Ronnie O'Sullivan quitting UK alongside actress Laila Rouass as he ‘can't go to shop without being asked for a selfie'
RONNIE O'SULLIVAN has upped sticks from the UK because he couldn't get a moment's peace when he stepped out of his front door.
After being dumped out of the Snooker World Championship, O'Sullivan revealed his intention to leave the UK and move to the Middle East.
3
3
'The Rocket', fresh off his reconciliation with actress Laila Rouass, has reportedly set his sights on making Dubai his permanent new home.
A better quality of life is no doubt one of the reasons O'Sullivan is set to make the UAE his new home.
But the ability to walk the streets without being hounded for a selfie is also one of the reasons he's decided to leave Old Blighty.
His long-time manager Jason Francis told The Express: "Ronnie's moved out to the Middle East for a while.
"You'll probably see him first in Shanghai. He's had a little break from the UK.
'You're talking about someone who can't go to the shop without being asked for a selfie, a photo.
"Where he is, he's finding a life a little bit quieter at the moment.
'Ronnie's Ronnie. He'll decide when he wants to play and everyone knows he can come from nowhere to win a major tournament.
'I'd rather not have the snooker, just a normal family' - Inside Ronnie O'Sullivan's troubled childhood
RONNIE O'SULLIVAN has enjoyed an incredible career as snooker's biggest star.
But the Rocket's turbulent past has led to struggles with mental health, addiction and yo-yo weight battles.
O'Sullivan's parents ran a chain of sex shops in Essex and his father was jailed for 20 years for murder when he was just 16.
In the Amazon documentary The Edge of Everything, the snooker icon admitted his dad going to prison had a profound effect.
He said: "I didn't want to blame everything on that situation with my dad, but I was thinking, 'I'd rather not have the snooker. just a normal family'. Because… It was a dream, but looking back, it was a nightmare."
Just a year later, Ronnie became the youngest ever UK Champion, seven days before his 18th birthday. Then at 19, in 1994, he became the youngest Masters champion.
But he has already begun to binge on drink and drugs and, when his mum was sent to prison for tax evasion, in 1996, he struggled to cope with looking after his eight–year-old sister alone.
'You won't see Ronnie play a full schedule [this season] but I think you'll see him try and properly prepare for the tournaments he plays in.
"He'll still be the sport's most commercial player in the short-term.
"Whether Zhao Xintong or [Judd] Trump can pick up that mantle now as we transition.
"Ronnie will be 50 in December, people have to remember that.
"They still expect him to turn up and win everything.'
Reflecting on O'Sullivan's semi-final exit at the Crucible at the hands of Xintong, Francis said: "Absolutely incredible.
'He didn't even have a cue a few weeks before! But that's Ronnie for you.
"He had one bad session [losing all eight frames in the second session].
'I'm not saying he could have beaten Xintong – there was a feeling his name was on the trophy.
"But apart from one bad session, he was still toe to toe with him.
'I think if he had beaten Xintong, him and Mark Williams would have been an incredible final.
3
"But it's great for snooker to have a Chinese world champion and it's for World Snooker to exploit that.'
The Sun exclusively revealed O'Sullivan's reconciliation with Rouass, whom he was separated from for nine months.
A source said: 'They have been back together for a while. The time apart gave them time to think about what they want and what is important to them — and that is being together.
'Ronnie is moving to the Middle East and Laila is going with him.
"They've talked about living in Dubai, which is just a two-hour flight from where Ronnie has his snooker academy in Saudi Arabia.
"He has spoken to people on his snooker circuit about the move and is excited about a clean break from the UK for him and Laila.
'They have had their issues in the past but Ronnie and Laila have worked through it and seem really happy again.
