Love, Loss, And Renovations: The Truth Behind HGTV’s Tarek And Christina El Moussa’s Split (2024)

Tarek And Christina Met In The Real Estate Industry

Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images

Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images

Both Tarek and Christina El Moussa were savvy business people, knowing the real estate industry inside and out. But more so than that, they were happily married, making their chemistry on-screen as co-hosts look flawless and easy.

They bounced ideas off one another, considering one another's thoughts while making their job look fun solely because they were together. So, what could have possibly happened to make the two split up?

They Had Real Estate Experience

Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images

Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images

If you're familiar with Tarek and Christina El Moussas' backgrounds, then it shouldn't come to too much of a surprise to learn that they have a wealth of experience in the real estate industry.

Tarek had been in the industry since a young age, earning his real estate license at the age of 21. He immediately started working in the field, quickly moving up the ranks. It was also in this industry where he met his future wife and co-host, Christina.

The 2008 Crash

Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Both Tarek and Christina agree that their connection was instant. They became an "official couple" not long after their initial meeting, even deciding to enter the housing market together. But it was 2008, an unfortunate time for anyone to be entering the market with its crash.

Like many, the couple had to downgrade. Tarek and Christina wound up having to move out of their $6,000/month home and into something quite smaller and cheaper -- a $700/month apartment.

After their kick romance, Tarek and Christina decided to wed in 2009.

Tarek And Christina Decided To Tie The Knot in 2009

Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

While 2008 was a tough year for many, Tarek and Christina were able to figure things out through hard work and dedication to their new careers. It took some time, but the two were able to come out on the other side less than a year later.

Going through a huge lifestyle change, saving their careers, and working through the difficult times that come hand-in-hand with a crash, the two decided they didn't want to wait any longer. They got married, tying the knot in 2009.

Taylor Reese El Moussa Was Born in September Of 2010

Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images for Feld Entertainment Inc.

Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images for Feld Entertainment Inc.

Tarek and Christina were making moves as a new family, wanting to have children right away. Unfortunately, they had a bit of trouble and had to look into Vitro fertilization, which ultimately worked for the young couple.

They welcomed a healthy baby girl in September of 2010, Taylor Reese El Moussa. Their life could only go up from here, right? With all of the snags and roadblocks they've run into as a couple, they could figure anything out.

The Couple Wanted More

Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images

Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images

Even with the start of their new family and successful careers, Tarek and Christina wanted more. So, they began brainstorming ideas for a reality television show, landing on the idea of flipping homes, i.e., renovations.

Everyone liked a good interior design show, right? So, they decided Tarek was going to explain the entire process via videotape, and they were going to send it into HGTV. Their hope was to get their own program up and running.

HGTV Executives Were On Board With Their Idea

Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Lakewood Center

Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Lakewood Center

To their surprise, the executives at the network loved their idea, wanting to run with it. And, once they found out Christina was Tarek's wife and also happened to be in the industry, they wanted her to co-host.

The couple was over the moon, convinced they were about to become huge TV stars with their own series. Soon, they started filming, and the first episode of Flip or Flop aired in April of 2013.

The Show Was An Instant Success

Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The first episode aired on HGTV and became an instant success in the United States. But it wasn't just the concept of the show people were falling in love with; it was also the concept of Tarek and Christina.

It was obvious the two had chemistry, making the show that much more fun and enjoyable to watch. They worked so well as a team; it was hard to imagine any sort of arguing going on behind the camera.

Tarek Found The Properties While Christina Picked Out Decor

Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

While Tarek and Christina worked together on the show, they were in charge of different aspects. Tarek would go around looking for the properties they'd renovate on Flip or Flop, working on the homes himself when the time came.

Then, it was up to Christina to go out and purchase furniture and other decorations while making sure everyone and everything was on schedule. The latter, not exactly an easy task and one that was stressful at times.

A Viewer Noticed Something Strange On Tarek's Neck

Noel Vasquez/Getty Images

Noel Vasquez/Getty Images

Everything was going perfectly for the El Moussa couple, and they couldn't have been happier. Both Tarek and Christina threw themselves into the television show, making it the best possible program they could.

