Boyzone star Keith Duffy discussed his marriage challenges with Lisa Smith seven months before reports surfaced about their separation. The 49-year-old singer is reportedly ‘hopeful’ about saving his 25-year marriage, but he has been living apart from Lisa since moving out of their £1.15 million marital home in Dublin just before Christmas.
Although the couple’s split surprised many, in June of the previous year, Keith openly talked about the ‘obstacles’ and ‘fight’ they had faced as he paid tribute to his wife on their silver anniversary.
However, Keith did suggest there were challenges for the couple in the post, acknowledging their ‘ups and downs’ and ‘fair share of obstacles.’ He expressed their commitment to always ‘fight for each other,’ and Lisa commented, referring to Keith as her ‘soul mate.’
Early Life
Duffy came into the world on October 1, 1974, in Donaghmede, Dublin, with Sean and Pat as his parents. In the family lineup, he’s got an older brother named Derek and a younger brother named John.
Growing up, he was brought up in the Roman Catholic faith. Early on, as a little kid, he battled pneumonia. His childhood was filled with sports, playing hurling and Gaelic football from the ages of 7 to 18. In fact, he represented the Dublin under-16 hurling team for a solid three years.
At the ripe age of 16, he decided to switch things up and got himself a drum kit. This led to his involvement in bands like Toledo Moon and This Burning Effigy. As he journeyed into higher education, Duffy spent a year studying architecture at college before eventually deciding to drop out.
Career
Keith was part of the band Boyzone, where Ronan Keating and Stephen Gately took on most lead vocals and roles. In 2000, Keith and Shane Lynch collaborated on a pop-rap remix called “Girl You Know Its True,” which became a top 40 hit in the UK, reaching No 36 in December.
During the same year, Keith joined the fourth season of Fort Boyard alongside Tris Payne, Scott Wright, Sally Gray, and Nell McAndrew. Reports surfaced about Boyzone’s return with the “Back Again…No Matter What” Tour, selling over 200,000 tickets within 3 hours.
Additionally, Keith became the presenter of The Box on the Irish TV channel TV3. Later, he served as a judge on the RTE talent contest You’re Star.
In 2010, Keith appeared in ITV’s one-off game show, The Door, on April 2 and 3. Subsequently, he played a role as a drug-dealing fitness specialist in two episodes of the Irish crime drama Love/Hate in November 2013.
Who is Keith Duffy’s Partner?
Keith Duffy tied the knot with Lisa Smith on June 24, 1998, in Las Vegas, and get this, he popped the question just two days before the big day. Ronan Keating played the role of his best man in the wedding shenanigans.
Together, Keith and Lisa are the proud parents of two kids – Jordan Stephen Scott Duffy, born on April 22, 1996, and Mia Duffy, who entered the scene on March 11, 2000.
Their family journey took an unexpected turn when Mia was diagnosed with moderate autism. Since then, Keith Duffy has been actively involved in raising awareness about the condition. In fact, in October 2014, he received an Honorary Fellowship from the RCSI for his efforts in this arena.
But that’s not all; Duffy also made his presence felt in Kilcloon, Meath, on March 2, 2012, during the official opening of ‘Stepping Stones,’ a specialized school catering to children with autism. His stance on the matter? “All we want to do is give our kids a chance in life.”
Keith Duffy Separates from His Wife Lisa Smith after 25 Years
Coronation Street actor Keith Duffy has reportedly separated from his wife Lisa Smith after 25 years of marriage. It’s said that the Boyzone singer is really upset about the divorce, and they’ve even unfollowed each other on social media.
Sources mention that the split between 49-year-old Keith and the fashion stylist has surprised everyone. The soap star has supposedly moved out of their family home in Dublin.
According to a source disclosing to The Mirror, “It has come as a shock to everyone. Back in July, they appeared happier than ever while celebrating 25 years together on a trip of a lifetime to the French Riviera.” Despite the separation, they are keeping things friendly for the sake of their 27-year-old son Jay and 23-year-old daughter Mia.
Keith, known for playing barman Ciaran McCarthy on Coronation Street, is also recognized for his roles in Celebrity Murder Mystery, Death In Paradise, and as a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother in 2001.
Earlier in the summer, Lisa shared on social media to mark their silver wedding anniversary, expressing joy about having Keith home and feeling blessed. Keith, too, posted about their 25th wedding anniversary, celebrating in the French Riviera.
The couple first met at a Dublin nightclub called the Pod in 1995, with Keith joking that Lisa gave him “the right run around” before they got together. In a recent interview, he opened up about struggles with confidence during his younger years.