'The people who know them think they make a great couple and just want them to live a happy, quiet life.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
13 hours ago
- The Sun
Love Island star Casey O'Gorman reveals what he's spent his £25k All Stars winnings on
LOVE Island star Casey O'Gorman has revealed what he's spent his £25k All Stars winnings on. The Lothario, 28, rose to fame on Love Island, and has since returned to the show twice. 4 4 4 Casey first appeared on Love Island in the 2023 winter series but was dumped just days after coupling up with Rosie Seabrook. The following year, he returned to the villa for the show's first All Stars series, and then again this year, where he ended up winning with then-girlfriend Gabby Allen. The couple, who have since split, managed to bag £50k - £25k each - after becoming victorious on the popular dating series in February. Now, speaking to Heart Bingo, Casey revealed what he'd spent his £25k winnings on, four months later. He said: 'Nothing in particular, I know that's really boring. 'I took my parents out for a lovely meal and I treated my mum to something nice, but not myself. 'Me and Gabby went on holiday to Dubai, which was really nice too.' Last month, Casey, who is single again after splitting with his girlfriend Gabby Allen, has dropped a big hint that he is going back in. He was the first to 'like' Love Island 's official 2025 trailer when it dropped onto Instagram. Love Island's Kaz takes savage swipe at Casey after his ex Gabby is grilled about their split by Maya Jama And once he had shown his approval, Casey's Love Island pal Ronnie Vint stirred the pot further. The ad features a letter from host Maya Jama announcing the brand new series. Viewers of the ITV show are told Love Island is "coming soon" and that "attendance is mandatory". Casey didn't miss a beat when the trailer dropped and immediately liked it. Love Island winners - where they are now EVERY year Love Island opens its doors to more sexy Islanders who are hoping for a holiday romance that could turn into more. Here we take you through all of the Love Island winners so far and what their relationship statuses are now: 2025 - The second series of All Stars saw Gabby Allen and Case O'Gorman scoop the crown. STATUS: Still together. 2024 - The summer Love Island saw Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan were crowned the winners. STATUS: Broken up. 2024 - The first ever All stars spin off show was won by Molly Smith and Tom Clare. STATUS: Still together. 2023 - Jess Harding and Sammy Root took home the 50k, and won the summer 2023 Love Island. STATUS: Broken up. 2023 - The first series of 2023 saw Sanam Harrinanan and Kai Fagan crowned Love Island winners in South Africa. STATUS: Still together. 2022 - Davide Sanclimenti and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu's time in the villa was anything but a smooth ride, but they managed to win the public's hearts - and the ITV2 reality show. STATUS: Broken up. 2021 - Liam Reardon and Millie Court were announced winners of Love Island 2021. STATUS: Still together. 2020 - The first ever winter Love Island saw Paige Turley and Finn Tapp crowned winners after falling in love on the show. STATUS: Broken up. 2019 - Series 5 saw Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague runners up to winners Greg O'Shea and Amber Gill, who met in the last few days of the series. STATUS: Broken up. 2018 - It wasn't surprising fan favourites Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer won the show, as they were strong throughout. But sadly things didn't last. STATUS: Broken up. 2017 - Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies had lots of ups and downs in the villa but went on to win. STATUS: Broken up. 2016 - Nathan Massey and Cara De La Hoyde were together from the start of the series, and since they won the show they've had two kids and are married. STATUS: Still together. 2015 - Despite poor Jess Hayes being Max Morley's second choice on the show, they did win - but they didn't last as a couple. STATUS: Broken up. Ronnie, who starred in the All Stars villa with Casey earlier this year, then tagged him in and wrote: "@caseyogorman HERE WE GO!!!!!!!." Fans immediately spotted the interaction and were quick to comment. "No way 🤣😭😭😭😭😭!" one replied. But Casey tells us that his pals are actually just teasing Love Island fans. He said: 'I think Tom, Ronnie, Chuggs all the boys comment on pretty much every single Love Island post being like 'when's Casey going back,' but it's all just banter and to be honest.' He's also since opened up on his split from co-star Gabby, after fan speculation as to why they went their separate ways. Casey told us: 'It just wasn't working from either side unfortunately - but we are still friends, we ended very, very amicably.' On Sunday night, Maya Jama quizzed Gabby on their split, during her appearance on Love Island After Sun. And it was Kaz Crossley who seemed to hint at the real reason behind their split. Maya chatted to the girls, turned to Gabby and said: "Gabby, what happened with you and Casey?" "How long have we got?" Gabby joked. She then said: "You know what, not really that much to report." Gabby noted how she and Casey were at "very different stages in our lives". Kaz then interjected when she said: "Casey he's a lovely boy, but emphasis on boy," seemingly throwing shade at her pal's ex. "I love Gabby, but a relationship, you just need a bit more depth. "We're looking for our husbands," she concluded.
The Sun
18 hours ago
- The Sun
Ronnie O'Sullivan quitting UK alongside actress Laila Rouass as he ‘can't go to shop without being asked for a selfie'
RONNIE O'SULLIVAN has upped sticks from the UK because he couldn't get a moment's peace when he stepped out of his front door. After being dumped out of the Snooker World Championship, O'Sullivan revealed his intention to leave the UK and move to the Middle East. 3 3 'The Rocket', fresh off his reconciliation with actress Laila Rouass, has reportedly set his sights on making Dubai his permanent new home. A better quality of life is no doubt one of the reasons O'Sullivan is set to make the UAE his new home. But the ability to walk the streets without being hounded for a selfie is also one of the reasons he's decided to leave Old Blighty. His long-time manager Jason Francis told The Express: "Ronnie's moved out to the Middle East for a while. "You'll probably see him first in Shanghai. He's had a little break from the UK. 'You're talking about someone who can't go to the shop without being asked for a selfie, a photo. "Where he is, he's finding a life a little bit quieter at the moment. 