Michelle Cockayne is widely known as the first wife of Gary Lineker.
She came into the limelight through her marriage to the former professional footballer.
Michelle Cockayne and Gary Lineker married in 1986 at St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Knighton.
However, in May 2006, Cockayne filed for divorce on the grounds of her husband’s alleged “unreasonable behaviour”, with documents submitted to the court claiming that Lineker’s actions in their marriage had caused her “stress and anxiety”.
The former couple subsequently stated that the situation was amicable.
Michelle’s ex-husband Gary Winston Lineker OBE is an English former professional footballer and current sports broadcaster. He is recognised as one of the greatest English strikers.
Lineker’s media career began with the BBC, where he has presented the flagship football programme Match of the Day since the late 1990s, the longest tenure of any MOTD presenter. Lineker is also the BBC’s lead presenter for live football matches, including its coverage of international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup.
Michelle Cockayne and Gary Lineker share four children; George Lineker, Angus Lineker, Tobias Lineker and Harry Lineker.