Una Healy's ex-husband Ben Foden announces huge career move - after she opened up on their divorce and co-parenting struggles

Una Healy’s ex-husband Ben Foden has announced he’s returning to the UK after living in the US for the last six years.

The news will be welcomed by The Saturdays singer, who just a few weeks ago opened about her struggle with him living so far away from their two children.

‘I’m excited to announce that I will be returning to the UK to take on the role of Director of Rugby at Scarborough College and Head Coach for Scarborough RFC, starting September 1st,’ Ben announced on Instagram on Tuesday.

The former rugby player has been living in the US for the last six years with his wife Jackie and their daughters Farrah, four, and Olympia, 12 months.

‘This is an incredible opportunity to reconnect with family and immerse myself once again in the rugby world,’ he added.

‘As I step into this role, my goal is to help drive the growth and development of Scarborough College’s rugby program, ensuring it competes at the highest level alongside the top schools in the region.’

Una Healy ‘s ex-husband Ben Foden has announced he’s returning to the UK after living in the US for the last six years (pictured in 2018)

The news will be welcomed by The Saturdays singer, who just a few weeks ago opened about her struggle with him living so far away from their two children

Una, 43, recently split from her jockey boyfriend Aidan Coleman, and shares Aoife, 12, and Tadhg, 10, with Ben.

After the news emerged of her split from Aidan, she was pictured with newly-single co-star Danny Cipriani leaving in a taxi together at the Celebrity Bear Hunt premiere afterparty.

Speaking earlier this month about Ben to OK! Magazine, Una said: ‘It’s unfortunate that he lives so far away. We don’t have the ‘every other weekend’ set-up.

‘I get on with Ben as best I can for the sake of the children. I want them to love him and for him to be there as much as he can for them.

‘Divorce is a difficult, heartbreaking process whether you’re in the public eye or not. But you move on – there’s no point dwelling on the past.’

Speaking about the heartbreaking split for the first time, Una said her stint on Celebrity Bear Hunt forced her to ‘dust herself off and try again’ and move ‘onwards and upwards’.

Una praised the Netflix show and Bear Grylls for giving her the boost to keep going amid her break-up.

When asked if she has split from Aidan, she said: ‘Yes, I’m not going to talk about that – it’s onwards and upwards.

‘I think I’m prepared for anything coming out of this jungle experience. I feel very tough from it, and I think you have to be tough in life.

In a sad confession, the Saturdays singer discussed the difficulties of being a single mother and the struggles of co-parenting with Ben, who lives in America (pictured together in 2016)

The former rugby player has been living in the US for the last six years with his wife Jackie and their daughters Farrah, four, and Olympia, 12 months

Read More Una Healy ‘SPLITS from Aidan Coleman’ just months after going public with their romance

‘Dust yourself off, try again and believe in yourself – all those things. That’s one of the things Bear Grylls said to me.

‘He gives us all a pep talk, and he said, ‘The one thing I admire about you is your never give up atтιтude’. I would say that to everyone, just never give up.’

Una was married to rugby star Ben from 2012 until 2018 but divorced after he was unfaithful to her.

She started dating Limerick hurler David Breen later that year but had split with him by February 2020.

In his new announcement post, Ben added: ‘I see this as a fantastic chance to develop as a coach, learning from my experiences while also drawing inspiration from others around me.

‘The rugby scene in the northeast is filled with potential, and I truly believe we are on the cusp of something big.

‘It’s a privilege to be part of that journey, and I’m excited to contribute to the future of rugby in this vibrant community.

‘Rugby has profoundly shaped my life, providing me with countless experiences, lessons, and memories that I will always treasure.

Speaking about the heartbreaking split for the first time, Una said her stint on Celebrity Bear Hunt forced her to ‘dust herself off and try again’ and move ‘onwards and upwards’

Una shares children, Aoife, 12, and Tadhg, 10, with Ben

‘While I have truly valued the time spent away from the sport, I have come to realize that nothing can replace the unique emotions, challenges, and excitement that being involved in rugby brings.

‘The camaraderie, the triumphs, the setbacks, and the unwavering drive to push oneself—these are elements that are irreplaceable, and they will always hold a special place in my heart.’

He continued: ‘The sport has given me so much more than I could ever express, and it remains an essential part of who I am. I

‘It is for these very reasons that I am excited to return to the rugby community, this time as Director of Rugby and Head coach at Scarborough College and RFC, where I can share my pᴀssion and knowledge, and continue to be a part of the sport I love.

‘Special thanks to Guy Emmett, Graeme Young, Dan Scargill and of course my rock star wife @snackyjax and family for their unwavering support and effort.’