Richard Keys Addresses Divorce Speculation and Defends New Relationship
Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has publicly addressed persistent rumors surrounding his divorce from his wife of 34 years, Julia, and his subsequent relationship with a much younger woman who was friends with his daughter. In a candid interview, the 68-year-old broadcaster insisted he did not abandon his ex-wife while she battled cancer, contrary to widespread speculation on social media.
Clarifying the Timeline of Illness and Separation
Keys emphasized that Julia's cancer diagnosis occurred years before their separation. "I've never sat with anybody and talked about this, but I didn't leave Julia dying of cancer, or suffering with cancer," Keys told The Telegraph. "Sadly, she had cancer in 2008 and '09, and we ran into a genius surgeon who removed it."
He detailed their extensive efforts during that period, explaining they traveled for 30 consecutive days to consult with top specialists, surgeons, and anesthetists at premier hospitals. Keys recalled working at Arsenal on the day of Julia's operation, not from disinterest but to protect her privacy. "It wasn't that I was uninterested, I just didn't want people to know she was unwell or to bring in the intrusion that would naturally follow," he stated.
The Unexpected Relationship That Changed Everything
Keys separated from Julia in 2016 and began a relationship with Lucie Rose, who is 31 years younger than him and was previously friends with his daughter Jemma. The couple married in 2023 after what Keys described as a gradual emotional transition.
"I never expected my marriage would end after 34 years, but Lucie bowled into my life and, wow, what a force of nature," Keys said. "I knew I wanted to be with Lucie, but I couldn't emotionally get there. It took me forever to change course. It was only the result of Lucie's patience, and my sister Susan's belief that she has always known what's right for me."
Addressing Concerns About Coercion and Age Difference
Keys strongly dismissed suggestions that his current partner was coerced into their relationship. "What's damaging is that people presume I ran away with my daughter's best mate, locked her in a room, and gave her no choice about whether she wanted to be with me or not," he said. "All of which is nonsense. Lucie's one of the most powerful, strong-minded individuals you'll come across. She's deeply passionate about women's rights."
Lucie Rose, a partner in private funds at Proskauer Rose, one of New York's largest law firms, has expressed confusion about the backlash regarding their 32-year age difference. "It baffles people, but I don't feel it. I never have," she said.
The Aftermath of Divorce and Future Family Plans
Following their 2016 divorce, Julia wrote an infidelity survival guide in which she claimed Keys' behavior "didn't just devastate my world, but the world of our children, too." The couple had two children together, Jemma and Josh.
Despite approaching 70, Keys has expressed interest in having another child. "I've looked around at men my age who have entered the fatherhood phase for a second time, and they all seem to be a lot more relaxed," he said. "They're more understanding of the role they have." He added he would be a "very, very happy man" if "something of that nature happened."
Reflecting on the Sexism Scandal That Ended His Sky Sports Career
Keys' broadcasting career at Sky Sports ended abruptly in 2011 after he and co-presenter Andy Gray made sexist comments about female assistant referee Sian Massey during a Premier League match between Liverpool and Wolves. Believing their microphones were off, Keys said: "Somebody better get down there and explain offside to her."
Gray responded: "Yeah, I know. Can you believe that? Female linesman. Forget what I said – they probably don't know the offside rule." Keys added: "Course they don't," before Gray questioned why there was a female linesman at all.
In another leaked clip, Keys asked former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp whether he had sexual relations with a female colleague, adding: "Mind you, that's a stupid question. If you were anywhere near it, you definitely smashed it."
Both presenters left Sky Sports after additional clips revealed further sexist behavior. "Prehistoric banter isn't acceptable in the modern world. I accept that," Keys said at the time. "We failed to change when the world has changed."
Life After Sky Sports and Current Situation
Following his departure from Sky Sports, Keys worked for sports broadcaster beIN SPORTS in Qatar for a decade while maintaining a long-distance relationship with Lucie. The couple now lives together in London after Keys left the company.
Keys fronted Sky Sports' Premier League coverage for nearly two decades before the 2011 scandal. His long-term co-presenter Andy Gray also left the network following the leaked recordings that exposed their sexist commentary and behavior toward female colleagues in the sports industry.
