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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
National
Ella Buxton

Scottish couple who won the UK's biggest Euromillions jackpot in 2011 divorce after 38 years

The current record holders for the biggest ever lottery win have ended their marriage after more than 30 years.

Colin and Chris Weir from Largs in North Ayrshire, Scotland, won Britain's biggest Euromillions of £161 million eight years ago, but divorced just days after their £3million home was put on the market.

Our sister publication Birmingham Live reported they have been living in separate mansions after they "drifted apart" despite making the Sunday Times Rich List with their win.

In April, a statement issued on behalf of Colin, a former TV cameraman, and Christine, a former psychiatric nurse, said: “It is with deep regret that Chris and Colin Weir confirm they have been living apart for some time and intend to divorce amicably.

“They ask that the family’s privacy is respected at the time and there will be no further comment.”

The ex-couple used their winnings to set up The Weir Charitable Trust in 2013 and made a donation to a community football club in their local Largs.

The couple intend to 'divorce amicably' (PA)

The pair also invested in Partick Thistle Football Club which led to the youth set-up being rebranded the Thistle Weir Youth Academy and a section of their Firhill Stadium being named the Colin Weir Stand.

Birmingham Live reported the couple ‘defended making a donation of £1 million to the independence campaign ahead of the 2014 referendum, and continued donating to the SNP afterwards’.

Previous Euromillions winners include Adrian and Gillian Bayford, from Suffolk, who took home more than £148 million in August 2012.

What happens when you win the lottery?

There have been four UK jackpot winners in 2019 who received £350 million between them according to National Lottery operator Camelot, whilst one anonymous ticket holder became the UK’s third biggest ever winner scooping £123 million in June.

Northern Ireland winners Patrick and Frances Connolly won £114.9 million on New Year’s Day, Ade Goodchild banked £71 million in March and a player, who remains anonymous, won £38 million in April.

The impressive £167 million Euromillions jackpot has now rolled over after no-one won the sum during Friday’s draw.

Andy Carter, the National Lottery’s senior winners’ adviser said: "Players across the country are urged to get their tickets early for Tuesday's draw, which could make the country's biggest ever winner.

"As the jackpot is now capped, tonight's draw has seen four players bank bigger prizes for matching five numbers and just one lucky star. Two lucky UK players each won £3.5 million.

For the latest news in and around Bristol, check back on Bristol Live's homepage.

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