Unfortunately, they were about to get a cold dose of reality in the form of a registered nurse named Ryan Reade. After watching one of the Flip or Flop episodes, Reade noticed something of concern on Tarek's neck. It troubled Reade to the point he decided to write the network.

Tarek listened to his team and decided to get his neck looked at by a doctor.

Tarek Listened To The Nurse And His Production Team

Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Discovery Channel

Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Discovery Channel

The lump in Tarek's neck was a cause for concern for the registered nurse. So, he decided to write the producers of Flip or Flop. The team took the letter seriously, speaking to Tarek and Christina about the nurse's concerns.

They were fully aware of the lump, but it wasn't causing Tarek any discomfort or pain. They left it alone. However, after reading Reade's letter and listening to the producers, Tarek decided to see a medical professional.

Their Worst Fears Came True

Michael Bezjian/Getty Images for The American Cancer Society

Michael Bezjian/Getty Images for The American Cancer Society

Tarek admitted to the doctor that he had been having issues with his throat for a few years, but never thought much of it because he was in otherwise good health. Nonetheless, the doctor brought in the TV host and ran some tests.

He wound up confirming what the couple feared, Tarek had thyroid cancer. And, after going through some more tests, it was confirmed the disease had spread to other parts of his body.

Flip Or Flop Was Put On Hold

Anne Cusack/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

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Anne Cusack/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Of course, Christina did her best to stay positive, caring, and supportive during this hard time in her husband's life. But she was scared. They had just had a daughter together, and now she was afraid Taylor was going to grow up without her father.

And if that wasn't enough, the Flip or Flop production team decided to put the show on hold so Tarek could rest, and Christina could be there for her family.

It Was A Long Road To Recovery

Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images

Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images

It was a long road of migraines, nausea, and trying to raise a young daughter. So much so that the stress of everyday life began to take a toll of the couple, distancing them from one another.

Then, they got fantastic news. The treatment had worked, and Tarek was clear to begin working once again! It seemed as though their life as back on track. So much so that the El Moussa's decided to try for baby number two.

They Weren't Communicating

Noel Vasquez/Getty Images

Noel Vasquez/Getty Images

Once again, they had trouble getting pregnant, having to resort to In Vitro fertilization. It worked but classified Christina as a high-risk pregnancy. So, she was unable to go back to work, go on walks, or even lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk.

In the end, it paid off, and they welcomed a son, Brayden. And what should have been a happy occasion, left the couple separated and not communicating, even though Christina was now back at work.

Something happened in 2016 that led fans to believe things were happening behind the scenes with the couple's marriage.

The Incident

Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

Even so, everything in the El Moussa's lives seemed to be perfect. But, in May of 2016, an incident happened that left many thinking there was more going on with the couple behind the scenes.

That day, a helicopter was circling the Flip or Flop hosts' house with 11 police cruisers parked along the road and an ambulance on the way. People could only speculate what had happened behind closed doors that required all of those people!

It Was A Misunderstanding

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

As it turned out, Tarek had gone into his safe, grabbing his gun and sticking it into his backpack in front of a few people. He then left the house, headed towards a hiking trail, and no one could find him.

Everyone was afraid he was going to take his own life, but as it turned out, according to Tarek, he was being cautious. In an interview with People, he said it was a misunderstanding, and he was just protecting himself against wild animals.

Rumors Spread That Tarek Was Having An Affair

gotpap/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

gotpap/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

But that wasn't the only incident that was coming to light about the "perfect couple." TMZ reported that Tarek was spending an awful lot of time with their nanny, Alyssa, even though he and Christina publicly announced that their marriage was back on track.

In response, Christina forbid Tarek from spending time with Alyssa while she was working for them. His response: fire her so they could spend more time together. It's assumed they split not long after since they stopped being spotted together.

In 2016, They Separated

Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Fans weren't sure what to make of Tarek and Christina's marriage. Then, in December of 2016, the news they've been waiting for was released. The Flip or Flop couple was separating. In a statement the two released to US Weekly, they explained that they weren't getting a formal divorce.

They said they "had challenges in [their] marriage" and wanted to "re-evaluate the future of [their] marriage." So, now it was a waiting game to see what would happen.

