“After a difficult and challenging few years, Georgia and I have decided to separate” – Rob Cross announces split from his childhood sweetheart

Another difficult period is beginning for Rob Cross. The former world champion has announced via social media that he and his wife Georgia are separating after many years together. The news is another heavy personal setback for the Englishman, who in recent years has also faced sporting disappointments and financial problems.

Cross made the news public on Wednesday via Instagram and X. In an emotional statement, the 35-year-old Englishman stressed that the decision was not taken lightly. “After a difficult and challenging few years, Georgia and I have decided to separate,” Cross wrote.

Despite the end of their relationship, the former world champion emphasized that their children’s well-being remains paramount. “Our commitment to being co-parents to our four wonderful children remains as strong as ever and they are our priority.Obviously it has been a difficult period while we work out the future. We ask for privacy during this time. Thank you.”

Rob and Georgia’s love story began in 2008. The two met when Cross visited the pet shop where Georgia worked at the time. Three years later they tied the knot and went on to have four children: sons Bobby and Leyton and daughters Imogen and Madison.

Remarkably, Cross was still a long way from a career as a professional darter at that point. The Englishman worked for years as an electrician and only decided in 2016 to seriously pursue his dream of becoming a professional darts player.

What followed was one of the most spectacular breakthroughs in modern darts history. In barely two years, Cross established himself as a mainstay at the highest level. On his PDC World Championship debut in 2018, he made history by becoming world champion straight away.

En route to the title he defeated top favorite Michael van Gerwen in the semi-finals, before dispatching Phil Taylor in the final. That final gained extra historical significance as it turned out to be the very last professional match of Taylor’s career.

The world title marked the start of a successful spell. Cross later won the World Matchplay and captured the European title twice. He also reached finals at prestigious tournaments such as the Premier League Darts, Grand Slam of Darts, UK Open, Players Championship Finals, The Masters, and the World Series Finals.

In recent seasons, however, the shine has faded somewhat. Where Cross was once number two in the world rankings, he has now slipped to the chasing pack. His last final at a major televised tournament dates back to 2023.

Away from the oche, the Englishman also endured a turbulent period. In 2024 it emerged that issues had arisen around his company, which led to a significant tax debt. According to British media, it involved an amount of around 450,000 pounds that still had to be paid.

With the announced separation, Cross now faces another heavy blow. The former world champion hopes to find a new balance in the coming period in peace, while continuing to focus on his career on the oche, as he has slipped to 22nd in the world rankings. For the popular Englishman, an important phase now begins both privately and professionally.