Entertainment

A Question Of Sport captain Matt Dawson splits from wife after 11 years

The BBC recently announced that Dawson was stepping down from the long-running quiz show.
The BBC recently announced that Dawson was stepping down from the long-running quiz show.

A Question Of Sport star Matt Dawson has split from his wife Carolin Hauskeller after 11 years together.

The former England rugby player, 47, said the pair had decided their relationship needed a “new direction” but would continue to co-parent their two sons.

He said on Twitter: “We know this will be a surprise to most but after 11 years together Carolin and I have decided our relationship needs a new direction, bringing our marriage to an end.

“The love for our beautiful boys grows stronger day by day as does our friendship as co-parents.

“To our dear friends please continue to support us as positively as you can for the next stage of our lives.

“It’s vital that Alex and Sami understand that we will always be a united family.”

Dawson, who was a member of England’s 2003 World Cup winning squad, and Hauskeller, a German-born former model, revealed in 2016 that they endured “two weeks of hell” as their son fought meningitis B.

Then-toddler Sami underwent life-saving treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Their split comes weeks after the BBC announced Dawson was stepping down from A Question Of Sport, along with fellow team captain Phil Tufnell and presenter Sue Barker.

He posted on Twitter at the time: “Thanks for all the lovely messages. I’m not sure how to respond so I’ll have a think.

“Needless to say I will miss @QuestionofSport immensely….”

Barker leaves the show after 24 years while Dawson and Tufnell have led their teams for 16 and 12 years respectively.

Their final series together will be broadcast next year.

Former footballer Alex Scott has reportedly been lined up to replace Barker on the show but the BBC has denied any decision has been made over the new presenting line-up.

A spokesman for the broadcaster said: “This is all speculation and no conversations have been had about the future line-up.”