Actress Laila Rouass has spoken out for the first time since her split from snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan. The couple spent a decade together before splitting in 2024.
Rumours of their romance first emerged 13 years ago before speculation emerged last September that the pair had gone their separate ways for good – having previously been credited with having an on-off relationship at times.
Speaking at the Mariposa Ball and Awards, Rouass has now spoken out on her own relationship status. The Eastenders star told the Mirror: “I am going to keep that under wraps for now until there is something to speak about.”
The actress had previously addressed her split from O’Sullivan online in December, writing on her Instagram: “Break ups can strip you down to your essence.
“I got through mine by using pain as fuel to take control because no matter what, we will lose parts of ourselves in relationships. It’s normal, don’t beat yourself up.”
The 53-year-old also touched on how she struggled after her breakup but has since closed that chapter of her life, saying: “One thing I’m conscious of not doing is trying to get back where I was. No, I’m discovering who I’ve become. I’ve gone through various emotions… hurt, pain, anger but what I’ve realised about anger is that it’s bottomless.”
O’Sullivan has been sparking rumours of his own in recent months due to his snooker hiatus. The 49-year-old has not played since the Championship League in January, where he smashed his cue following a shock defeat to Robert Milkins.
He then withdrew from the Masters, Welsh Open, German Masters, World Open and World Grand Prix. O’Sullivan has therefore failed to qualify for the Players Championship and Tour Championship, prompting some fans to assume that the snooker legend is considering calling time on his sensational career.
A dramatic return at the World Championship in Sheffield could put those rumours to bed though, and an impressive display from the seven-time world champion would certainly silence those who have cast doubt over whether he is capable of still playing at the top level now that he has taken a step back for the past four months.