Ronnie O’Sullivan didn’t invite parents to summer wedding | Other | Sport
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s wedding to Laila Rouass was so understated that even his parents didn’t make the guest list. The couple, who have had an on-off relationship over the past 13 years, finally tied the knot in a private ceremony in London this June. The seven-time World Snooker Champion certainly achieved his aim of a quiet event, as it was revealed that only Rouass’ sisters were present to witness the vows.
The nuptials took place at St George’s Town Hall in Shadwell, East London, and O’Sullivan didn’t even appoint a best man for the significant occasion. In a chat with the Sunday Times, he admitted: “I didn’t actually have anyone there. I mean, we had Laila’s sisters. But we didn’t want anything big. I’m just not into all that stuff. I f***ing hate being the host – I can’t stand it.”
The duo split last year before reuniting in January and finally marrying five months later. They have since sold their Essex property and moved to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, where they lead a private life.
O’Sullivan has entirely disconnected himself from social media and now uses a phone without messaging or news apps, or a web browser. Only a select group of friends and family can contact him directly. “I wish I’d done it before, I might do it every six months,” he said. “I’m not looking to progress my career through networking and that sort of thing. I’ve got my friends and that’s enough. The phone doesn’t really add to my life. So it’s quite nice, really.”
Rouass took similar action when she deactivated her Instagram account, but not before revealing that she was suffering from an incurable illness. In one of her final posts, she wrote: “I have something to tell you. I’ve recently been diagnosed with an incurable condition – one that’s tested me in ways I never imagined. It’s not life-threatening, but losing a bit of control over my body has humbled me… and, at times, broken me open.
“There have been nights of tears, not from weakness, but from release. Sometimes strength looks like simply showing up again tomorrow. That’s why I’ve been quiet.
“Treatment has taken its toll, physically, emotionally, spiritually. But I am here. A little softer. A little stronger. A little more human.”
O’Sullivan returns to competitive action this week at the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship in Saudi Arabia. The World No. 5’s romance with Holby City and Footballer’s Wives star Rouass has previously sparked family tensions for him.
In 2020, O’Sullivan’s sister, Danielle, told The Sun: “Ronnie has given Mum so much help in the past. But when he asked her for £15,000 last year, he told me she said, ‘I’m not giving you money for that f*****g s**g!’
“She has shown me Laila’s number saved on her phone under ‘the revolving f***y’ and has apparently told Ronnie, ‘she’s just a prostitute – she’ll sleep with anyone.'”
O’Sullivan’s mother has yet to comment on these allegations. Her son has been involved with Rouass since 2012, after previous relationships with Sally Magnus and Jo Langley, both of whom he has children with.
