Dancing On Ice star Alexander Demetriou marries new partner following split from ex-wife after his ‘closeness’ with Maura Higgins led to relationship breakdown

Dancing On Ice star Alexander Demetriou has married his new partner Julia Mercer after splitting from his ex-wife three years ago. 

Speaking after his divorce the professional skater, 34, revealed his closeness with his dance partner Maura Higgins left his wife Carlotta Edwards feeling jealous. 

Sharing the happy news to Instagram on Thursday, Alexander announced that he was set to marry Julia later that day. 

The couple could be seen smiling in a photo from a recent trip to New Mexico, that he captioned: ‘Well today is the day I get to marry this worldie. Luckiest man alive.’

Alexander and Julia first went public with their relationship at the end of 2020 as they shared a series of love-up Christmas snaps on social media. 

Speaking candidly about the breakdown of his marriage in 2020, the professional skater said of his now-estranged wife: ‘I didn’t want to lead her on anymore.’

Alexander admitted that his ‘close bond’ with the Love Island beauty was tough for Carlotta to witness, with their relationship eventually breaking down.

Alexander confirmed that he had separated from his ice skater wife, in a statement posted to his Instagram Stories.

He wrote: ‘I’m Sorry I have been quiet on social media recently but it’s been a tough time for me personally.

‘Carlotta and I have separated. Although it saddens me that we can no longer be together, I feel this is best for both of us. 

‘I’m looking forward to what the future will bring but in the meantime let’s all say home and stay safe.’ 

In an interview with The Sun, Alexander opened up about the factors that ended his four-year marriage to the Canadian native.

He said: ‘I think Carlotta found it hard to see me close, yet so professional, with Maura. It had an impact on her.

Speaking after his divorce the professional skater revealed his closeness with his dance partner Maura Higgins (pictured) left his wife Carlotta Edwards feeling jealous

‘I told Carlotta we needed a break but I knew it was for good. I didn’t want to lead her on any more. She was shocked at how ­serious it was.’

He went on to say that it was his decision to call time on their union, adding that Carlotta was ‘very upset’.

He added: ‘Several times I had to explain to Carlotta that Maura and I were just friends. Once the rumours start, it becomes a ­conversation – it was hard for Maura being called a homewrecker online.’

Alexander also stated that he and the former grid girl became ’emotionally dependent’ on each other as the pressure of competition intensified.