Real Housewives of Cheshire star Leanne Brown 'secretly split from footballer husband Wes Brown' 

Real Housewives of Cheshire star Leanne Brown reportedly secretly split from her former footballer husband Wes a year ago.

Reality star Leanne, 45, Wes, 42, who played for Manchester United from 1996 to 2011, are said to be no longer living together, with Wes moving out of the home he shared with Leanne and their children Halle, 19, Lilia, 14, and Lola, 11.

A source told The Sun: ‘Wes and Leanne split before Christmas. There were no third parties involved; it is just a sad fact that their marriage has run its course.

Single life: Real Housewives of Cheshire star Leanne Brown, 45, reportedly secretly split from her former footballer husband Wes, 42, a year ago (pictured 2018)

‘Leanne has flourished in single life and has removed her wedding ring. She has told people she feels free and is working hard on her businesses and flourishing as an independent woman.  

‘Wes meanwhile is carrying on as best he can. There have been rumours of trouble in their marriage for a while but they put a brave face on publicly.’

The source added the former couple are doing their best to co-parent their children and live separate lives. 

Individual: Earlier this month, Leanne took to Instagram to share a heartfelt post suggesting she was working on herself

MailOnline has contacted representatives for both Leanne and Wes for comment. 

Earlier this month, Leanne took to Instagram to share a heartfelt post suggesting she was working on herself.

She wrote: ‘When you realise that the one relationship in your life that needs the most attention, love, kindness, respect and compassion, is the one with yourself, your life will improve dramatically.’

Wes signed for Manchester United at the age of 14 and played for the team until he was aged 32.

Sports star: Wes signed for Manchester United at the age of 14 and played for the team until he was aged 32 (pictured 2011)

He later played for Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers and played for England 23 times, scoring once.

Leanne told the Manchester Evening News of their relationship in 2019: ‘Yes we’ve got a lovely life and all this money and I’m not saying the money isn’t great, but when you’re in it you’re living in this bubble.

‘Although the fans can be amazing they can also be very cruel. It must be hard [for footballers] to deal with to be on top one minute and hated the next for a bad kick or missing the goal.

‘We are the ones that are left to pick up the pieces and bear the brunt of whatever is left at the end of their careers.

‘Sometimes it’s hard being alone a lot. The lads are away a lot, especially if involved in a high profile club and England international too.’

Family: Leanne was married to former Manchester United defender Wes Brown and the couple are parents to three daughters Halle, 19, Lilia, 15 and Lola, 11- pictured L-R (pictured 2019)