STEPS’ Faye Tozer has reportedly split from her husband of 16 years, moving out of their marital home just weeks before Christmas.
Singer Faye, 49, is said to have left the family’s South Tyneside home, sparking concern after her husband Mick Smith, 43, posted a series of emotional messages on social media.
Despite once calling him her “rock” and “partner in crime”, Faye and businessman Mick are understood to be “going through some things”.
Cryptic Instagram posts have fuelled fears that the ‘Strictly curse’ may have struck again – albeit several years late.
Mick posted a heartbreak-themed quote during the festive period, reading: “I met you when I wasn’t looking for you, and lost you when I loved you the most.”
Days later, he shared Banksy’s well-known “broken heart” mural, plastered with the phrase “closed for repairs”.
When approached for comment this week, Mick told MailOnline, “We’re going through some things and trying to work stuff out. That’s all I’ll say.”
Friends and neighbours told the outlet the news had come as a shock.
One said: “They were always such a lovely couple. You’d see them walking their dogs or having a drink at the pub together.
“But Faye hasn’t been spotted in months. People started to worry, especially after Mick’s Instagram posts.”
The pair, who share son Benjamin, 16, had seemed closer than ever following Faye’s 2018 Strictly appearance, when she was paired with now-axed Giovanni Pernice.
At the time, speculation swirled after they were pictured sharing what was described as a “flirty lunch” – but Mick publicly supported his wife, insisting their bond was unshaken.
Their relationship now appears to have quietly unravelled behind closed doors.
Faye previously brushed off rumours of a Strictly-related strain on their marriage, insisting: “We’ve been married for years. We’ve always worked apart. Being on the show didn’t change anything for us – we’re solid.”
This is Faye’s second marriage. Her first, to Danish musician Jesper Irn, ended abruptly in 2007 after five years.
He later claimed she became distant before ending things out of the blue, telling him she’d had enough.
Jesper said: “Looking back, I think she wanted me to fight for her. Instead, I walked away. A huge mistake.”
Faye’s representatives have been contacted for comment.
