Andy Carroll Describes Marriage to Billi Mucklow as 'Car Crash'

Andy Carroll has revealed that his marriage to Billi Mucklow was a "car crash" and that their relationship was "on its last legs" even before they exchanged vows. The former Premier League striker discussed his now-ended marriage for the first time in his new book, "Owning It."

Carroll, 37, reflected on the decline of his relationship, which ended in July 2024. He stated that the couple's original plan for Mucklow to join him when he transferred to France did not materialize. He wrote in his book that Mucklow "reneged on the deal," which contributed to him feeling "depressed."

"When I played abroad the original plan was for my family to come with me," he wrote. "I'd rather not go into detail but due to complicated family dynamics on my partner’s side, she stayed in Rod Stewart’s old house."

Carroll and Mucklow share three children: Arlo, 11, Wolf, eight, and Marvel Mae, six. Mucklow also raises Carroll's two older children, Emilie Rose, 17, and Lucas, 15, from a previous relationship. Carroll noted that the children had been excited about moving and had even visited potential homes in France, but he ended up spending two years alone.

While Carroll admitted to enjoying his time in France, playing for Amiens and Bordeaux, he described himself as being "too depressed and drinking too much" to cope with the pain of being separated from his children. He added that his marriage was also disintegrating during this period. Although they became engaged in 2014, they did not marry until 2022.

He stated that the relationship began to deteriorate rapidly after he left West Ham in May 2019 and was "on its last legs before we tied the knot." He explained that they married due to having a blended family with custody of five children, feeling it was the "right thing to do."

During his time alone, Carroll sought therapy and realized he missed having control of his life and being with his children, but not his wife. This realization led him to conclude that his marriage was over. He spent a summer in Essex, enjoying time with his children but disliking other aspects of his life, including frequent parties.

Their engagement in 2014 was nearly marred when Carroll was photographed passed out in bed with two women on his stag do in Dubai. Mucklow reportedly forgave him after one of the women claimed no sexual encounter had occurred. Less than two years after their 2022 wedding, divorce proceedings began.

Carroll also discussed the challenges that arose after his retirement from football. He described the transition to civilian life as "staring into the abyss" and worried that his increased presence at home might strain his relationship. He explained that while he desired an equal partnership, the demands of a footballer's career meant the relationship often had to revolve around him to maintain contracts and income.

"When a footballer retires, two lives get turned upside down," he stated. He elaborated that if a retired footballer has financially secured their family, they may lose their sense of purpose.

Carroll met celebrity hairstylist Lou Teasdale, 42, shortly after his split from Mucklow. He described meeting Teasdale at Glastonbury in July 2024, the night after he was involved in an altercation at a party for one of Mucklow's friends. He recalled finding Teasdale fun and easy to talk to, noting that she introduced him to a "whole new way of seeing things."