Strictly star announces split from childhood sweetheart who she married when she was 18

Nancy Xu, Lauren Oakley, Alexis Warr, Vicky Pattison, Luba Mushtuk, Ellie Goldstein, La Voix, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones and Michelle Tsiakkas
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.’

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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.’

A still of Alexis Warr's Instagram story
She posted a ‘personal life update’ on her social media (Picture: Instagram/Alexis Warr)
Strictly star announces split from childhood sweetheart who she married when she was 18 picture: 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.

George Clarke and Alexis Warr
Returning Strictly pro Alexis Warr made the final with George Clarke last year (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Anthony Devlin/Hogan Media/Shutterstock (16390580y) George Clarke and Alexis Warr Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour photocall, Birmingham Utilita Arena, UK - 22 Jan 2026 Stars of The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, which opens at Birmingham Utilita Arena tonight (Friday 23 January) before touring UK arenas until 15 February. Tickets and venues: StrictlyComeDancingLive.Com.
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’s mass cull ahead of the show’s new era.

The professional dancer recently wrapped up the Strictly Pro Live Tour 2026, her first since joining the show alongside fellow new pro Julian Caillon in 2025.

She is best known for winning So You Think You Can Dance in 2022 and becoming the first Ballroom and Latin dancer to be crowned America’s favourite dancer.

Speaking about her choice to join the show at the time, she said: ‘I’ve admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour.

‘I can’t wait to step into the ballroom, pour my heart into every moment, and share my love of dance with the UK.’

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