Christina Anstead Stuns Fans With A Sad Update On Her Marriage

Christina Anstead has announced that she and her husband Ant are splitting up after less than two years of marriage. The seemingly-perfect couple wed in December of 2018 and welcomed their son Hudson in September of the following year (via People). But despite many happy social media posts that indicated the Ansteads were rock solid and loving life together, the Flip of Flop star shared this shocking update via Instagram late Friday: "Ant and I have made the difficult decision to separate. We are grateful for each other and as always, our children will remain our priority. We appreciate your support and ask for privacy for us and our family as we navigate the future."

Anstead has made no secret of how much of a priority it was to successfully blend their families upon marrying Ant. The blonde beauty also shares two children, Taylor and Brayden, with her ex-husband Tarek El Moussa — meanwhile, he recently became engaged to Selling Sunset star Heather Rae Young. At the time, the Christina on the Coast star was vocal about supporting her ex's new relationship. When asked if she'd send any congratulatory message to the new couple, Christina replied: "Of course! And I couldn't be happier for them" (via Today). "They're very happy." Ant Anstead also has two children, Amelie and Archie, from a previous marriage, per House Beautiful.

Ant Anstead was also outspoken in the past about putting their kids first when it came to their big blended family. "I think everybody has to be on the same page," he said (via Entertainment Tonight). "Everybody has to be present and pulling in the same direction. That includes Tarek, it includes my ex. If everybody wants the same thing, and that has to be kids first. If you prioritize kids first, it actually kind of falls into place and the rest of it makes sense."

"If you ever make a decision that doesn't put the kids first, it is the wrong decision," he added. Despite the split, as Christina said in her Instagram post, the kids will remain their focus. Incidentally, comments were blocked from her announcement about the end of her marriage.

As for why the reality couple has decided to separate, more details are beginning to emerge. One inside source noted to Life & Style: "No one saw this coming. I'm hearing that Christina and Ant just grew apart. They're very different people from totally different backgrounds, and that definitely played a factor. Friends say Ant was the first one who started having feelings about splitting." 

The source added that the split came as quite a shock to friends of the seemingly happy couple. "The crazy thing is that on the outside they looked like the perfect couple," the source continued. "It just goes to show that you just never know what's going on behind closed doors." Apparently, the couple kept any relationship issues well under wraps, as another insider shared, "Christina and Ant have been very private about this and friends are shocked to hear the news because they seemed happy together publicly and while in front of others" (via Us Weekly).

In fact, Ant's last post from just last week featured a photo of him and Hudson playing happily together on the beach. The TV host did share recently that he was taking a social media break to make his mental health a priority, according to Today.

Friends of the couple are clearly shocked by their breakup after just two years of marriage, and social media shared a similar reaction. "WHAAAAAT?! I am so surprised that Christina Anstead and Ant Anstead are separated! Is this a joke?" wrote one Twitter user. Another feeling among fans was great sadness at the end of what seemed like a picture-perfect, made-for-TV couple. "Wait, i'm actually so upset about ant and christina anstead breaking up," tweeted one fan. Another confessed, "Side note — I am ridiculously saddened that ant anstead & Christina anstead are getting a divorce. 2020 really be taking everything from us all" (via Twitter).

However, there was an opposing viewpoint — as there usually is on social media — with some expressing little sympathy for the former twosome. One person tweeted, "I could have told you that the marriage wouldn't last. The woman is a flake. I remember her saying "I'm in love" yadayadayada ..."

It may be for the best that both Ansteads are distancing themselves a bit from social media, allowing them to avoid the negativity and focus on their children.