Former Premier League striker Andy Carroll has paid an emotional tribute to his girlfriend, Lou Teasdale, crediting her with bringing love, happiness and excitement into his life following his revelation that he was sexually assaulted.
The 37-year-old footballer marked Teasdale’s 42nd birthday by sharing a collection of photographs and videos capturing moments from their relationship.
Alongside the images, Carroll described his partner as someone who makes him experience a wide range of emotions and gives him confidence.
“Happy Birthday Lou,” he wrote.
“The one who makes me laugh every single day, makes me cry, makes me happy, drives me mad and makes me feel every emotion possible.”
He continued: “You’re the one who gives me confidence, makes life exciting and brings so much love and happiness into my world.”
Carroll also expressed his appreciation for everything Teasdale does for him, adding that life with her was never boring and that he loved her more every day.
Teasdale responded humorously to one of the photographs, which showed her being spun around while wearing bikini bottoms.
“Oh my god no one wants to see my bum!” she commented.
Relationship Began After Carroll’s Separation From Billi Mucklow
Carroll and Teasdale have been together since mid-2024, following his separation from his estranged wife, former The Only Way Is Essex star Billi Mucklow.
The pair were first photographed together publicly in London in October that year.
Carroll, who previously played for Newcastle United and Liverpool, shares three children with Mucklow: Arlo, 11, Wolf, eight, and Marvel Mae.
Mucklow has also helped raise Carroll’s two older children, Emilie Rose, 17, and Lucas, 15, from his previous relationship.
The birthday tribute offered a glimpse into Carroll and Teasdale’s life together, with the footballer sharing several images and videos reflecting their time as a couple.
Footballer Confirms Identity of Man Who Sexually Assaulted Him
Carroll recently confirmed that Kevin Adams, a former dance coach associated with the BBC talent show Fame Academy, was the man who sexually assaulted him several years ago.
Adams, now 59, was convicted of sexual offences at Chelmsford Crown Court and sentenced to 20 months in prison in 2023.
He appeared as a coach on Fame Academy in 2002 and later featured on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two in 2021.
Carroll disclosed the assault in his book, Owning It, which was released last month.
He explained that he had initially been reluctant to discuss the experience publicly and decided to include it only at the last minute after lengthy conversations with his publisher.
In the book, he described waking up after drinking alcohol to discover that a man he considered a celebrity friend was attempting to perform oral sex on him.
“Something happened to me a few years ago that was so traumatic I only decided to include it in this book at the very last minute,” Carroll wrote.
“I was sexually assaulted, there I said it. Scary to even think about and only a few people knew about it before now.”
Carroll Recounts the Night of the Assault
According to Carroll’s account, the incident happened on an evening following a Newcastle United match. Adams had contacted him about visiting his home to watch a boxing match.
Carroll wrote that Adams had repeatedly sought opportunities to spend time with him and his former partner, adding that the man’s behaviour had previously made him question whether his interest extended beyond friendship.
On the night in question, Adams arrived at the property and began preparing drinks in the kitchen.
Carroll recalled feeling lightheaded and wondering whether something had been added to his drink.
He eventually told Adams that it was time for bed and offered to arrange a taxi for him. Adams instead said he would sleep in the spare room.
Carroll wrote that he later awoke to find Adams sexually assaulting him.
He said he struck the man, dragged him outside and locked the door before contacting the police and the nanny.
The footballer also recalled fearing that he might have killed Adams during the confrontation.
According to his account, Adams regained consciousness as officers arrived and claimed he had been attacked without reason.
Carroll said he was also taken to the police station following the incident.
Adams subsequently faced prosecution and was convicted.
He had denied the allegations and attempted to portray himself as the victim, but the judge rejected his account during the proceedings.
He was also placed on the Sex Offender Register and prohibited from entering the village where Carroll lived.
Adams Previously Ran a Children’s Dance School
Before his conviction, Adams operated the Kevin Adams Academy, a children’s dance school based in Harlow, Essex. Company records indicate that the business ceased operations in 2022.
His television appearances included coaching on Fame Academy in 2002 and a role on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two in 2021.
Carroll explained that he decided to identify Adams publicly after learning that his name appeared in court documents available to the public.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, he said: “Now that Kevin Adams has been named in court documents as my abuser, I can confirm it.”
He added: “Hopefully now I can finally start to put this chapter behind me. This had a devastating impact on my life and loved ones.”
Carroll Receives Messages From Other Male Survivors
Following his decision to speak publicly about the assault, Carroll revealed that he had received messages from men who had experienced sexual abuse themselves.
In a statement shared on his Instagram Stories, he acknowledged how difficult it had been to discuss the incident and explained that he was still deciding what he felt comfortable revealing publicly.
“Since speaking out, so many men have messaged me about their own experiences,” he wrote.
He said the messages had reminded him of the importance of allowing men to speak about their experiences when they feel ready.
Carroll also stressed that survivors should retain control over how much information they disclose, when they speak and whether they identify the person responsible.
“Naming a perpetrator can have consequences for the victim too, emotionally and personally,” he said, adding that taking back control meant being able to tell his story on his own terms.
The footballer previously described the court proceedings as “humiliating and embarrassing and absolutely horrendous”.
Carroll currently plays for National League South side Dagenham & Redbridge, where he also serves as assistant manager.
