Who Was Natasha Kaplinsky's Husband? 'Strictly Come Dancing' Winner Confirms Divorce After 21-Year Marriage
The former Strictly Come Dancing winner and investment banker said their priority is supporting their two children while keeping the reasons for their split private

Natasha Kaplinsky, the first-ever winner of Strictly Come Dancing, has confirmed the end of her marriage to her husband, Justin Bower, after more than 20 years together. The newsreader and her banker husband announced their decision to separate, bringing an end to a relationship that began with a blind date and led to a family life away from the television spotlight.
Kaplinsky, 54, and Bower confirmed the news in a joint statement, saying their priority was their children as they navigate the separation. The announcement marks a significant change for the couple, who married in August 2005 and share two children, Arlo and Angelica.
Who Is Natasha Kaplinsky's Husband, Justin Bower?
Justin Bower is an investment banker who has largely kept out of the public eye during his marriage to Kaplinsky. The couple reportedly met on a blind date in 2005 and married just months later in a ceremony in Somerset.
Their wedding took place at St Margaret's Chapel, near Frome, with around 100 guests attending. At the time, a spokesperson said the newlyweds were delighted, describing the day as an extraordinary moment in their lives.
Despite Kaplinsky's high-profile broadcasting career, the pair generally maintained a private family life. They went on to raise their two children together, with the presenter occasionally speaking publicly about motherhood and family experiences.
Natasha Kaplinsky and Justin Bower Confirm Their Divorce
The couple confirmed their separation in a joint statement reported by the media. 'We can confirm that we have made the joint decision to end our marriage and our focus now is on our children,' they said.
The statement did not provide details about what led to the split. Neither Kaplinsky nor Bower has publicly attributed the separation to a specific cause, and there is no confirmed indication of a third party being involved.
A source said Kaplinsky was 'devastated' by the end of the marriage, adding that both were doing their best to concentrate on their children. The couple have not publicly expanded on that account.
The Couple's Family Life and Plans To Renew Their Vows
The announcement comes after Kaplinsky previously spoke about the possibility of renewing their wedding vows. In comments reported in 2023, she recalled visiting their local church on their tenth wedding anniversary with the idea of a renewal ceremony in mind.
'I'd love to,' she said when discussing the possibility. She explained that the plans had been postponed after their children disrupted the visit, and the family decided to leave the idea for another time.
Kaplinsky and Bower have two children: son Arlo, born in 2008, and daughter Angelica, born in 2010. The couple's joint statement made clear that their focus remains on their children as they move through this period of change.
Their decision to keep the details private means many questions about the separation remain unanswered. For now, they have chosen to share only the fact that the marriage is ending and that their family remains their priority.
Natasha Kaplinsky's Career After 'Strictly Come Dancing'
Kaplinsky first became widely known to entertainment audiences when she won the inaugural series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 with professional dancer Brendan Cole. She later built a prominent career in journalism, presenting for the BBC, Sky News, Channel 5 and ITV.
Her victory on Strictly came before her marriage to Bower, and she continued to work in broadcasting while raising their children. Although her professional life has often placed her in the public eye, she has generally kept her relationship away from the headlines.
The end of the couple's marriage closes a long chapter in Kaplinsky's personal life. While the presenter and Bower have not disclosed further details, their statement makes clear that their immediate priority is supporting their children as they adjust to the change.
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