Strictly star announces split from his wife after 11 years together

Another Strictly star announced he is splitting from his wife (Image: ABC)

Dancing With the Stars contestant Derek Fisher has announced he is splitting from his reality star wife after five years together. The ex-NBA player and coach, 52, who competed on season 25 of the US version of Strictly Come Dancing, tied the knot with Gloria Govan, 41, in 2021, five years after divorcing his first wife, Candace Fisher, in 2016.

Gloria is best known for her appearances on reality shows such as Basketball Wives and Basketball Wives LA. Now, the pair have called it quits on their relationship, according to TMZ, but have not yet filed for divorce or discussed filing. A representative for the couple said they had been living apart and leading “separate lives” in July 2026, but are in “constant communication, trying to work through their issues”.

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The pair had been an item since 2015, marrying at Malibu’s Cielo Farms in July 2021 after the ceremony was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The pair were both step-parents to the other’s children, with Derek welcoming four children with his ex-wife, Candace, and Gloria having twin sons from a previous marriage to former NBA star Matt Barnes.

A joint statement released by the pair said: “After 26 years together, this is something we never imagined we would be sharing.

“Following recent reports in the press about our relationship and after receiving messages asking if everything is okay, we feel it’s important to speak directly rather than let speculation or hearsay tell our story.

Derek and Gloria have called it quits (Image: Getty)

“We have always tried to be open and honest with the people who have supported us over the years and we feel it’s only right that this update comes from us. At the moment, we’re taking some time apart as we work through very difficult personal challenges. (James) moved out of the family home some time ago. This has been an incredibly painful and emotional journey for us both and it certainly wasn’t an easy decision.

“Our absolute priority, now and always, is our beautiful daughter Ella. She’s at the centre of everything we do. We are committed to co-parenting her with all the love, care and stability she deserves.”