They Filed For Divorce In 2017

Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images

Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images

The separation didn't last long, and only a month later, in January of 2017, the two filed for divorce. Thankfully, for fans, the two seemed to have an amicable split. And, during an interview with ABC, Christina chalked it up to them wanting to co-parent their children in a civil manner.

But there was a lot more that went into the split than fans initially thought. It seemed as though a lot went on behind their closed doors.

A Few Things Affected Their Marriage

Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images

Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images

As it turned out, the cancer diagnosis had way more of an effect on their marriage then anyone knew. Tarek wasn't himself, being irritable, tired, and fluctuating weight due to his hormone medication.

On top of not discussing the situation with anyone, the couple began to drift. Taking into consideration this lasted three years, it's no surprise they had a hard time bouncing back to who they used to be as a couple. They had stopped communicating.

They Stopped Communicating After Their Son's Birth

Instagram

Instagram

But Tarek's health wasn't the only thing that drove a wedge between the El Moussa's. Christina's pregnancies also had a harsh effect on them, as she was unable to get pregnant easily and had a miscarriage before becoming pregnant with their son.

Christina also thought it was a mistake for her to go back to work only four weeks after their son's birth. At this point, she and Tarek were so closed off they were driving separate cars to the Flip or Flop set.

Another factor that was rumored to be hurting their marriage was Christina's spending habits.

Mo' Money Mo' Problems

Greg Doherty/Getty Images

Greg Doherty/Getty Images

According to a few sources, money was a huge issue between the couple as well. While Tarek was happy saving, Christina enjoyed to finer things in life, developing a sort of shopping habit her husband didn't appreciate.

But there was also the fact that a few people accused the couple of not paying them, such as Jonathan Schmier, a contractor who was, supposedly, owed $5,000 for every house he found for the couple to flip. He never saw the money.

Fans Didn't Know Who The Co-Hosts Truly Were

HGTV

HGTV

With so many stories buzzing around tabloids, newsrooms, and even the couple's social media, it was hard to figure out what exactly happened to make the once-beloved duo split. But, if anything can be concluded, its that fans really didn't know who The Flip or Flop co-hosts were.

Were they putting up a facade for the public? As one of their neighbors put it, the El Moussa's were living in "the ultimate house of horrors."

It Was Christina's Fault....Maybe?

Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Lakewood Center

Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Lakewood Center

Often times, Tarek and Christina would scream at one another, accusing the other of cheating, keeping secrets, and spying. A neighbor said it would go on all day and night, with the result being them posting cute messages to each other online.

As it turned out, the couple was living the ultimate double life. And behind the camera was no different. Often, Christina would change her mind on a project, expecting Tarek to accommodate her ideas even though they were on a timeline.

News Articles Were Telling Conflicting Stories

HGTV

HGTV

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With all of their so-called marital issues coming to light, fans still weren't sure what to believe. Everything sounded more like rumors than anything, especially when it came to their neighbor's testimony. And then there were sources saying Tarek blamed Christina for everything.

It went as far as saying Tarek wanted to keep everything out of the media, and Christina brought it upon herself to leak personal information. Obviously, Tarek thought it was her way of ruining his reputation.

One thing is for sure, both are better off in their new lives. Their "after" story is coming up soon

Witnesses Say Tarek Had A Temper On-Set

HGTV

HGTV

Then there came articles claiming it was all Tarek's fault! The reports stated the host had a short fuse, often yelling at Christina and calling her harsh names in front of people on the set of Flip or Flop.

But then one claim came out stating that HGTV knew about the couple's marital issues but pressured them to make it seem like nothing was wrong. They believed the show was nothing without the two of them at the helm.

Christina Re-Married

Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

There were even rumors that Christian was having an affair with a former contractor Gary Anderson, as he stayed with her while people were searching for Tarek during the "gun incident." And it was a text between the two that allegedly set his off.

Regardless, the two finalized their divorce in 2019, keeping their Flip or Flop empire running. Christina went on to marry a British television personality, Ant Anstead.

Christina And Ant Welcome A Son

Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Discovery Channel

Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Discovery Channel

In March 2019, Christina announced that she was pregnant with her third child. She and Ant welcomed their son Hudson on September 6, 2019. Ant also has two children from a previous marriage.

Christina told PEOPLE, "It's so amazing that we get to raise a Chrtogether. All of the kids are so excited. I love all of the fun chaos and a full house. I always thought I would only have two, and now I'll have five!"

