Despite the decades-long shadow of her high-profile marriage to football icon Paul Gascoigne, Sheryl Gascoigne has forged an independent identity as an author, television personality, and resilient survivor. As of December 2025, Sheryl continues to navigate life away from the spotlight, though her name frequently re-enters the headlines due to her ex-husband’s own recent interviews and book releases, which often rehash the painful details of their tumultuous relationship and the domestic abuse she endured. This article looks beyond the sensational past to explore Sheryl’s enduring influence, her family’s achievements, and her current standing as a powerful voice against press intrusion and domestic violence.
Sheryl’s story is a powerful narrative of resilience, moving from the intense scrutiny of being a 'WAG' (Wives and Girlfriends) during the 1990s to becoming a key figure in the discussion about media ethics and personal trauma. Her public testimony and published work have cemented her place not just as an ex-wife, but as an author who bravely shared her truth. The focus has shifted to the successful careers of her children, Bianca and Regan Gascoigne, ensuring the Gascoigne name remains relevant in the British entertainment landscape.
Sheryl Gascoigne: A Comprehensive Biographical Profile
Sheryl Gascoigne, born Sheryl Failes, has an extensive history in the public eye, first as a model and television presenter, and later as a prominent author.
- Full Name: Sheryl Failes (Maiden Name)
- Also Known As: Sheryl Gascoigne
- Date of Birth: 24 September 1963
- Age (as of 2025): 62 years old
- Place of Birth: United Kingdom
- Nationality: British
- Occupation: Author, Television Personality, Former Model
- Spouse: Paul Gascoigne (m. 1996; div. 1998)
- Children: Bianca Gascoigne (Daughter, from a previous relationship with Coik Kyle), Regan Gascoigne (Son), and Jamie Gascoigne (Son, adopted by Paul Gascoigne)
- Notable Work: Author of the autobiography Stronger: My Life Surviving Gazza
- Public Testimony: Key witness at the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices, and ethics of the British press.
The Truth Behind the Headlines: Life After Gazza and the Media Scrutiny
The marriage between Sheryl and Paul Gascoigne was short-lived but intensely public, lasting from 1996 to 1998. The divorce proceedings, which included lurid front-page stories of physical abuse, including an infamous incident at the Gleneagles Hotel, catapulted Sheryl into a difficult kind of fame. The footballer himself has recently opened up about the "black and blue" night in his own new book, offering a fresh, albeit painful, reminder of the trauma Sheryl experienced.
The Power of Authorship: Telling Her Own Story
Sheryl took control of her narrative by releasing her autobiography, Stronger: My Life Surviving Gazza, published by Michael Joseph. The book detailed the years of emotional and physical abuse she suffered, offering a raw and unfiltered look at the reality behind the celebrity facade.
The book’s title, Stronger, became a defining keyword for her public identity, shifting the focus from victimhood to survival. Her work contributed significantly to the growing public awareness of domestic violence, especially within high-profile relationships, and her voice became an unexpected platform for advocacy.
The Leveson Inquiry and the Fight Against Press Intrusion
One of the most significant and enduring aspects of Sheryl’s public life is her testimony at the Leveson Inquiry in the early 2010s. During her appearance, she provided harrowing details about the relentless and unethical pursuit by the British tabloid press. She described crawling on her hands and knees in her own home to avoid photographers who were constantly camped outside, illustrating the extreme psychological toll of media intrusion on her and her children.
Her testimony, alongside other high-profile figures, was instrumental in highlighting the toxic culture of phone hacking and intrusive journalism. This public service, though born from personal pain, has had a lasting impact on media ethics discussions in the UK, making her an important entity in the history of press regulation.
The Gascoigne Children: Bianca, Regan, and Jamie
Sheryl’s most visible connection to the present day is through her three children, all of whom have established their own careers in the entertainment industry. This family dynamic provides a crucial layer of topical authority to Sheryl’s story, showcasing her role as a mother and the family's collective journey.
- Bianca Gascoigne: Bianca, Sheryl’s daughter from a previous relationship (Coik Kyle), was adopted by Paul Gascoigne. She has built a successful career as a glamour model and reality television star, appearing on major shows like Celebrity Big Brother and Love Island. Her public profile ensures the Gascoigne name remains a fixture in British celebrity news.
- Regan Gascoigne: Regan, the biological son of Sheryl and Paul, has gained significant recognition as a professional dancer and television personality. He won the 2022 series of the popular ITV show Dancing on Ice, bringing a fresh, positive spotlight to the family name. His success in a field distinct from football has helped further separate the current generation from the old headlines.
- Jamie Gascoigne: Jamie, Sheryl’s biological son, was also adopted by Paul. While maintaining a lower public profile than his siblings, he is an integral part of the family structure, often appearing in supportive roles for his brother and sister’s careers.
Sheryl Gascoigne’s Current Endeavors and Enduring Influence (2025)
While Sheryl does not maintain a highly visible public presence on social media platforms like Instagram, her influence continues through her past work and her family's success. She remains an entity associated with British television, having previously held presenting roles on ITV1, and her book is frequently referenced in discussions about celebrity biographies and domestic abuse awareness.
In a rare interview, Sheryl discussed her approach to personal upkeep, mentioning her use of treatments like Botox and her choice to go blonder to manage her naturally grey hair, reflecting a desire for privacy and self-care after years of public scrutiny. She also mentioned living in an area like Shropshire at one point, indicating a preference for a life away from the London media hub.
The most recent mentions of Sheryl in 2024 and 2025 are tied to her ex-husband's reflections on their past, including his apologies and admissions of guilt. While these articles do not feature new interviews with Sheryl, they confirm her continued relevance as a figure whose story is deeply interwoven with the history of British football and celebrity culture. Sheryl Gascoigne is no longer defined by her marriage, but by her strength, her authorship, and the successful, resilient family she raised.