From Sky Sports’ fall to a scandalous love life
Richard Keys, once the face of football on Sky Sports, is better known these days for two things: getting the boot in 2011 after making sexist remarks about female referees, and dragging football coverage down further at beIN Sports in Qatar with Andy Gray. But the latest bombshell? Keys’ messy love life.
Cheating on a sick wife with the daughter’s best friend
The former football presenter shocked fans by ditching his wife of 34 years, Julia, to tie the knot with Lucie Rose, the 28-year-old best friend of his daughter. Keys was 66, and she was 35 when they married in 2023. Julia had battled thyroid cancer back in 2008-09, and the split during or shortly after that fight left a bitter taste.
Keys defends himself against “running away” claims
“I didn’t leave Julia dying of cancer,” Keys told the Telegraph. “We had a brilliant surgeon who removed it. We spent 30 days traveling to get the best treatment.”
He insists his marriage ended only after he was “bowled over” by Lucie, calling her a “force of nature.” Keys decried the idea that he trapped Lucie or forced her into the relationship, describing her as “one of the most powerful, strong-minded individuals you’ll come across.”
Ex-wife fires back
Julia Keys, meanwhile, blasted her ex in a recent infidelity survival guide, saying his betrayal “didn’t just devastate my world, but the world of our children, too.” She also confirmed her cancer was indeed active when the cheating began.
Cheating on your ill wife with your daughter’s best friend and then leaving your family for her? Not exactly gentlemanly conduct, Richard.
