A popular parenting influencer has revealed she is now engaged, less than a year after her 17-year marriage ended.
Anna Whitehouse spoke about the news about her. Dirty mother pukka podcast, explaining that she has overcome the ‘pain’ of her divorce, which she and her ex announced eight months ago.
The social media star, who has more than 417,000 followers on Instagram, and Matt Farquharson, 46, admitted their marriage ended in April 2023, with an October article in the sunday time.
The couple have two young daughters, Eva and Mae, and became an online sensation in 2019 after going viral for their ‘team effort’ parenting techniques.
The exes have also insisted that they are “best friends” and work to be “friendly” while raising their children together.
Taking to Instagram to share the news, Anna captioned a photo of her and her new boyfriend, Olly Bretton, who doesn’t seem to have a big social media presence, looking in love.
Taking to Instagram to share the news, Anna captioned a photo of her and her new boyfriend, Olly Bretton, who doesn’t seem to have a big social media presence, looking loved up.
‘Then this happened. “I can’t stop smiling,” she wrote. ‘I still can’t believe it. Here’s to a very different and mixed family love story.
Speaking on her podcast with co-host Polly Hazelwood, Anna said the engagement left her basking in joy but at the same time “weirdness.”
‘It’s so strange to even say it out loud. “I think when you share something personal quite publicly, in some ways it feels quite strange,” she said.
‘I don’t know how to say it other than… I’m engaged! I’m engaged to be married!’
Global Player group Dirty Mother Pukka’s co-host Polly smiled as she congratulated her friend on the good news.
Anna, who writes for several publications including The Telegraph and The Independent, and is a columnist for Grazia, reflected on her “mixed” feelings.
“Yeah, it’s big news, and I’ve really been hesitant, a little conflicted about even talking about it to be honest, like even announcing the divorce,” he revealed.
The social media star, who has more than 417,000 followers on Instagram, and Matt Farquharson, 46, admitted their marriage ended in April 2023, with an October article in the Sunday Times. The exes photographed in 2020
“I think when you live your life slightly publicly, I guess there’s a certain storyline that people need to be accompanied along the journey with, and I’m also incredibly happy.”
The podcaster reflected on the ‘pain’ of her divorce, as well as worrying about how others will react in the public space.
“I think there’s also the fear and stigma — when you’ve also been divorced — of almost finding that happiness,” she said.
‘I say this on both sides, on both sides of the partner fence. What people don’t understand is that you’re often grieving the relationship towards the end, the last two or three years you process as you go.
‘I think there’s that sense of stigma about being… even the word “divorced.” I do not like that word. It’s not that I don’t like it, I have another chapter of my life that I can remember and it’s not a pain in that sense.
“But I definitely feel like, especially in the current climate, I think saying you’re happy comes with a wait.”
In addition to her work as a journalist, editor and podcaster, Anna (pictured last month) is also the author of a book, Underbelly, due to be published in 2021.
Polly congratulated her close friend on the news and on getting over the end of her relationship with Matt.
“My God, I’ve seen you walk through the mud,” he gushed. “I’m so full of emotion, but I’m so full of joy.”
When she became emotional, Anna recounted her feelings of guilt about the joy she had experienced in her new relationship.
“Because what’s happening is also like wanting to make sure your kids are okay,” he admitted. “Wanting to help them in all these decisions.”
Anna and her future husband Olly will join “under one family” as he brings with him two children from a previous relationship.
“A very different family formation than I ever imagined walking down the aisle 17 years ago,” he said.
She added: “It’s my kind of happy ending and I never thought I’d understand the joy when we told them how, where and when we got engaged.”
In addition to her work as a journalist, editor, and podcaster, Anna is also the author of a book, Underbelly, which was published in 2021.
writing in the sunday time In October, Matt revealed that “the marriage ended on a Wednesday night in April of this year (2023).”
He added: “We sat by the open back door, looking out over the greenery of our small London garden, and agreed it was done.” The moment arrived quietly, after three years of marriage counseling and peaks of affection and valleys of doubt.
“There was no anger, just silent nods and moist eyes while our two daughters, aged sixteen and six, slept upstairs.”
In the article, both he and Anna revealed their plans to co-parent and talked about the anxiety of telling their children about their separation.
Anna called the relationship a “successful divorce” rather than a “failed marriage.”
Dirty Mother Pukka is available to listen to now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.