Former EastEnders star Laila Rouass has spoken out for the first time after her split from snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan after 13 years on-and-off relationship
Mariposa Ball 2025
Actress Laila Rouass has broken her silence on her split from snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan. The Footballer’s Wives’ star and the sports ace called time on their relationship after a decade together in 2024. The EastEnders actress, 49, and the sports star, 53, first sparked rumours their on-off 13-year romance had ended for good back in September.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror about her split and current love life situation at the Mariposa Ball and Awards, she said: “I am going to keep that under wraps for now until there is something to speak about.”
This comes after Laila took to Instagram back in December to speak out for the first time since the break-up on Friday, sharing an AI-generated image of herself. In a heartfelt post, the 53 year old actress shared: “Break ups can strip you down to your essence. ” She continued, “I got through mine by using pain as fuel to take control because no matter what, we will lose parts of ourselves in relationships. It’s normal, don’t beat yourself up.”
Emphasising her journey of self-discovery, she added, “One thing I’m conscious of not doing is trying to get back where I was. No, I’m discovering who I’ve become.” Laila also touched on the darker emotions, stating, “I’ve gone through various emotions… hurt, pain, anger but what I’ve realised about anger is that it’s bottomless.”
READ MORE: Kourtney Kardashian praises £90 LED wand that reduces wrinkles in just a few minutes a day
It is recently reported that Ronnie and Laila have put their £2million mansion up for sale. The seven-time world champion , 49, has already moved out, while actress Laila, 53, has been staying in the five-bed property with their dog in recent weeks, with friends helping her look after the house and its garden.
The Mariposa Ball & Awards is an evening of showbiz glitz and glamour, but behind the grandeur lies a cause with huge emotional weight. Charity Mariposa International, which was founded by Andy Clark-Coates and his wife Zoe Clark-Coates MBE, provides support for families who have experienced baby loss. The prestigious ball brings together celebrities and supporters in a show of unity, love and remembrance for those dealing with a devastating loss during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy.
Powerful conversations surrounding baby loss and infertility arose as hosts Briony May Williams of The Great British Bake Off and Sky Sports presenter James Green took to the stage at the event, of which OK! is a partner. One particularly poignant moment came from actress Laila, whose deeply personal connection to baby loss struck a chord. “If you can give time and money to causes you believe in, it creates a support system for those who need it,” the former EastEnders actress told us.
Laila’s own experience – losing her newborn niece, her brother’s daughter, within just a week of being born – has given her a heartfelt understanding of why events like these are so important. “It can feel very lonely. But tonight is about reminding people that they’re not alone,” she said.
For the east London-born star, who presented the Employer of the Year award, supporting loved ones during grief means taking action, no matter how small.
“When my niece passed away, I was at the hospital every day. Emotional and practical support is perfect — cooking or cleaning, so they have a clean home to come back to. A week after my niece died, I went with my brother to take back all the stuff he had bought, like prams, cots and sterilisers. It was so sad.”
The 53-year-old also spoke passionately about breaking the stigma surrounding baby loss and infertility. “The more we talk about it, the more normal it becomes — because it is normal. I have friends who have had babies through surrogacy, IVF, adoption. We have to talk about all of it, so people feel supported in their journey.”
Co-host Briony May Williams, 41, who has been involved with the Mariposa Ball for several years, explained to us about why she thinks the event is so crucial. “Andy and Zoe are the most incredible couple. They have changed so many people’s lives,” she said. “To be in a room full of midwives, nurses, healthcare professionals and families who have gone through loss is special, because they deserve to be celebrated.”
She also emphasised how important it is to support others who have experienced baby loss. “I look at my nine-year-old daughter every day and feel so blessed. To be able to support families who have been through something so devastating – what better way to spend my time? Zoe [Clark-Coates] has written incredible books to support women. And look to charities like Mariposa and its Saying Goodbye division — finding those networks can make all the difference.”
Actor Max Beesley and Traitors alumni Minah Shannon and Diane Carson presented various prizes to deserving pillars of the community, while the Mariposa Legacy Award was handed to founders Zoe and Andy.
For Charlotte Berman, 33, the night was particularly meaningful. The former Traitors star has been open about her own struggles with fertility, alluding to her experience on the show. “This is a really special night to be part of,” she told us. “My husband and I have had a few losses, and I can really relate to others here. It’s important to celebrate the people who have been champions for this cause.”
Charlotte, who presented the Fertility Champion Award, added, “It’s a horrific time. But speaking to friends, leaning on family and getting support from charities like Mariposa all helps. When you’re open about your struggles, you realise you’re not alone.” While she and husband Alexander have a plan for the future, Charlotte is keeping it private for now. “We’ve hit some really low points, but as someone told me, when you’re at your lowest, it can only get better.”
Co-host James Green, who has been vocal about his own experience of baby loss, is passionate about highlighting the role of fathers in the grieving process. “Mental strain is the same for dads as it is for mums. We don’t go through it physically, but we still grieve. I want to make sure fathers aren’t forgotten in this conversation.”
Despite enduring the pain of three losses, James recently welcomed his “miracle” baby girl, Alyssia Hope. “She’s eight weeks old, and she’s the most amazing little girl in the world. But I won’t ever forget the three angels we lost.”
Actress Victoria Ekanoye, 43, has long supported Mariposa, but this year’s event felt even more personal. “Two of my friends have miscarried this year, and it broke my heart,” she said. “You never truly understand unless you’ve been through it, but you can still show up and be there.”
As a performer, she was also excited to take to the stage. “Usually, I sing a love song or ballad, but tonight I’m doing something cheeky!,” she said — a rousing rendition of Cab Calloway’s Minnie The Moocher .
There were heartfelt speeches and stunning performances, but the message of the night was clear — baby loss is not something to be whispered about in the shadows. It’s a painful reality that many face, but with open conversation and support, no one has to endure it on their own.
For everyone involved, the Mariposa Ball is not just about one night — it’s about changing lives. Mariposa International has supported thousands of grieving families, offering counselling, advocacy, and continues to push for policy change.
For more information on the Mariposa Ball, please visit mariposaball.org
If you have been affected by baby loss or infertility, or would like to support the charity, email [email protected]
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads