WHEN Andy Carroll’s turbulent relationship with Lou Teasdale finally ended, there were more sighs of relief than shocked gasps from the footballer’s loved ones.
Ever since the breakdown of his two-year marriage to long-term partner Billi Mucklow, those close to the dad-of-five have secretly worried behind the scenes.
The couple’s “toxic” romance, pals say, took its toll on the ex Premier League striker – who’s gone through one of the toughest years of his life yet.
Despite the painful break-up, it’s hoped this – and his recent return to England playing for Dagenham & Redbridge – will be the fresh start Andy needs to get back to being himself.
An insider told The Sun: “Behind all the glitz and glamour on social media, Andy’s been really going through it.
“He was recently on a family holiday with Lou and his parents, talking about the future now he’s back home in England.
“It’s undeniable that Andy misses parts of how his life once was.
“He’s become dependent on Lou who has undoubtedly been there for him, but everyone can see they don’t bring out the best in each other.
“It’s been very toxic for a long time, which Andy’s loved ones have seen first-hand.
“They’ve been worried about the dynamics of their relationship. They like Lou, but little things would often turn into big arguments.
“It came from a place of passionate, intense love, as there’s so much deep feeling there between them, but ultimately it just doesn’t work.
“Their fallouts in public would cause a scene. So much so, the police were even called out in Mykonos.
“Everyone who loves Andy just wants him to get back to himself, in a happy and more stable place.”
Holiday drama
The ex-couple got together weeks after he split from Towie star Billi, mum to three of his five kids, in summer 2024.
But they called it quits two months after Andy was twice-quizzed by cops over drunken bust-ups with Lou on the Greek party island of Mykonos.
He was warned after their first argument at a beachside restaurant, then taken to the police station after a second row at their hotel that evening.
Andy was not arrested, and it is understood that no further action was taken.
Yesterday, we told of their fiery break-up after their clashing lifestyles reached boiling point.
Sources said teetotal Lou would prefer Andy to quit drinking – and hoped to work through their issues.
She slapped down reports that her friends “hated” Andy – insisting they had nothing but love for the former Newcastle footballer.
“Nasty and not true”, said Lou – who counts pop star Harry Styles as a close pal – in a post on Instagram.
The celebrity make-up artist was wiped off Andy’s social media before news of their split broke.
But she has kept loved-up snaps of them together on Instagram – even though he unfollowed her.
Our source added: “Andy has been adamant that he just wants to focus on football and his kids.
“But he still has so much love for Lou, so friends are worried they’ll both be dragged back into the toxic relationship.
“They’re both taking time to work out their next steps. Andy needs to find what makes him truly content and happy.”
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