This Morning star rules out marrying partner after separate rooms admission

Is marriage really a must-have these days, or is Ashley James simply rewriting the rules for modern love? The former Made in Chelsea star and current political correspondent on ITV's This Morning, has grabbed attention after declaring with surprising candour that she has no intention of marrying her long-term partner, Tommy Andrews. Her admission, made during the “Happy Place” podcast hosted by Fearne Cotton, didn’t just raise eyebrows — it set off a fresh discussion about what makes a relationship work in today’s world. She shares her busy life with Tommy and their two young children, Alfie and Ava, but her perspectives on love, independence and coupledom are anything but traditional.

Ashley James on Why She Doesn’t Want to Get Married

Ashley James didn’t hold back on the “Happy Place” podcast. After six years with Tommy Andrews and parenting two kids, Alfie (5) and Ava (2), most would expect a wedding could be on the cards. But Ashley quashed all hope, clearly stating:

‘I would be shocked to change my mind on this subject.’

She explained that she simply isn’t attracted to the idea of tying the knot, confirming:

“If I ever decide to get married, Fearne, you should make sure that's what I really want to do.”

According to Ashley, marriage for its own sake isn’t something she aspires to, and being frequently asked if she hopes for a proposal has become a recurring annoyance:

“They say, ‘Are you hoping he’ll propose?’ And I always say, ‘I hope not.’ And they look horrified.”

Not only does she maintain her stance, but she also feels like she’s “from another planet” compared to the general excitement surrounding weddings.

Living Together, Sleeping Apart: The Secret to Their Relationship

For Ashley, keeping her own space isn’t just a preference — it’s essential for her well-being. Addressing their unconventional sleeping arrangement, she revealed:

“I recharge in my own space and in my own company.”

Ashley and Tommy don’t share a bed or even a bedroom. She’s adamant this is the key to their harmony and relationship longevity:

“If I had shared a bed with him, I think we would have broken up long ago.”

Ashley quipped that their formula has proven so effective at maintaining peace:

“It saved us a lot of arguments.”

She even joked during the interview:

“The secret to a relationship is that the further apart you are, the better it is.”

While participating happily in her friends’ weddings, she’s still intrigued by the pressure others feel to get married, always asking herself:

“Why get married?”

Challenging Social Norms: Reactions and Reflections

Ashley acknowledges that speaking openly about her views is one of the hardest things for her:

“That's one of the things I find most difficult to talk about.”

She’s well aware her positions aren’t always understood, especially as society seems to expect women in long-term relationships to look forward to marriage. Yet, she never judges her married friends — instead, she’s keen to understand why marriage is such a universal milestone.

Her honesty highlights a wider social debate: Are individual happiness and relationship sustainability tied to traditional rituals and living arrangements, or can new models — like keeping separate bedrooms — truly work? Ashley’s stance gives a powerful voice to those who don’t fit into the typical romance script, encouraging others to embrace what actually feels right for them, not just what’s expected.

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This Morning star rules out marrying partner after separate rooms admission