Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has opened up about his much-scrutinized relationship with second wife Lucie Rose, 37, and described his reputation as a “love rat” as “nonsense”.
The broadcaster's first wife, Julia, 68, filed for divorce in 2016 after 34 years of marriage, following Keys' alleged affair with Lucie, a lawyer. Julia was recovering from thyroid cancer at the time of the split and said the breakup “not only devastated my world, but also the world of our children Jemma and Josh.”
In a new interview with The telegraphKeys attempted to clear up speculation about her second marriage, emphasizing that it did not “leave Julia dying of cancer or suffering with cancer.”
“Unfortunately he had cancer in 2008 and [20]09, and we found a great surgeon who removed it,” he added.
She also responded to reports suggesting Lucie was best friends with her daughter Jemma at the time of the alleged affair, pointing out instead that the two women had previously socialized together in Doha, where they lived.
“The damaging thing is that people assume that I ran away with my daughter's best friend, locked her in a room and didn't give her a choice about whether she wanted to be with me or not,” he said. “All of which is nonsense.”
Referring to the 31-year age difference, Keys admitted, “It baffles people, but I don't feel it. I've never felt it.”
She also revealed that she would love to have more children in the future.
“If something of that nature happened, I would be a very, very happy man,” he told the newspaper.
“I've watched men my age entering fatherhood for the second time and they all seem much more relaxed.
“They're more understanding of the role they play. I've come to the conclusion that when you're in your 20s and 30s, you're putting your shoulders to the wheel and you don't have time to be a good father. I have plenty of time.”
