Former Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams has reportedly navigated a challenging year in her personal life, culminating in her separation from long-term partner Ella Baig. The news emerges as Adams prepares to feature in the “Gladiators: Celebrity Special” on Christmas Day, marking a public return amidst private difficulties. Adams candidly acknowledged that Baig’s career as an adult content creator contributed to the strain on their relationship, despite her initial support for her former partner’s professional choices.
Speaking publicly about the split, Adams stated, “I have always been incredibly supportive of Ella’s career and the choices she has made, including her work on OnlyFans. However, as much as I respect what she does, I can’t deny that it has had an impact on our relationship.” This reflection underscores the complex factors that led to the couple’s decision to part ways after a significant period together.
Reports indicate that the couple undertook significant efforts to reconcile their differences, including attending couples’ counselling sessions. Despite these attempts, they ultimately concluded that separation offered the most viable path forward. Adams described the decision as a “gradual process,” revealing that initial discussions about breaking up began approximately five months prior to their public announcement.
Adams openly shared the emotional toll of the separation, admitting that even as someone who considers herself mentally strong, she found the situation profoundly challenging. “Parenthood changes your perspective on so many things,” Adams reflected, emphasizing the need for honesty about her emotions and prioritizing what was best for their family. The former boxer highlighted the difficulty of adjusting to life without Baig, who had been her best friend for an extended period.
The former couple shares a two-year-old son, Taylor Nate, conceived through IVF, a factor that significantly influenced their attempts to maintain an amicable separation. Their relationship had previously garnered public attention, including speculation in November 2022 that they had secretly married in Mexico, which they subsequently dismissed.
Ella Baig, 27, has established a career as an adult content creator, primarily utilising platforms such as OnlyFans. Her professional activities became a public talking point following Adams’ statements regarding their relationship difficulties. Baig reportedly continued to share explicit content on her social media channels even after Adams’ initial admissions about the split.
Nicola Adams, aged 42, boasts a distinguished career in boxing, having made history as the first woman to win Olympic boxing gold at the London 2012 Games. She successfully defended her flyweight title at the Rio 2016 Olympics before announcing her retirement from the sport in 2019. Her athletic achievements positioned her as a prominent figure in British sports.
Following her retirement, Adams transitioned into various media roles, including reality television. In 2020, she participated in “Strictly Come Dancing,” breaking new ground as part of the programme’s first same-sex pairing, a move that garnered widespread attention and praise for its inclusivity. These ventures demonstrated her versatility beyond the boxing ring.
Currently, Adams is embarking on new professional ventures, including the launch of a podcast with the BBC, indicating a continued focus on media and public engagement. Her appearance on the “Gladiators: Celebrity Special” is anticipated to offer a more positive conclusion to her year. The show is scheduled for broadcast on BBC One at 3:45 pm.
On the “Gladiators” special, Adams will compete alongside other notable personalities such as Joe Wicks, Vogue Williams, and Sam Thompson, facing off against the formidable Gladiators. Expressing her excitement, Adams stated, “I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of the Gladiators: Celebrity Special. It’s such an iconic show, and growing up, I loved watching the epic battles and strong personalities.” She acknowledged the unique challenge presented by the arena compared to her boxing career.
