, the singer admitted their first meeting happened under rather unexpected circumstances. “It’s embarrassing how we met when I think about it,” she recalled. “I went to a hair salon to get my hair done just after I got off The X Factor.”
She continued: “I wanted to go for a cigarette, but I couldn’t go out the front because it was swimming with paparazzi. He was the only one who could take me out the back. So that’s where I met him.”
Their relationship progressed quickly, leading to an engagement in 2012 and a wedding the following year.
Over the course of their 13-year marriage, the couple welcomed two daughters, Delilah-Rae and Eliza Violet.
Cher Lloyd Shares Touching Final Text Exchange With Her Father
The end of Lloyd’s marriage comes just months after she shared the heartbreaking news of her father’s death at the age of 53. In a touching tribute posted online, she revealed one of their final text exchanges, in which they expressed their love for each other.
“I love you, dad. More than you’ll ever know,” Lloyd wrote, to which Darren replied: “I know you do. And I love you more and more each day. See you tomorrow.”
The singer’s concerns about her father’s health had been public for several years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she revealed that he had been hospitalized and was battling serious health issues.
At the time, travel restrictions prevented her from being by his side, something she admitted was incredibly difficult for both her and her family.
“I wish I could see him and I wish I could be with my family to support them, especially mum,” she said at the time.
The Singer Enjoyed Early Success In Her Career
Lloyd first captured public attention in 2010 when, at just 16 years old, she auditioned for The X Factor.
Her confident performance earned praise from the judging panel and quickly turned her into one of the competition’s standout contestants. She ultimately finished fourth but secured a recording contract with Simon Cowell’s Syco label shortly afterward.
Her debut album, “Sticks and Stones,” arrived in 2011 and included the chart-topping hit “Swagger Jagger.” She followed it up with “Sorry I’m Late” in 2014, further establishing herself as a pop artist.
Despite her early success, Lloyd eventually parted ways with Syco, later speaking about creative differences and frustrations over the level of control she felt was placed on her career.
Cher Lloyd Says ‘Head Down’ Was Inspired By Feeling Alone In The Music Industry
More recently, fans have speculated that Lloyd’s 2025 single “Head Down” references some of those experiences.
The track includes lyrics about broken promises and feeling exploited at a young age, themes that Lloyd has suggested were inspired by her own journey through the music industry, particularly the lyric: “You sold me the dream, I was just 17, chewed me up, spit me out.”
While promoting the song, she described the industry as a challenging environment and hinted that many untold stories remain behind the scenes.
According to Lloyd, the track was written for anyone who has felt isolated, overlooked, or stuck while trying to pursue their dreams. “I wrote this song about when it feels like you’re the only one when it feels like you’ve hit a brick wall,” she said.
