Life in the spotlight often comes with assumptions, but Danielle Bux’s story goes far beyond her marriage to Gary Lineker. A model, actress, devoted mother, and entrepreneur, she has navigated love, family, career, and change with quiet determination. While her relationship with the former England captain made headlines, her personal journey is just as compelling.

Who is Danielle Bux?

Born as Danielle Maria Bux on June 15, 1979, in Cardiff, Wales, she built a successful career as a model, actress, and television personality long before becoming a familiar name in celebrity circles.

Bux attended Cantonian High School in Fairwater, Cardiff, before pursuing a career that eventually led her into modeling, television, and acting. Interestingly, her first career was far removed from the spotlight. She worked as a flight attendant for Virgin Atlantic before a chance opportunity led her into modeling. From there, she went on to appear in television shows, films, and major fashion campaigns.

While her marriage to Gary Lineker attracted media attention, Danielle has always had a career and identity of her own, earning recognition through her work in entertainment and fashion.

What is Danielle Bux’s height and age? 

Danielle Bux may have stepped into the spotlight years ago, but she continues to attract attention with her work in entertainment and fashion. Born on June 15, 1979, the Welsh actress and model is 47 years old as of 2026. Over the years, she has built a career that stretches far beyond her high-profile relationship with Gary Lineker.

Standing at 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters), Bux is slightly taller than the average woman and has long been known for her striking presence both on the runway and on screen.

As for her faith, Danielle has kept that part of her life private. She has never publicly discussed her religious beliefs, and no verified sources confirm that she follows a particular religion.

How did Gary Lineker and Danielle Bux meet?

Gary Lineker and Danielle Bux’s love story began in 2007, thanks to a blind date arranged by mutual friends. At the time, Lineker was already a football icon and respected television presenter, while Bux was building her own career as a model after previously working as a Virgin Atlantic flight attendant.

What started as a simple introduction quickly turned into a genuine connection. The pair hit it off almost immediately and soon became one of Britain’s most talked-about celebrity couples. Despite their 19-year age difference, their relationship continued to grow, with both regularly appearing together at public events and red-carpet occasions.

After dating for nearly two years, Lineker and Bux took the next step in their relationship. In September 2009, they exchanged vows in a romantic ceremony in Ravello, Italy, surrounded by family and close friends. Their marriage lasted nearly seven years before they announced their separation in 2016.

While many celebrity breakups end on difficult terms, Lineker and Bux have remained notably amicable. Both have spoken warmly about each other since their divorce, showing that although their marriage ended, the respect they built during their years together has endured.

What happened between Gary Lineker and his first wife, Michelle Cockayne? 

Gary Lineker and Michelle Cockayne’s relationship began long before he became one of England’s biggest football stars. The pair were childhood sweethearts and tied the knot in July 1986 at St Mary Magdalene’s Church in Knighton, Leicester. Over the next two decades, they built a family together and welcomed four sons: George, Harry, Tobias, and Angus.

After nearly 20 years of marriage, the couple announced their separation in 2006. At the time, both stressed that the split was amicable and that no third party was involved. Reports stated that they had gradually grown apart over the years.

The divorce was finalized in August 2006 after Michelle filed on the grounds of Gary’s alleged “unreasonable behavior.” Court documents reportedly claimed that his actions had caused her “stress and anxiety.” Despite the legal wording, neither side engaged in a public dispute, and the separation remained largely respectful.

Although their marriage ended, Lineker has remained close to his children, and both he and Michelle moved forward with their lives following the divorce.

Do Gary Lineker and his first wife, Michelle Cockayne, have any children together?

Yes, Gary Lineker and Michelle Cockayne are proud parents of four sons: George, Harry, Tobias, and Angus Lineker. Throughout their nearly 20-year marriage, family remained central to their lives, and all four sons have since carved out careers of their own.

Interestingly, none of them has followed Gary directly into the spotlight as a football pundit or television presenter. Instead, they have pursued different paths. George has built a career in business, while Harry works in media production and has been involved with Goalhanger, the podcast company founded by his father. Tobias has made a name for himself as an international DJ, and Angus works as a business development manager.

Although broadcasting runs in the family through Gary, his sons have largely chosen careers behind the scenes or outside traditional television altogether. Even so, their varied professional journeys reflect the same drive and ambition that helped make their father one of England’s most recognizable sporting figures.

What does Danielle Bux do for a living? 

Danielle Bux has worn many hats throughout her career. Best known as a model, actress, and television personality, she first entered the spotlight after earning a place in the Miss Hawaiian Tropic beauty pageant in Las Vegas in 1999. Before pursuing modeling full-time, she worked as a Virgin Atlantic flight attendant, a job she held as she built her career.

As her profile grew, Bux appeared on the covers of major magazines and became a familiar face on British television. She finished third on ITV’s Hell’s Kitchen, appeared as a guest panelist on Loose Women, and later transitioned into acting. Her screen credits include Silent Witness, Aquarius, Kicking Off, Curse of the Witching Tree, and The Wedding Year.

Today, Danielle continues to work as an actress while balancing family life in the United States. She remains active in the entertainment industry and is represented professionally for acting roles. She is also involved in charitable causes, including the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation and Born Free Foundation.

What happened between Gary Lineker and Danielle Bux?

Gary Lineker and Danielle Bux appeared to have one of the strongest relationships in the celebrity world. After meeting in 2007 and marrying in a romantic ceremony in Ravello, Italy, in 2009, they spent nearly seven years together before announcing their divorce in January 2016. Despite the split, both emphasized that they remained close friends and held great respect for one another.

According to the Daily Mail, the main reason for their divorce was a disagreement over having children. Bux, who already had a daughter from a previous relationship, is said to have wanted a child with Lineker. However, Lineker, who was already a father to four sons from his first marriage, felt he was too old to start a new family. Their differing views on expanding their family ultimately led them to part ways.

Unlike many high-profile celebrity breakups, their divorce was notably amicable. Both publicly described each other as close friends, and Lineker has continued to speak warmly about Bux in the years since their separation.

Danielle Bux’s Instagram 

Danielle Bux is active on social media, where she shares glimpses of her family life, acting projects, travel adventures, and home renovation updates. Her official Instagram handle is @daniellebux, where she has built a substantial following and regularly posts personal and professional content. She also maintains a presence on X (formerly Twitter) under the label @DanielleBux, which is listed among her official profiles on IMDb.

From a successful modeling and acting career to a high-profile marriage and life beyond it, Gary Lineker’s ex-wife, Danielle, has carved out a story that stands on its own. Her journey is a reminder that there’s often much more to a public figure than the headlines suggest.