"Sorry I've been a bit MIA" Strictly's Alexis Warr reveals split after eight years together
Strictly Come Dancing’s Alexis Warr has stunned fans by announcing her split from husband Jake Burton after nearly eight years of marriage. Has the ballroom favourite’s dazzling career come at a personal cost?
Breakups in the spotlight are never easy, and for Alexis Warr, this chapter is especially bittersweet. On 24 June 2026, the American professional dancer, who won hearts not just on Strictly Come Dancing but also as a champion on So You Think You Can Dance, took to Instagram to share a very personal life update. After almost eight years of marriage to her high school sweetheart Jake Burton, Alexis has publicly confirmed their separation. Their story, once filled with celebratory social media moments, now closes with heartfelt words that show both dignity and affection—even as they part ways.
Alexis Warr and Jake Burton: From High School Sweethearts to an Amicable Goodbye
Alexis’s journey with Jake Burton began well before the glittering TV lights and nationwide fame. The pair tied the knot back in November 2018, a classic tale of high school romance blossoming into marriage. Over nearly eight years, Alexis often shared her admiration for Jake, with last year’s seventh anniversary marked by a loving Instagram tribute:
“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.”
Just a little earlier, in October 2025, she’d posted:
“Proud wifey post. My man passed his dental school boards!! Couldn't be more grateful for his heart, his drive, and the way he supports and loves me through it all.”
The split, confirmed only seven months after these affectionate posts, makes the announcement all the more unexpected.
A Career in the Spotlight, a Personal Life Under Scrutiny
Fans of Alexis Warr have watched her star rise rapidly. After winning So You Think You Can Dance in 2022, she joined the main troupe of Dancing With The Stars in 2024. It was in 2025 that she made her entrance on the BBC hit Strictly Come Dancing, making a splash in season 23 as a pro dancer. Paired with podcaster and TikTok star George Clarke, Alexis reached the final, finishing as joint runners-up—a remarkable debut season. In May 2026, she commemorated a year with the Strictly family in another upbeat Instagram post. Yet now, amid professional achievements, her personal life faces upheaval. The official split was announced via her Instagram statement:
“Sorry I've been a bit MIA…sharing a personal update.”
She continued:
“After much consideration and with the greatest respect for each other, Jake and I have made the decision to separate.”
Despite the sadness, Alexis emphasised their continued mutual support:
“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.”
“We Kindly Ask for Privacy” as Alexis and Jake Navigate Change
The couple has asked for privacy and understanding as they adjust to this life shift together:
“We won't be commenting on this further and kindly ask for privacy and understanding as we navigate this life change together.”
Alexis closed her statement with gratitude for the ongoing support:
“Thank you, as always, for your support.”
This chapter may be a difficult one, but the respect and love between Alexis and Jake remain clear.
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Strictly star announces unexpected split from husband after nearly 8 years of marriage