Nicola Adams admits her ex Ella Baig's career on x-rated site put a strain on their relationship as she reveals what it's like co-parenting son Taylor, 3, following their surprise split
The Olympic boxing hero, 42, split with model Ella, 27, earlier this year after seven years together.
The couple began dating in 2018 after meeting each other on a night out and they subsequently opted to use fertility treatments in order to have their first and only child, with the egg fertilised by a sperm donor who resembled Ella.
Ella carried the baby and gave birth a month early via caesarean section - with their son Taylor being born in July 2022.
Following their split, Nicola admitted that Ella's career on OnlyFans put a strain on their relationship, saying: 'I have always been incredibly supportive of Ella's career and the choices she has made, including her work on OnlyFans.' She added: 'However, as much as I respect what she does, I can't deny that it has had an impact on our relationship.'
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Nicola has revealed how it can be challenging have a break-up in the public eye - but insisted she and Ella have a good relationship when it comes to co-parenting Taylor, three.
'Co-parenting has been really good, because our son's always at the top of it,' she said. 'It's always difficult doing breakups, especially when you're in the public eye - and it's not something that you always you want to be public.
'But I guess once you've been [in the public eye] it always ends up being that way... but we've navigated that quite well.'
Nicola continued: 'I've always believed in handling things with respect and maturity, and we shared a lot of good memories together, and I'll always be grateful for the good times.
'And I guess the main thing is our son now, and we see ourselves as, like, pretty good co parents. I think... I feel like we've got good co parenting girls here. I'm just happy that he's happy, and it hasn't really affected him that much.'
Nicola has been supporting a Health Equals campaign highlighting the scale of toxic air across England, Scotland and Wales.
The campaign has found that 12 million children are at risk of serious, long-term health problems, from asthma and other lung conditions to increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Nicola revealed that she was motivated to get involved in the campaign as clean air is a basic human right.
She also said that as a mother, the risk posed to her son's health as a result motivated her to take action.
'My son's my son's health is my top priority,' she said. 'And like any Mum, I want to, I want to know that the air he breathes is safe, whether he's walking to school or playing outside.'
Nicola has been supporting a Health Equals campaign highlighting the scale of toxic air across England, Scotland and Wales
It is also one of many reasons that Nicola admitted has made her protective, as she added: 'I think definitely since becoming a mother I'm a lot more... a lot more protective - and I think about safety issues more as well with my son.'
But the former Olympian loves motherhood, she said, adding: Honestly, it's just been a really incredible journey. And nothing really compares to that feeling of raising a little human and seeing the world through their eyes.
'Of course it's fun as well. It's not easy. I mean, at least now I don't have the training camps, but I have the sleepless nights. It's definitely something that it brings me lots, lots of, lots of joy, and I wouldn't change it for the world.'
Nicola confirmed earlier this year that Ella's career as an OnlyFans model, which included posing nude snaps and engaging in explicit chat, put a strain on their relationship.
The boxer and the model ended their romance in March despite attempting to resolve any potential differences via couples' therapy.
Confessing they have both been to therapy she added: 'Right now, we're navigating this as openly and honestly as possible, with the priority being our little boy.'
Nicola also explained the split has been a gradual process and they tried months of therapy before calling it quits.
She explained that after the therapy sessions, both separately and together, they tried to heal their trauma but then decided it would be easier to split.
Yet the star made it clear that future dating isn't on her mind right now and she isn't looking for a rebound but would rather just focus on her work and being a mum.
Speaking at the time of their split a spokesman for Nicola said: 'Nicola and Ella have shared an incredible journey together, full of love, growth, and resilience.
'After much thoughtful reflection and important therapy work, they have made the difficult decision to separate.
'Their priority remains their son, Taylor, and they are committed to co-parenting with love and respect.'
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