Background
Strictly dancer Karen Hauer has sent her engagement ring back to her ex, Jordan Wyn-Jones, amidst claims that it was never his to give away. The £60 ring, originally belonging to Jordan's late mother, was given to Karen during their relationship. The couple recently announced their split after just 16 months.
Disputed Ownership
Jordan's father, Lee Williams, has come forward, claiming that the ring was taken without permission. Lee, who bought the ring for Anne 35 years ago, said he only realized it was missing when he saw Karen and Jordan's wedding photos in Hello! magazine. He expressed his gratitude that Karen returned the ring to his son, but stressed that it actually belongs to him and holds significant sentimental value.
Sentimental Value
Lee emphasized that the dispute is not about money, but about the emotional attachment to the ring. He and Anne had shared many memories together, and despite their separation, the ring represented their connection. Lee has six children, and Karen was reportedly the third woman that Jordan proposed to with the same ring.
A Lost Connection
Lee and Anne married in 1989, but divorced in 2002. After her death in 2003, her second husband returned the ring to Lee. Lee kept it in a box in his bedroom, believing it was still there until he saw Karen wearing it in Hello! magazine.
Remodeled Ring
In an interview with Hello!, Karen explained that Jordan had proposed with his late mother's ring, and it meant a lot to him for her to have it. Together, they remodeled the ring to incorporate their own personal touch while retaining the core of his mother's ring.
Fallout and Past Marriages
Jordan's relationship with his father deteriorated after he met Karen. Lee, a tennis coach and founder of a children's charity in Nepal, did not attend their wedding last year. Karen, a former Strictly pro, was previously married to Kevin Clifton from 2015 to 2018 and had also been married to her ex-dance partner, Matthew Hauer.
Karen's representatives declined to comment, and Jordan did not respond to requests for comment.
