Dame Denise Lewis thinks a lack of communication with and respect for a partner causes long-term relationships to break down

And although the former Heptathlete has kept the details of their breakup private, Denise - who insisted her and Steve's decision to separate was made with "mutual respect and care for one another" - has shared the reasons she thinks cause relationships to end.

Speaking to beauty broadcaster-and- midlife advocate Ateh Jewel on the latest episode of HELLO! magazine's Second Act podcast, Denise, 53, said: "I would say that communication is everything, and making sure that your values are aligned.

"When you're starting to change in the marriage but not checking in with the other person about how they're changing as well, that can be a massive problem.

"People who have done a better job than me would say that it's the acceptance of certain behaviours, knowing what your non-negotiables are and being able to communicate.

"If you haven't found that time, or don't make that time to put your relationship back at the centre of everything, it's hard. It's really hard."

For a relationship to survive, Denise - who did not wear her wedding ring during her run as a pundit for the BBC's coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games - added: "You've got to respect the individual not only for who they are, but also what they are, their values and growth and evolution.

"And if you lose sight of that, it's game over, isn't it?"

The former athlete - who met Steve in 2000 through mutual pals at the BRIT Awards, and started dating after Denise split from 57-year-old retired sprinter Patrick Stevens - feels she is in a "really good place" since entering her 50s and overcoming "a lot of challenges" in her life.

Denise - whose social media accounts appear not to feature any photos of her and Steve - said: "I feel at peace. I feel secure in myself. I want to enjoy and celebrate me.

"It doesn't mean that I don't care about anybody else; I just know where I am in the queue, and it's more towards the front than in the middle or at the back.

"I've got stronger through this decade. Even though I've had a lot of challenges, I feel as though I've grown so much.

"And it makes me quite proud. I haven't gone away; I haven't shrunk. I've grown wings. I've expanded, and I'm in a really good place."

Denise and Steve - who appear to have unfollowed each other on their social media accounts - have sons, Ryan, 18, Kane, 16, and Troy, five, with her ex-partner.

The priority for Denise and Steve - who is the son of the late 81-year-old comedian-and-TV host Tom O'Connor - "moving forward is maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship and focusing on the well-being of those we care about most".

Denise also has a daughter called Lauryn, 22, whom she has with Patrick - whose relationship with the sportswoman ended in 2005.