Just days after wrapping the final season of Netflix's hit series Stranger Things, it has been revealed through multiple sources and reports from friends of the couple, singer Lily Allen and actor David Harbour have officially separated.
The pair, who have been married for a little over four years, got married during the pandemic lockdown, tying the knot on September 7, 2020, with only Allen's two daughters from her previous marriage present, due to Covid-19 restrictions. Allen, 39, and Harbour, 49, have had their fair share of ups and downs, frequently capturing press attention as speculation about their marriage swirled. Recently, it became apparent their relationship was struggling.
Catalysts for the split reportedly stem from their busy career commitments and suggestions of personal challenges affecting their relationship. Friends close to Allen have indicated their marriage had been on shaky ground for months, leading to the confirmation of their separation. A source told The Sun, "Lily and David have barely been together for the past three months and have been living separate lives." The couple reportedly focused heavily on their respective careers, with Allen being engaged with her music and acting, and Harbour busy with the filming and promotions related to Stranger Things.
This public separation came after Allen was recently seen on the upscale dating app Raya, raising eyebrows and sparking conversations about her next steps. It's reported Allen's bio on the app humorously states, "Looking for someone to start couples therapy with," indicating both her acknowledgment of the issues she faced and perhaps her desire to connect with someone who understands the importance of healing. The profile, which was showcased to users who indicated they are women seeking women, adds another dimension to her current phase. Friends have clarified she isn't actively searching for romance, as she describes taking her marriage seriously and noted she hasn't yet gotten divorced, emphasizing she still holds value for commitment.
Another factor surrounding the couple’s complicated history is Allen's openness about her mental health struggles, which she discussed candidly on her podcast, Miss Me?. She stated, "I'm not in a great place mentally," which hints at the personal issues she undertakes presently. Her podcast has become her outlet, allowing her to share her feelings about being 'bored of men' and her experiences dealing with stress from her personal life. This has led to speculation about how Allen's mental wellness contributed to the marital strain.
Allen and Harbour first met through the same dating app, with her recalling the initial encounter on The Jonathan Ross Show, where she humorously shared, "I didn’t know who he was. I thought he was just like a sexy policeman from reality TV." Their whirlwind romance blossomed rapidly during the pandemic and culminated with their swift marriage. It was meant to be exciting and promising—a new couple blending their families and stepping forward together.
Yet as pressures mounted, the couple appeared to be living different lives, with Allen being spotted without her wedding ring during public outings and openly discussing her mental health challenges. She described to her podcast co-host, "I've been going through a tough time... it’s actually becoming an issue I needed to deal with. I've not really been eating.†This highlighted the depth of her struggles—not just within her personal life but also as a mother to her two daughters, Ethel and Marnie, which she continually strives to make sense of.
Despite their separation, it appears the couple is still focused on their family dynamics, as Harbour, who has taken on the role of stepfather to Allen's daughters since their marriage, has remained involved. Friends have reported on the warmth shared between them at the start of the marriage, but it seems the realities of life—including career fatigue and emotional distance—have taken their toll.
Now, as both take time to reflect and navigate this new chapter, the entertainment world watches closely. Allen's future steps, whether they involve romance or personal rediscovery, are still unwritten. The split, coming soon after the finale of Stranger Things, may provide Harbour with time and clarity, too, as both find paths forward.
Through candid conversations, public outings, and social media activity, Allen and Harbour's story continues to resonate, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness, personal growth, and resilience, all key elements highlighted throughout their marriage. This separation signals not just the end of their marital status but also possibly new beginnings for both as they learn to navigate their individual lives, together connected through their roles as parents.
