When Millie Mackintosh, reality‑TV personality and heiress Made In Chelsea finally opened up about her split from Professor Green (Stephen Manderson), the media world heard a word that has been hanging over the couple for years: toxic. The revelation came in an exclusive interview with the Evening Standard earlier this spring, marking the first time the former Made In Chelsea star has spoken publicly about why their marriage fell apart after just 30 months.
Background of the Couple
Born on May 11, 1986, in London, Mackintosh grew up with the comfort of a confectionery empire; she is the great‑granddaughter of John Mackintosh, the founder of the Quality Street brand. By contrast, Manderson entered the world on November 27, 1983, in Hackney, an East End neighbourhood where his father’s suicide when he was five left a lasting imprint. He rose to fame with his 2010 single “Just Be Good to Green”, which peaked at number eight on the UK Singles Chart, and later turned his lyrical chops into TV presenting gigs.
Rise to Fame and the Wedding
Their romance sparked after Manderson saw Mackintosh on the cover of the 2011 FHM lingerie spread. According to the report, the rapper asked his agent for her number, and the two began dating shortly thereafter. Their first public appearance as a couple was at the 2012 BRIT AwardsThe O2 Arena, London, where they were photographed arm‑in‑arm on the red carpet.
Fast forward to spring 2013, the pair were on a holiday in France when Manderson popped the question. The exact spot – a sun‑kissed terrace in the Côte d’Azur – was never disclosed, but the engagement was enough to fuel a media frenzy. They tied the knot in 2014 at Babington House, a historic manor near Frome in Somerset, owned by the Soho House group. The venue, famed for hosting celebrity weddings, added an extra layer of glamour to an already high‑profile union.
Public Fallout and Divorce
Things started to unravel later that year. Late 2014 saw rumors of arguments bubbling up, and by early 2015 the couple was caught in several heated exchanges across London’s nightlife scene. One particularly noisy night, by the account of onlookers, Mackintosh was heard shouting, “I want a divorce! Give me a divorce!” The precise location of that outburst was never confirmed, but the incident cemented the perception that the marriage was on shaky ground.
They tried marriage counselling, yet “nothing changed,” Mackintosh later told the Evening Standard. In February 2016, after 30 months of marriage, a joint statement to the Press Association read, “It is with sadness and regret that we confirm our separation.” The announcement was brief, leaving fans to speculate about the root causes.
Mackintosh's First Public Comments
The new interview peeled back the curtain for the first time. When asked why the marriage collapsed, Mackintosh didn’t mince words: “It was toxic. I didn’t realize how much of my life I was giving up to make a relationship work that was fundamentally unhealthy.” She added that the disparity in upbringing – a “wealthy, sheltered childhood” versus an “East End upbringing riddled with hardship” – created a cultural clash she never anticipated.
Manderson, for his part, has not responded publicly to the interview. His silence leaves room for speculation, but industry insiders note that he’s been focusing on his latest TV projects and a forthcoming album, perhaps hoping to let the past stay in the past.
What This Means for Their Careers
For Mackintosh, the candid admission could reshape her public image. She’s been a regular on Made In Chelsea since 2011, and the show’s fan base often responds well to personal vulnerability. Analysts suggest that her openness might bolster viewership, especially as reality TV leans into authentic storytelling.
Professor Green, meanwhile, continues to ride his dual‑track career as a musician and TV host. A recent appearance on a BBC panel showed him discussing mental health, a topic close to his own childhood trauma. If he chooses to address the marriage publicly, it could dovetail with his ongoing advocacy work, but for now, his focus appears firmly on professional projects.
Looking Ahead
The couple’s children – none have been publicly confirmed, but rumours of a shared pet have surfaced – remain out of the spotlight. Both parties have reportedly settled financial matters privately, though exact figures were never disclosed. As 2025 unfolds, fans will watch to see whether Mackintosh’s candor sparks a new chapter in her reality‑TV trajectory, and if Professor Green will ever reference the marriage in his music or media work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Mackintosh’s comment affect her public image?
By labeling the marriage “toxic,” Mackintosh positions herself as honest and relatable, a move that could attract viewers who value vulnerability on shows like Made In Chelsea. The admission may also open doors for advocacy work on relationship health.
What were the main reasons behind the divorce?
Mackintosh cites a “toxic” dynamic fueled by cultural and socioeconomic differences, public arguments, and failed counselling attempts. While both have spoken little about specifics, the pattern of heated public rows suggests deep‑seated incompatibility.
Did the couple have any children?
No children have been confirmed by either party. Rumour mills occasionally mention a shared pet, but there is no public record of offspring.
Will Professor Green address the divorce in his music?
As of now, Green has not referenced the split in any released lyrics or interviews. Given his recent focus on mental‑health topics, he might incorporate the experience into future work, but that remains speculative.
What legal steps followed the 2016 separation?
The exact terms of the divorce settlement have not been disclosed. Sources suggest the parties reached a private financial agreement, keeping the details out of the public domain.
