Richard Hammond revealed marriage secret before announcing split from wife Mindy after 28 years

Former Top Gear and The Grand Tour star Richard Hammond has opened up about the key to a lasting marriage, just six months prior to the announcement of his split from wife Mindy. Richard, 58, revealed to X that he and Mindy, a newspaper columnist, 59, are parting ways after 28 years of together.

The couple tied the knot in 2002 and shared news of their separation earlier this week, shortly after the start of the New Year.

However, back in July 2024, Richard imparted his wisdom on marital longevity to the Telegraph, saying: "Stay connected. It's not the big times, it's the small times. It's not the big family holidays or 21st birthday parties or remembering your anniversaries, or treating yourself to a night in a hotel.

"It's going to the supermarket. Stay connected at that level, know what's in the fridge, know what cleaning products you use in the house, stay connected to that."

Despite these insights, fans worldwide were taken aback when Richard disclosed to X that although they spent Christmas with their two daughters, things would change in 2025.

In a joint statement, the couple expressed: "A little update from us; this Christmas we were together as a family and this year we will still be a family but just structured a bit differently."

"Our marriage is coming to end, but we've had an amazing 28 years together and two incredible daughters. We will always be in each other's lives and are proud of the family we created," reports Lancs Live.

"We won't be commenting further and sincerely hope that our privacy and that of our children will be respected at this time. With Love, Richard and Mindy."

The couple have two daughters together, Isabella, 24, and Willow, 22, with the former often co-hosting with her father on YouTube channels and podcasts.

Mindy has been a constant support to Richard throughout his career, particularly after his near-fatal jet car crash in 2006, which left him with severe injuries.

In his 2006 autobiography The Edge: My Story, Richard recalls meeting Mindy for the first time in 1995, writing: "In an instant, I fell in love with her and realised I had met my soul-mate and best friend for life."