In a dramatic escalation of celebrity tensions, Katie Price's new husband Lee Andrews has publicly challenged her former spouse Alex Reid to a mixed martial arts fight. The challenge comes directly in response to critical comments Reid made about Price and Andrews' sudden wedding in Dubai last month.
A Whirlwind Romance Sparks Controversy
Former glamour model and television personality Katie Price, 47, surprised friends, family, and the public when she married businessman Lee Andrews, 41, after what appears to have been an exceptionally brief courtship. The couple reportedly met through social media interactions before their connection intensified rapidly, culminating in a proposal just one week after their initial contact.
Andrews proposed in Dubai with an elaborate gesture involving rose petals arranged to spell "will you marry me" on the floor, accompanied by a flashy engagement ring. The pair swiftly tied the knot, marking what is understood to be Price's ninth engagement and fourth marriage. Price has described their meeting as "esoteric," stating they connected through checking each other's social media profiles before quickly realising their compatibility.
Ex-Husband's Criticism Provokes Response
The wedding drew sharp criticism from Price's ex-husband Alex Reid, a former cage fighter to whom she was married for less than two years before their 2012 separation. Reid, 50, publicly questioned the decision, calling it "irresponsible" regarding Price's family and children. He expressed scepticism about the marriage's longevity while referencing outstanding financial matters.
"I genuinely wish the man good luck marrying her," Reid stated. "I hope the marriage lasts longer than the court-ordered debts that she still owes me and to many others, demonstrating accountability and responsibility. It's not really her strong point."
The MMA Challenge Issued
Andrews has taken strong exception to these comments, telling The Sun newspaper that he would fight Reid "anytime, anywhere." He specified his desire for the confrontation to occur under Ultimate Fighting Championship rules across five rounds, with proceeds directed toward charitable causes and supporting Price herself.
"I want the fight to be held in a UFC five-round setting, and that proceeds would be put towards charity... and supporting Katie," Andrews declared. He acknowledged having only briefly discussed the idea with Price but insisted they maintain mutual support in their relationship.
Family Concerns and Legal Questions
Meanwhile, concerns have emerged from Price's inner circle regarding the sudden nature of her latest marriage. Sources close to the family reveal that Price's relatives were "blindsided" by the news and have never met or spoken to Andrews. Particular apprehension exists about how he presents himself online and questions surrounding his background.
Adding another layer of uncertainty, the celebrant who conducted the Dubai ceremony has suggested the marriage might not be legally binding. Part-time DJ and MC Darryl Rees explained to The Daily Mail that many British couples marrying in Dubai opt for picturesque ceremonies before formalising legalities through Dubai courts or UK register offices. It remains unclear whether Price and Andrews have completed these additional steps.
Background Context and Previous Relationships
This development represents the latest chapter in Price's complex personal history. Her marriage to Andrews follows previous unions with singer Peter Andre (2005-2009), MMA fighter Alex Reid (2010-2012), and actor Kieran Hayler (2013-2021). Price has five children from previous relationships.
Andrews, who describes himself as CEO of Aura Group Future Urban Travel 2027 and an "investor in Space X Hybrid Fitness" on his Instagram, is believed to have been married twice before. Intriguingly, reports suggest he proposed to another woman just four months earlier in a strikingly similar fashion involving rose petals, though that engagement was subsequently called off.
As the situation develops, representatives for Alex Reid have declined to comment when approached about the fighting challenge, while Metro.co.uk has reached out to Katie Price's representatives for further clarification on the marriage's status and the escalating tensions between her current and former partners.
