Ellie Pinfold ended her 16-year marriage to former BBC presenter Jermaine Jenas following his sexting scandal despite "trying until the end".
The mother-of-three announced this week that she had decided to "part ways" with the former Match of the Day pundit.
Sources close to the couple revealed she battled for months to save their troubled marriage before making the heartbreaking decision.
Insiders revealed Ellie had tried to give their marriage another chance after Jermaine, 42, "apologised endlessly" for the betrayal.
Jermaine Jenas' wife Ellie Pinfold announced that they have split up last week
PAThe former footballer was sacked by the BBC last August for sending "inappropriate texts" to female colleagues.
Ellie initially stood by her husband publicly after the scandal erupted, which included allegations he had sent unsolicited messages to junior female staff on The One Show.
A source told the Daily Mail: "It's not something you can just brush off and move on from.
"It felt like a lack of loyalty and respect, two things she believes are vital to a marriage."
Jermaine reportedly underwent therapy to address issues of "self sabotage" but Ellie ultimately could not get over feeling "incredibly hurt and let down" by his actions.
The scandal had a devastating impact on the couple's children, according to sources close to the family.
"The girls had to go to school knowing that their father's name was all over the internet and social media. Can you imagine how awful that must have been?" a source told the Daily Mail.
Ellie reportedly tried to protect their children with a "three-line whip" to prevent further stories emerging.
Ellie reportedly waited until the public furore surrounding the scandal had died down before making her decision.
Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBC last yearPA"She knew their relationship wouldn't be able to survive and felt Jermaine is now in a better place to deal with the separation," an insider revealed.
"It's very much Ellie who pushed to end the marriage," the source added.
The couple share three children together aged twelve, eight, and three, while Jermaine also has a 17-year-old daughter from a previous relationship.
In her Instagram statement, Ellie wrote: "I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it's necessary."
Jermaine Jenas 'endlessly apologised' to his wife after his dismissal from the BBC
PA"We will remain friends and continue to co-parent," she added.
Jermaine recently returned to broadcasting on talkSPORT radio, taking on co-commentator duties for FA Cup coverage.
Upon his comeback, he acknowledged the difficult period, saying: "The last six, seven months have been extremely tough for myself and my family."
He added that the time away had been "a really good opportunity to kind of take stock" and have "honest conversations" with himself and others.
