Following a string of betrayals, Kyle Walker’s long-suffering wife Annie Kilner finally filed for divorce last month. But despite calling time on their 12-year relationship for good, we’re told that the footballer is remaining firmly in their £4million Cheshire home – on the proviso that he follows Annie’s strict rules.
An insider close to Annie, 32, says that while she’s fully done with Kyle, 34, she’s agreed to continue living under the same roof for the sake of their four children, Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, Reign, six, and seven-month-old Rezon.
‘Kyle is still living in the family house, but on a different floor to Annie. He initially moved back in to see if they could make it work, and despite the divorce, they’ve decided it’s for the best that he stays put,’ the source tells heat. ‘It may sound odd, but the main thing for them is what’s best for the kids – and that’s to have their dad home, living as a family, and to slowly get used to the idea of change.’
As well as calling the shots when it comes to sleeping arrangements, we’re told that Annie has also made it clear about what she wants from their divorce. ‘Annie’s promised Kyle that they’ll keep it amicable for the kids, but she has terms. She wants half of the family assets, as well as a legal deal in place, so the four boys get taken care of from whatever future earnings there are,’ our source explains. ‘Given everything she’s been through, this is the least Kyle owes the family.’
Annie will no doubt be glad to see the back of 2024, after welcoming in the new year with the bombshell news that Kyle had secretly fathered a second child with Lauryn Goodman, a daughter named Kinara, who is now one. The Manchester City player also shares son Kairo, four, with the influencer, 33, who was conceived during a period when Annie and Kyle had briefly split after he had cheated on her with Ex On The Beach star Laura Brown.
Although Annie kicked Kyle out of the family home when she discovered the new betrayal with Lauryn, she allowed him to move back in after their fourth son was born in April – before recently deciding their marriage was beyond repair. Now, Annie – who married Kyle in 2021 – is said to be keen to keep him on side. ‘Annie feels certain she’s not going to change her mind – she no longer knows what was real, or if Kyle was ever faithful to her – but she knows she doesn’t want a messy divorce,’ our source says.
‘There’s a lot at stake. If she kicked him out and just went through lawyers, the chances are they would end up fighting in court. Annie’s life would likely be hell dealing with the fallout. The cycle of drama would continue, and she would never escape it.’
Kyle isn’t the only one who’s been a source of contention for Annie, with the WAG also at war with his former mistress. A neighbour previously alleged that Lauryn had asked her to ‘spy’ on Kyle and his family, before texts – reportedly sent from Annie to a pal – emerged last month, in which Lauryn was branded a ‘slag.’
But despite the ongoing drama, Annie is hoping for a fresh start. ‘She doesn’t want the drama of Lauryn in her life, and she doesn’t want to deal with Lauryn’s stupid social media crap,’ we’re told.
‘This is Annie taking the power back in her relationship. She’s not cynical, but there’s definitely no more naivety. She’s made it clear to Kyle that he’s staying in the house under these conditions, and he’s agreed to them. She feels like she was robbed of her dignity and pride during the marriage, and wants to be in charge of making sure no one ever takes that away from her again. She wants a quiet divorce that will allow her to move on and hold her head high.’