Popular TV presenter Richard Hammond left fans stunned last week when he announced his separation from his wife of 23 years, Mindy. The couple, who have been together for a total of 28 years and share two daughters, Isabella and Willow, did not disclose the reason behind their split.
In a heartfelt statement, Richard, 55, said: “We will always be in each other’s lives and are proud of the family we created.”
He added: “We won’t be commenting further and sincerely hope that our privacy and that of our children will be respected at this time. With Love, Richard and Mindy.”
Now, relationship therapist Sofie Roos, from Passionerad, has offered her insights on how the pair might navigate this challenging new chapter in their lives. She advised: “They have a lot of history as well as two children together, so for not turning this dirty, they need to maintain great contact, and stay connected as Richard says they’ve been so good at during the years.”
She believes this approach could help them forge a new kind of relationship that is “This will increase the chances of them finding a new kind of relationship that will turn strong and beautiful in another way than their previous one,” reports the Express.
Sofie also emphasised the importance of discussing “what’s been good and what’s been difficult”, to ensure no questions remain unanswered.
Furthermore, she suggested that while it’s crucial to give each other space, occasional check-ins could be beneficial for both parties as they adapt to their new circumstances.
Richard had previously referred to Mindy as his “best friend and soulmate”, saying they had clicked instantly. He also said she had played a crucial role in his recovery from a near-fatal coma following a high-speed crash during filming for Top Gear in 2006.
When told he might not survive due to his severe head injuries, Mindy’s emotional outburst by his bedside appeared to spark a turning point, and he eventually regained consciousness. Recalling the experience, he said: “Apparently she roared and screamed and swore at me ‘don’t you dare die’.
“And that’s when I turned back from this tree in my dream. And that’s when I woke.”
Sofie added that such shared experiences can create a lasting bond that can endure even after a breakup.
She said: “And, even though it can take some time to find a way to relate to the fact that not being married anymore, I’m sure they will get to it one day.”