Christina And Ant Split A Year Later

JB Lacroix/GC Images

JB Lacroix/GC Images

Just one year after welcoming their son, Christina announced that she and Ant were separating after two years of marriage. In September 2020, Christina shared on Instagram, "Ant and I have made the difficult decision to separate. We Are grateful for each other and as always, our children will remain our priority."

The split follows a long period of time Ant wasn't able to see his two eldest children due to COVID-19, as they live in the UK.

Tarek Foud Love Unexpectedly

Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

Tarek wasn't expecting any new whirlwind romance for himself. But then Heather Rae young walked into his life. After only one year of dating, Tarek popped the question, asking Young to be his wife while the two were on a boating trip to Catalina Island, California.

The HGTV star dressed in a tuxedo lined the beach with flower petals and flickering candles and got down on one knee, presenting an eight carat, colorless, emerald-cut diamond engagement ring to Young. She said, yes!

Another HGTV relationship that fell apart, keep reading for the heartbreaking reason why Jonathan Scott and Jacinta Kuznetsov decided to split up.

They Seemed Like A Perfect Match

JB Lacroix/WireImage

JB Lacroix/WireImage

Jonathan Scott and Jacinta Kuznetsov appeared to be the perfect couple for their fans. They look great together. and showed their audience what it means to build a relationship and how to treat one another.

While fans were eagerly waiting for the day that the two would wed, they heard the heartbreaking news about their breakup. Although many people were confused by their decision, it turns out that there are some details about Scott's past that might answer some questions.

Missing A Love Life

Instagram/MrSilverScott

Instagram/MrSilverScott

For some time, Jonathan's smiling face and charisma were plastered on television screens and magazine covers. He’s attractive, successful, and has a magnetic personality. The biggest question that all of his fans had on their minds was, why was he single? He was an eligible bachelor without a doubt.

It seems logical that he should have swooped up by a girl the second he stepped in front of the camera, but that wasn’t the case. Was he waiting for the right one? There were so many questions that needed to be answered.

Meeting A Special Girl

Instagram/Cintakuzy

Instagram/Cintakuzy

Finally, love struck at a charity event in the fall of 2015. Although he was having a great time just being there, Jonathan noticed a cute blonde from across the room and couldn't take his eyes off of her. He was distracted, to say the least. He became infatuated with the girl and couldn’t keep himself from looking for her during the event.

She was already at a charity event, so that says something about her character. He finds her attractive, she clearly has her morals straight… what more could he want?

But how could he break the ice with this mystery girl?

Was She The One?

Instagram/MrSilverScott

Instagram/MrSilverScott

Unfortunately, the timing just wasn't right just then. However, they did manage to bump into each other on a separate occasion. It was there that Jonathan began to learn more about the girl that left him stunned the night of the charity event. But of course, he still wanted to know more about this mystery girl.

Luckily, he found out that her name was Jacinta Kuznetsov, so the question was, what would his next move be? She didn’t have a glass slipper so he could find her, but she did have an Instagram account.

What was he going to say?

Figuring It Out

Pinterest

Pinterest

For Jonathan, contacting a woman like Jacinta and casually asking her out wasn't Jonathan’s style. He felt that wasn’t how someone of his standing should approach dating. But what other choices did he have? He was driving himself crazy over it.

Even though he knew her social media account, it took Jonathan a long time to decide whether to talk to her or not. Still, months passed by and all he could do was look at her picture longingly. Finally he mustered up all of his courage and decided to take a risk.

But how was she going to respond to him?

Not As Successful As Planned

Instagram/MrSilverScott

Instagram/MrSilverScott

To Jonathan's astonishment, she said yes! Together, they made plans and went out on their first date. Jonathan was ecstatic, but he needed a way to find more information about her to make the date as great as possible. However, to his misfortune, the date did not go as plan, in fact, it totally failed.

While they were out on their date, he was asking a lot of questions trying to get to know her better and even started asking questions that were a little too personal. His plan completely backfired and she grew uncomfortable and told him that he was asking the worst questions. He was completely taken off guard.

The entire situation seemed doomed.

