Tony Bellew and Rachael Roberts are childhood sweethearts, who is the boxer's wife?

Tony Bellew entered I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here as one of the surprise contestants and managed to place second ahead of politician, Nigel Farage. Tony managed to succeed despite entering the jungle under difficult circumstances as he announced his grandmother on his mum’s side had passed away. Bellew shared a photo of him and his grandmother on Instagram with a loving tribute.

Thankfully, the former boxer doesn’t have to go through this heartbreak alone as he has a loving wife. Indeed, Tony has been in a relationship with his childhood sweetheart since he was around 18 years old. Who is Rachael Roberts and how many children does the couple have?

Tony Bellew and Rachael Roberts knew each other as children

Tony Bellew and Rachael Roberts have known each other since they were 9 years old, as per The Sun. The two grew up together in Merseyside, however, their relationship didn’t start until they crossed paths again when Tony was 18.

Tony and Rachael met again when Tony was working as a bouncer in a nightclub and Rachael was on a night out. Rachael reportedly rejected Bellew three times, before giving him his chance. A source close to the couple revealed that their first date was a milkshake and then a trip to the cinema, they also told The Sun:

Rachael told him that if he wasn't the perfect gentleman to her on the date, he'd blow his only chance.

So right from the off it was clear to him that she was a strong woman who didn't take any nonsense.

A difficult beginning

Before Tony Bellew became a successful professional boxer, he had to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. According to The Sun, Tony was only making £100 per fight and worked several low-paying jobs as a labourer and a lifeguard but also various shifts in security, retail and more.

It wasn’t until 2007 that Tony turned professional and gradually grew in popularity. Eventually, the boxer became friends with his idol, the footballer, Wayne Rooney.

Tony Bellew and Rachael Roberts made it official in 2018

Tony Bellew and his long-term partner, Rachael Roberts finally tied the knot in 2018, in a very private ceremony in Cheshire’s Peckforton Castle. The couple have three children, Corey, Cobey and Carter.

The source revealed some insight into the couple’s relationship and said that Rachael is undoubtedly the one who wears the trousers in the relationship:

Because he's been with her since they were teenagers, Rachael's extremely confident and assured about her place in the relationship and there's no doubt she's the one who wears the trousers.

In truth, he may be the breadwinner, but she's the one who runs the ship behind closed doors and that's the way he likes it.

Rachael is essential to Tony's support system as she made a surprise appearance during I'm A Celeb to comfort her husband who was very emotional given the circumstances; Tony entered the show in honour of his grandmother who passed away the day after he agreed to join the show. Rachael stated:

He is doing this for her and I know he will be thinking of her every day while he’s in there.

Rachael Roberts gave Tony Bellew an ultimatum

According to Express, just a few months after getting married, Rachael gave Tony an ultimatum, either stop boxing or she will divorce him. Tony revealed, as per Express:

If I don't stop after this then she is going to divorce me and I have only been married four or five months.

Tony also revealed that he had been watching fights on his phone whilst on honeymoon, which seemed to have upset Rachael:

I was on my honeymoon and for one reason or another I was watching Usyk beating up Gassiev on a mobile phone and my wife gives me a look to say: 'We are supposed to be enjoying our honeymoon, why are you watching that phone?'

Tony listened to his wife, his last fight was on March 5, 2018, against Oleksandr Usyk, after he had challenged him. Sadly, Tony did not end his career with a win.

Read more:

⋙ Jamie Lynn Spears: Here’s everything you need to know about her life, from husband to children

⋙ Rylan Clark: ITV presenter confirms he turned down I’m A Celeb and reveals when would he say yes

⋙ I'm A Celeb: Nigel Farage makes drastic changes to his lifestyle ahead of the jungle stint

Sources used:

Express: ‘Tony Bellew: Who is I'm A Celebrity boxing star married to and how many kids do they have?’

The Sun: ‘Tony's knockout Who is Tony Bellew’s wife Rachael?’