A married couple who won £2.3 million (US$3 million) in the UK National Lottery have divorced after the wife began a relationship with one of the UK's richest men.
David and Victoria Jones won £2.3 million in 2004, having been married for a month, and used the money to set up a successful property portfolio in Devizes, Wiltshire.
Twelve years later, the pair said the lottery "ruined their lives" and that they wish they had never won.
Mrs. Jones, 41, who bought the winning ticket with the last pound coin in her purse, has reportedly left her husband for wealthy businessman Mike Clare — who sold bed retailer Dreams for £222 million in 2008.
Despite having bought a luxury home and a £70,000 sports car with their lottery winnings, Mrs. Jones said it was "one of the worst things that's ever happened to [her]".
"The stress it gives you in life and even 12 years down the line, I'm still classed as a lottery winner and it's horrible. It ruins your life. People treat you differently — it's just not a nice thing," she said.
Their relationship began to deteriorate on Boxing Day last year, when Mr. Jones, 41, said his wife announced she was leaving him.
But, during a make-or-break trip to Cape Verde in March, Mr. Jones claims he discovered his wife's affair with Mr. Clare after reading text messages exchanged between the two.
Mrs. Jones initially denied a relationship with the businessman, saying they were "just good friends".
But Mr. Clare — who now runs property firm Clarenco and is worth an estimated £260 million — yesterday confirmed the relationship, although he is still married to his wife of 37 years, Carol.
"I am seeing Victoria Jones. She didn't leave her husband for me," he said.
"We're not living together or anything like that, I'm seeing her. I'm quite friendly with my wife, I had a meeting with her yesterday.
"I haven't just seen Victoria. Everyone knows I've seen different girls and [my wife] is aware."
Mr. Clare, 61, is said to have separated from his wife in August and the Jones' are believed to be in the process of splitting their assets.
The couple are the latest in a series of partners to split after winning the lottery, dubbed the "lottery curse".
Les and Samantha Scadding split four years after winning £45.5 million in 2009 and Adrian and Gillian Bayford separated a year after their £148 million prize in 2012.
Its sad to see a marriage break up, I get that. what I don't get is people who claim "the lottery ruined my life".
the lottery doesn't ruin peoples lifes. People ruin thier own lifes.
Yeah I dont understand the "pity party" from these winners
Let me see here
- Still rich
- Had successful company with soon to be ex-husband
She could walk in my shoe's and I will take her $$$ if its so bad.
- She can work a job she hates for very little reward/benefit every day like me
- She can struggle to pay her bills monthly like I do
- She can watch her family/friends struggle financially and not be able to do a thing to help them like I do
- She can live in a poor/economically depressed area with crime/depression around every corner
What a terrible life she lives ,, Being rich. Nothing worse then hearing a rich person cry about how tough life is
Hope he was able to get enough out of her to have some fun of his own. I'm talkin' tropical paradise with big-breasted women serving me....err... him.... drinks
The lottery curse. LOL! How many here agree with that?
I doubt you will find anyone on this site who believes in the "Curse of the Lottery". I know you wont find anyone here afraid of it!...lol
Good point.
What would have happened had they not won the lottery? Would she have NOT cheated on her husband? Would they still be happy together? No body knows.
They didnt win that much and it was 12 years ago. So, no, I dont believe that it had any adverse effect on their marriage.
With some of the other examples they gave, I like the idea that you can split up and walk off with tens of millions. No need to be miserable.
Sorry but using the lottery for a excuse does not fly. Not only breaking her vows with her hubby
but having a fling with a married man gives us a little more insight into the real reason. Morons
will be morons but blaming it on the lottery is a joke.
RL
There's always something behind the story. Heck it could be worse.
What's worse than winning a million?
Winning two million!
I guess she took some of the winnings and went shopping for new furniture and this "bed" salesman had an irresistible demonstration!!
Maybe after she gets tired of that rich guy, she can take hot sauce off Marie Holmes' hands.