Stephen Hendry’s Masters Legacy And Personal Journey Captivate Fans

The world of snooker is no stranger to drama, both on and off the baize, but few figures have embodied the sport’s highs and lows quite like Stephen Hendry. As the Masters final wraps up in January 2026, attention has once again turned to the six-time champion—not only for his storied career but for the deeply personal journey that has played out in the public eye over the past decade.

Hendry, now 57, remains a towering presence in the snooker community. With the Masters event commencing on January 11 and boasting a lucrative prize fund of £350,000, the tournament’s prestige is undeniable. Hendry’s own legacy at the Masters is etched in history: five consecutive titles from 1989 to 1993, capped by another victory in 1996. His dominance during those years set a standard that few have matched, cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s true greats.

Yet, even for legends, life away from the table can be fraught with challenges. Hendry’s personal life has attracted as much attention as his competitive exploits. Over ten years ago, after nearly two decades of marriage, Hendry and his wife Mandy parted ways. The split was not only emotionally taxing but also financially burdensome, a reality Hendry candidly recounted in his 2018 autobiography, "Me and the Table." He wrote, "The three years between my leaving and the divorce itself are the most stressful of my life. The legal bill from the divorce comes to a hefty six-figure sum. Mandy will continue to live in the house in Scotland with the boys."

The couple’s two sons, Blaine and Carter, remained with Mandy in their Scottish home. Hendry’s reflections on those years reveal a man caught between the demands of his career and the complexities of personal change. The pivotal moment, as he described, came during a drive home from a shopping trip. Mandy, sensing something was amiss, pressed him for the truth. "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. It’s the last thing she expected me to say."

That revelation set off a series of difficult conversations and attempts at reconciliation. Hendry stayed with friends and family while the couple tried to patch things up, even agreeing to give their marriage another chance. But as Hendry admitted, "I’m riddled with guilt about the whole thing, but I’m also in love with someone else." The emotional turmoil was compounded by the impact on their children. He recalled, "This is the hardest thing I have ever done and will probably ever have to do. I try to be as gentle as possible, telling them I have feelings for someone else. But however you try to explain things to children, there is going to be upset and hurt. Carter is upset; Blaine becomes very quiet, just like I did when I found out about my parents splitting up. It’s horrible, and I feel like the worst person in the world."

So who was the woman who changed the course of Hendry’s life? Lauren Thundow, an actress and children’s performer, entered the picture at a Legends snooker exhibition where she was selling merchandise. Twenty years younger than Hendry, Lauren’s connection with the snooker star began innocently enough. "I first met Lauren when she was selling merchandise after a Legends snooker exhibition. 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 time goes on, we chat more often. It’s becoming clear we have a connection. The Legends events travel to each venue with the same support staff. Over the next few months Lauren and I become friendly. After a while we realise we’re falling in love. That’s very unsettling. I am married to the woman I’ve been with for almost 30 years. We have two amazing boys and a great lifestyle."

Despite attempts to salvage his marriage—including a 2013 family holiday to Portugal intended to mend the rift—Hendry ultimately recognized that reconciliation was impossible. The decision to separate was mutual, though no less painful. "Following numerous conversations, the pair concluded that separation was the right decision, and the time had come to inform his sons, Blaine and Carter," he wrote.

Now, nearly twelve years on, Hendry and Thundow’s relationship has proven resilient. The couple have built a life together, weathering the scrutiny that comes with Hendry’s public profile. Thundow, for her part, has been a steady presence, supporting Hendry as he transitioned from the rigors of competitive snooker to new ventures.

While Hendry has stepped back from the highest levels of professional play, his passion for the sport endures. His YouTube channel, "Stephen Hendry’s Cue Tips," has become a digital hub for snooker enthusiasts, drawing nearly half a million subscribers. The channel offers everything from technical advice to behind-the-scenes stories, allowing Hendry to connect with fans in a new way. In addition, he continues to share his insights as a pundit, contributing expert commentary that draws on decades of experience.

The snooker legend’s willingness to speak openly about his struggles has resonated with many. By detailing his journey—the emotional cost of divorce, the challenge of starting over, and the search for personal happiness—Hendry has offered a rare glimpse into the private side of a sporting icon. His story is one of resilience, growth, and the enduring pursuit of fulfillment, both on and off the table.

As the Masters final concludes and a new champion is crowned, Hendry’s legacy remains secure. Fans marvel at his records and recall his dominance on the green baize, but they are equally captivated by his human story—a narrative marked by triumph, heartbreak, and the courage to embrace change. With a new chapter unfolding alongside Lauren Thundow and a thriving presence in the snooker community, Stephen Hendry continues to inspire, reminding us all that even legends must sometimes break, rebuild, and rise again.