Snooker Legend Stephen Hendry’s Personal Life: A Story of Triumph and Heartbreak
Stephen Hendry, widely regarded as one of the greatest snooker players of all time, has had a glittering career that has been matched by few. With a net worth of £13.5million, 36 ranking tournament victories, and seven World Championship titles, Hendry’s achievements on the baize are the stuff of legend. However, his personal life has not been without its challenges, particularly when it comes to his marriage and divorce.
According to reports from the Daily Star, Hendry’s marriage to his ex-wife, Mandy Tart, ended in divorce in 2014 after he confessed to having feelings for someone else. In his 2018 autobiography, ‘Me and The Table’, Hendry revealed the painful moment he broke the news to his wife, leaving her "devastated". The couple, who were childhood sweethearts and married in 1995, share two sons, Blaine and Carter.
Hendry’s new partner, Lauren Thundow, a children’s performer and actress, was 19 years his junior. He met her at a Legends snooker exhibition, and they began their relationship in 2011. Hendry has spoken about the connection he felt with Lauren, saying, "She’s attractive and we smile at each other, but I think nothing of it. Gradually, we start to say, ‘Hi’, and share a bit of small talk." As their relationship progressed, Hendry revealed that they "chat more often" and that it was "becoming clear we have a connection".
The impact of Hendry’s relationship with Lauren on his sons has been significant. In an interview on The Tommy Tiernan Show, Hendry admitted that his intense focus on snooker had prevented him from being the father he wanted to be. He said, "No, I probably haven’t been the best [dad], because in sport I think you make sacrifices to get to the top. Family and relationships can be difficult and can be sacrificed because I was all about being the best in snooker and snooker was all that mattered."
As a pundit for the BBC at the 2025 World Snooker Championship, Hendry will be providing expert analysis alongside other snooker legends, including Steve Davis, John Parrott, Ken Doherty, and Dennis Taylor. With his unparalleled experience and insight, Hendry is well-placed to offer commentary on the tournament. He may even witness Ronnie O’Sullivan breaking his long-standing record if ‘The Rocket’ secures an eighth world title.
Hendry’s achievements in snooker have been recognised with an MBE in 1994 for his services to sport. His legacy on the baize continues to inspire a new generation of players. However, his personal life has been marked by challenges, including his divorce and the impact on his children. As Hendry continues to be involved in the sport, he will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time.
The Daily Star has reported that Hendry’s relationship with Lauren has been a significant part of his life since 2011. The couple’s relationship has been subject to media attention, with many fans and followers showing interest in their personal lives. As Hendry continues to be involved in the snooker world, his personal life will undoubtedly remain a topic of interest.
In his autobiography, Hendry revealed the complexities of his relationship with Mandy and the pain of his divorce. He wrote, "Driving back from a shopping trip, my wife Mandy asks me what’s wrong. She assumes it’s money-related. I tell her it isn’t. Then she tells me to stop the car, saying that we’re not going an inch further until I tell her what’s going on. So I do. I tell her that I have feelings for someone else. She is shocked and devastated." This heart-wrenching account provides a glimpse into the difficulties Hendry faced during his divorce.
As a sports legend, Hendry’s experiences offer a unique insight into the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. His achievements in snooker have been matched by few, and his legacy continues to inspire a new generation of players. However, his personal life has been marked by challenges, including his divorce and the impact on his children. As Hendry continues to be involved in the sport, he will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time.
The information provided in this article has been sourced from the Daily Star. Further information can be found at https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/snooker/stephen-hendry-snooker-wife-divorce-35109788.
