Irish model Hazel O’Sullivan has opened up about her long-term relationship with Premier League footballer Andros Townsend, praising him for his commitment to fatherhood and their family life. Since meeting in 2013, the couple has embraced a quiet and grounded lifestyle, far removed from the stereotypical image of flashy footballer couples.
A Quiet Life in Liverpool
Hazel O’Sullivan and Andros Townsend have been together for over a decade and share two children, Aria and Andros Jr. In 2021, when Townsend moved from Crystal Palace to Everton, the family relocated from London to Liverpool. According to Hazel, this move has positively impacted their family life, with Andros having more time to spend at home.
The Irish model highlighted how her partner’s daily routine contrasts with what people might assume about footballers. “Andros leaves the house at 9:30 a.m. and is back home by 1 p.m.,” Hazel shared, emphasizing how involved he is with their children. Townsend is responsible for dropping their daughter Aria off at school, showing his dedication to being an active, hands-on dad.
Shunning the Stereotypical Footballer Lifestyle
Despite Townsend’s success on the pitch, Hazel insists their lifestyle is far from the glamorous image often associated with Premier League footballers. The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant explained how they prioritize family time and simplicity. Hazel remarked, “People assume footballers are never home, but Andros is. He’s very family-oriented, doesn’t drink or go clubbing—he’s home a lot.”
The couple enjoys a down-to-earth existence, with Hazel praising Andros for his commitment to their family. They often attend games as a family and spend time together afterward, debunking common misconceptions about footballer households.
Balancing Motherhood and Work
While Hazel has embraced being a stay-at-home mom, she’s also eager to return to work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she began exploring opportunities in social media, which allows her to work while caring for their children. Although Andros is the primary breadwinner, Hazel doesn’t see herself stepping away from work permanently.
She expressed admiration for mothers juggling work and childcare, especially those managing on little sleep. Hazel, now emerging from what she calls her “baby bubble,” is keen to strike a balance between her family responsibilities and personal ambitions.
The Reality of WAG Life
Hazel has made it clear that she doesn’t aspire to the traditional WAG (wives and girlfriends) lifestyle, despite the common perception. She shared a humorous anecdote about attending a lunch with other Everton WAGs, where they laughed about the misconceptions people have. While some might imagine glamorous shopping trips, Hazel says her reality is far from that. “We’re at home cleaning up after the kids,” she quipped.
For Hazel, the idea of hiring a nanny doesn’t appeal. She values hands-on parenting and prefers to take care of her children herself. She noted that despite their financial stability, she wants her kids to grow up with a sense of normalcy, similar to her own upbringing.
Reflecting on Her Modelling Career
Before becoming a mother, Hazel was well-known in Ireland as a model, often appearing in photo calls and public events. Reflecting on her modeling days, Hazel recalled how much easier things were back then. She joked about the lack of photo editing at the time and how much has changed since those early days in her career.
Looking back, Hazel is grateful for the experiences but is also relieved to have moved on from that world. Her modeling career may have been competitive and sometimes “crazy,” but now she’s enjoying the structure and responsibilities that come with family life.
Andros Townsend’s Career and Dedication
While Hazel focuses on their family, Andros Townsend remains committed to his football career. Despite the uncertainties that COVID-19 brought to the sports world, Townsend never lost his passion for the game. Hazel shared how her partner continued to train diligently throughout the pandemic, eager to return to the pitch.
As a fan favorite at Everton, Townsend’s determination and discipline have been key to his success. Hazel described his current form as reminiscent of when he first started playing football, with a renewed passion and drive. His talent and dedication are evident, but Hazel also pointed out the significant discipline that goes into maintaining a career in football.
Conclusion
Hazel O’Sullivan and Andros Townsend’s relationship offers a refreshing perspective on life as a footballer’s family. Far from the flashy image of the WAG lifestyle, they prioritize family, simplicity, and togetherness. With Townsend as a hands-on dad and Hazel balancing motherhood with her career aspirations, they’ve built a strong, grounded family unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long have Hazel O’Sullivan and Andros Townsend been together? Hazel O’Sullivan and Andros Townsend have been together since 2013. They met at a darts event in London and have since built a life together, including raising two children.
2. How many children do Hazel and Andros have? The couple has two children: a daughter named Aria and a son named Andros Jr.
3. What is Hazel O’Sullivan’s view on the WAG lifestyle? Hazel has expressed that the stereotypical WAG lifestyle isn’t for her. She prefers a grounded, hands-on approach to parenting and values normalcy for her children, despite their financial means.
4. What does Hazel do for work? While she’s primarily a stay-at-home mom, Hazel has started exploring social media work. She aims to balance work and family life as her children grow older.
5. How is Andros Townsend involved in his children’s lives? Andros Townsend is highly involved in his children’s lives, taking on daily responsibilities like school drop-offs and spending quality time with them. Hazel has praised him for being a hands-on dad.