Jake Quickenden says he’s ‘relieved another year is done’ after ‘fake smiling’ as he marks birthday after marriage split

JAKE Quickenden has said he is ‘relieved another year is done’ while marking his birthday – months after his marriage split. The Sun told in May how Jake and ex Sophie Church, who married in 2022 and have two children together, had formally separated. Taking to Instagram on his birthday, Jake Quickenden revealed he is “celebrating differently” this year Credit: jakequickenden/Instagram Jake and his wife Sophie Church separated earlier this year after four years of marriage Credit: Getty Taking to Instagram, the singer and reality TV star celebrated his 38th birthday with a poignant message. He penned: “It’s my birthday but I’m celebrating it differently this year… Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! “This year has been the most testing of my life and I’m not going to lie I’m so happy I’m turning 38…. I’ve faked a smile almost everyday. “37 had glimpses of happiness mainly from my boys but I’ve felt anxious and burnt out pretty much all the time.” Read more on Jake Quickenden Back in May, The Sun revealed Jake and Sophie had decided to split up Credit: Getty Katie Price awkwardly flirted with Jake at The Hair and Beauty Awards in Manchester Credit: Splash Jake continued: “Separating, moving house, finding myself again and starting from scratch is terrifying.” The star said he was optimistic, remarking that while finding happiness alone is scary, he “has his boys.” Jake also wrote how he wanted to find a balance between work and home life. Explaining he’d “never been so scared” about only seeing his sons half the time, the X Factor alum penned: “I can’t even tell you how much I have cried over this.” Most read in TV Jake has appeared on shows including The X Factor, I’m A Celebrity and Dancing On Ice Credit: jakequickenden/Instagram In his Instagram post, Jake affirmed his desire for “a nice life” with his two sons Credit: jakequickenden/Instagram He concluded: “But I’m 38 now, I don’t need to party, I just want to be happy, work to earn money to live a nice life with my lads. “I’ve been a terrible mate as well. I’ve not got back to people, I’ve cancelled plans and made excuses. “But that’s just the way I’m dealing with a big change. Sorry if I’ve been quiet. “38, let’s see what you’ve got… it can’t be as hard as 37.” Ulrika Johnson penned: “Happy Birthday, gorgeous man. With your mum by your side you’ll be absolutely golden.” Jesy Nelson wrote: “Happy birthday mate.” As for Jake and Sophie’s split, a source previously told The Sun: “Jake and Sophie have ended their marriage but they remain incredibly amicable. “There is still a huge amount of love and respect between them. “Their main priority has always been, and continues to be, their children, and they are fully committed to being the best parents possible.” The source added Jake and Sophie had “long and honest conversations” after growing apart and that “maintaining a supportive family unit” was now their goal. While last week, Katie Price was forced to deny that she fancied Jake after flirting with him at a public event. Comment now