Strictly star announces split from childhood sweetheart after marrying at 18

The pro dancer shared a candid update to social media (Picture: Anthony Devlin/Hogan Media/Shutterstock) Strictly Come Dancing pro Alexis Warr, 26, has announced her separation from husband Jake Burton after almost eight years together. The young couple, who have a Mormon upbringing, tied the knot when they were 18-years-old in Utah and have been married ever since. Now, Alexis – who made it all the way to the 2025 Strictly final with celebrity partner and TikTok star George Clarke – has shared a personal update to her social media after being ‘MIA’. She wrote: ‘After much consideration and with the greatest respect for each other, Jake and I have made the decision to separate. ‘Whilst this hasn’t been an easy decision, it has been reached with a huge amount of love, and we’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders.’ Get personalised updates on Strictly Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. The US star – also known for So You Think You Can Dance? and guest pro on Dancing with the Stars – concluded by asking for privacy as they ‘navigate this life change together’, adding: ‘Thank you, as always, for your support.’ She posted a ‘personal life update’ on her social media (Picture: Instagram/Alexis Warr) She has regularly celebrated her love for her childhood sweetheart turned husband on social media (Picture: Instagram/Alexis Warr) In November, Alexis marked seven years of marriage with Jake with a heartfelt message ‘Happy anniversary to the absolute love of my life. 7 years of being your wife has been an absolute privilege. I’m so incredibly lucky and grateful to be loved by you. Can’t wait to see what more memories we unlock this year.’ And before that, in a birthday message to her ex-husband, she retraced their love story. ‘Happy Birthday to my best friend and forever love. From high school sweethearts to nearly 7 years of marriage, life with you is my greatest gift. ‘Thank you for chasing dreams with me, lifting me up, and loving me the way you do. I’m so lucky to call you mine. I love you endlessly,’ she praised. It’s not entirely clear what led to their break-up, but Jake has been notably absent from Alexis’s social media for months, including her recent birthday celebration posts. In fact, the anniversary post is his last appearance. Returning Strictly pro Alexis Warr made the final with George Clarke last year (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire) She has been on the Strictly live pro tour ahead of the new series in September (Picture: Anthony Devlin/Hogan Media/Shutterstock) The news of their separation comes a handful of months before she returns to Strictly for her second series, one of the surviving pros among the BBC