So Ulrika Jonsson has split from third husband Brian Monet.
“Getting another divorce at 51 is not where I thought I’d be,” she lamented this week.
Whatever you think of the TV presenter, it’s hard not to feel a smidgen of sympathy for her.
Inevitably people have blamed her for the break-up, saying her track record – several high-profile relationships and four children by four different fathers, earning her the nickname 4x4 – means she must be a nightmare to be with. But in reality it goes much deeper than that.
Inside newly single Ulrika Jonsson's life away from the spotlight as mum and keen chef
Like many high-profile women whose love lives are a mess, Ulrika’s a prime example of someone with “daddy issues” – psychological problems in women due to absent or abnormal relationships with fathers.
Her parents spilt when she was eight and she lived with her dad. He had a “revolving door” of girlfriends and left her at home alone while he stayed out all night.
All she wanted was siblings and two parents at home and she’s spent her life looking for perfect domestic bliss. Likewise, stars from Belinda Carlisle to Kerry Katona and Katie Price, have been impacted by damaging relationships with their dads.
Katona – divorced three times by the age of 38 – grew up until the age of seven thinking her stepdad was her real dad. Her biological father died months before she was due to meet him.
Ulrika Jonsson reveals why even counselling couldn't save her third marriage
Price’s real dad left when she was four. As an adult she’s rushed into ill-fated relationships including three failed marriages.
Carlisle admits she has “daddy damage” and tried to re-enact toxic relationships she’s had with her father and alcoholic stepfather “too many times”.
I lost my dad at four, and even though I only knew him for a short time, I’ve always considered him to be perfect. As an adult I’ve strived to make him proud.
Ulrika Jonsson, 51, reveals her 'real face' as she dishes on 'insulting' menopause
But it has impacted my relationships – I’ve either looked for someone as perfect as him – that person doesn’t exist – or gone for men who I thought could protect me, no matter how unsuitable they may have been.
Luckily I recognised that in myself years ago. While it would great to
be in a committed relationship, I’ve stopped thinking that finding the perfect man will make my life complete.
Instead of another relationship, Ulrika needs intense therapy to deal with her past and to give her a future where she can be happy being single. One where she realises romantic dreams are just that...dreams.