'Ronnie's Ronnie. He'll decide when he wants to play and everyone knows he can come from nowhere to win a major tournament. 'I'd rather not have the snooker, just a normal family' - Inside Ronnie O'Sullivan's troubled childhood RONNIE O'SULLIVAN has enjoyed an incredible career as snooker's biggest star. But the Rocket's turbulent past has led to struggles with mental health, addiction and yo-yo weight battles. O'Sullivan's parents ran a chain of sex shops in Essex and his father was jailed for 20 years for murder when he was just 16. In the Amazon documentary The Edge of Everything, the snooker icon admitted his dad going to prison had a profound effect. He said: "I didn't want to blame everything on that situation with my dad, but I was thinking, 'I'd rather not have the snooker. just a normal family'. Because… It was a dream, but looking back, it was a nightmare." Just a year later, Ronnie became the youngest ever UK Champion, seven days before his 18th birthday. Then at 19, in 1994, he became the youngest Masters champion. But he has already begun to binge on drink and drugs and, when his mum was sent to prison for tax evasion, in 1996, he struggled to cope with looking after his eight–year-old sister alone. 'You won't see Ronnie play a full schedule [this season] but I think you'll see him try and properly prepare for the tournaments he plays in. "He'll still be the sport's most commercial player in the short-term. "Whether Zhao Xintong or [Judd] Trump can pick up that mantle now as we transition. "Ronnie will be 50 in December, people have to remember that. "They still expect him to turn up and win everything.' Reflecting on O'Sullivan's semi-final exit at the Crucible at the hands of Xintong, Francis said: "Absolutely incredible. 'He didn't even have a cue a few weeks before! But that's Ronnie for you. "He had one bad session [losing all eight frames in the second session]. 'I'm not saying he could have beaten Xintong – there was a feeling his name was on the trophy. "But apart from one bad session, he was still toe to toe with him. 'I think if he had beaten Xintong, him and Mark Williams would have been an incredible final. 3 "But it's great for snooker to have a Chinese world champion and it's for World Snooker to exploit that.' The Sun exclusively revealed O'Sullivan's reconciliation with Rouass, whom he was separated from for nine months. A source said: 'They have been back together for a while. The time apart gave them time to think about what they want and what is important to them — and that is being together. 'Ronnie is moving to the Middle East and Laila is going with him. "They've talked about living in Dubai, which is just a two-hour flight from where Ronnie has his snooker academy in Saudi Arabia. "He has spoken to people on his snooker circuit about the move and is excited about a clean break from the UK for him and Laila. 'They have had their issues in the past but Ronnie and Laila have worked through it and seem really happy again. 'The people who know them think they make a great couple and just want them to live a happy, quiet life.'
Wales Online
20 hours ago
- Wales Online
Ronnie O'Sullivan's snooker plans become clearer after reuniting with girlfriend Laila Rouass
Ronnie O'Sullivan's snooker plans become clearer after reuniting with girlfriend Laila Rouass Ronnie O'Sullivan plans for the new snooker season have emerged following the news that the seven-time world champion has reconciled with long-term partner Laila Rouass Ronnie O'Sullivan and Laila Rouass have got back together (Image: Getty ) Ronnie O'Sullivan's manager has revealed the snooker icon's plans for the new season following a tumultuous 2024/25 campaign both on and off the table. The Rocket's frustrations peaked during a round of Championship League action in January when he snapped his cue in anger and subsequently withdrew from the Masters at Alexandra Palace and host of other tournaments. Equipped with a new cue, he made a much-anticipated comeback at the World Championship in April, reaching the semi-finals despite ongoing equipment issues. After losing to eventual champion Zhao Xintong, O'Sullivan announced his plans to relocate to the Middle East, where he has a snooker academy in Saudi Arabia in his name. In personal news, the Rocket is reportedly back together with actress Laila Rouass, following their split nine months ago. The pair are rumoured to be planning for a new life in Dubai, a two-hour flight away from his Riyadh-based academy. Jason Francis, O'Sullivan's long-standing manager, revealed that the 49-year-old has been thriving in his new environment and anticipates his participation in the Shanghai Masters, a prestigious invitational event commencing on July 28. "Ronnie's moved out to the Middle East for a while. You'll probably see him first in Shanghai. He's had a little break from the UK," Francis told the Express. Article continues below O'Sullivan is enjoying life in the Middle East (Image: Getty ) "You're talking about someone who can't go to the shop without being asked for a selfie, a photo. Where he is, he's finding a life a little bit quieter at the moment. "Ronnie's Ronnie. He'll decide when he wants to play and everyone knows he can come from nowhere to win a major tournament. You won't see Ronnie play a full schedule [this season] but I think you'll see him try and properly prepare for the tournaments he plays in. "He'll still be the sport's most commercial player in the short-term. Whether Zhao Xintong or [Judd] Trump can pick up that mantle now as we transition... Ronnie will be 50 in December, people have to remember that. They still expect him to turn up and win everything." O'Sullivan will pick and choose his tournaments this season (Image: Getty ) While still struggling with his game, making the last four at the Crucible was an impressive feat after so long out. On O'Sullivan's performance at the World Championship, Francis added: "Absolutely incredible. He didn't even have a cue a few weeks before! Article continues below "But that's Ronnie for you. He had one bad session [losing all eight frames in the second session]. I'm not saying he could have beaten Xintong - there was a feeling his name was on the trophy - but apart from one bad session, he was still toe to toe with him. "I think if he had beaten Xintong, him and Mark Williams would have been an incredible final. But it's great for snooker to have a Chinese world champion and it's for World Snooker to exploit that over there." The Shanghai Masters will see the top 16 players in the world rankings joined by the next four highest-ranked Chinese players. The tournament boasts a prize fund of £825,000, with the winner banking £210,000.