A Second Chance

YouTube

YouTube

Luckily for Jonathan, that wasn't the end. After all those months of thinking about her and summoning the courage to ask her out, he wasn’t just going to give up, even though it did blow up in his face. He had to plan what to do next. After he realized how little she liked him, he acted quickly.

He apologized with all of his heart and boldly asked for what he called a "do-over" and even asked if perhaps they could get together the following night. TV star or not, things weren’t looking too great for the real estate agent.

What did she reply?

Take Two

Getty Images

Getty Images

Luckily for Jonathan, Jacinta said yes and agreed to give Jonathan another chance. However, on one condition, that he stops bombarding her with so many questions. She also apologized and said that maybe she had been a little hard on him originally and that she'd watch how she acted as well.

For the most part, the majority of women wouldn’t be so kind as to give Jonathan a second chance. But Jacinta made the right decision in doing so. Before the date, Jonathan had some self-reflection and decided he was to be himself. The date ended up going splendidly.

But would it last?

And Off They Go

Instagram/MrSilverScott

Instagram/MrSilverScott

For Jonathan and Jacinta, the second date turned into a third date, then another, and another, until eventually, Jonathan found himself in the relationship of his dreams. He couldn't believe how lucky he was and was proud of himself for being persistent. He had everything he could want from a television show and now an amazing girlfriend.

At first, the couple went slow, getting to know each other, and enjoying each others’ company. They kept their relationship hidden, for the most part, considering Jonathan’s celebrity status.

But they couldn't keep their relationship a secret forever!

Becoming Official

Instagram/MrSilverScott

Instagram/MrSilverScott

After telling the public that they were officially a couple, fans couldn't get enough of them. Finally, television’s most eligible bachelor was officially taken! The two began to let the world know by posting on social media and sharing Instagram posts, and their followers couldn’t get enough.

For many fans, their relationship was a dream come true for Jonathan and his new love. Just when people were beginning to question his happiness, he showed the world that he had found the girl of his dreams.

Things were about to take an exciting turn for the couple!

And Action!

Instagram/MrSilverScott

Instagram/MrSilverScott

It was only a matter of time before Jacinta found herself on Jonathan's television show. She joined Property Brothers and made recurring appearances, winning the hearts of Jonathan’s fans all over the world. Their relationship appeared so perfect that fans were demanding more of Jacinta on the show.

At the same time, Jonathan’s brother, Drew, fell in love with a girl named Linda Phan. Linda also made appearances on Property Brothers alongside Jacinta. During that time, everyone was happy and in love.

But then, something peculiar happened.

A Romantic Vacation

Popsugar

Popsugar

In December 2016, Jonathan took his love Jacinta on a romantic getaway to the island of Maui. As they enjoyed their time outside of Canada during the wintertime, people began to wonder if this would be the place that Jonathan would pop the question to Jacinta, and ask her to marry him. After all, it would be the perfect place for a proposal!

Even though the two had only known each other for two years, everyone agreed that they were meant for each other. As more and more pictures of the couple began to appear on fans' Instagram feeds, everyone was waiting for a proposal picture to appear.

Maybe Next Time!

Instagram/MrSilverScott

Instagram/MrSilverScott

Even though the two enjoyed a romantic getaway in Hawaii, Jacinta returned back to Canada without a ring on her finger! Fans were confused because it would have been the perfect place for a wedding proposal. The fans could now do nothing but wait.

All of the signs were pointing towards marriage, and in an interview, Jonathan made it known that he was looking to get married and have children. Although the two had only been together for a short period of time, everyone was beginning to wonder what was taking so long.

Not On The Same Page

tvovermind.com

tvovermind.com

As time went on, the couple's relationship seemed to evolve. During that time, Jonathan even went back on some of his previous statements that he had said about marriage. However, after his interview, he went on record saying that he and Jacinta wanted to take things slowly.

He pointed out that he and Jacinta had only been dating for a short period of time in comparison to most people. Jonathan’s mixed messages continued to confuse fans and aided in fostering even more rumors about the couple.

This made people wonder, did something happen that we're all missing?

Behind The Scenes

Pinterest

Pinterest

During that time, Behind the scenes of Property Brothers, Jonothan's brother Drew became engaged to his long-term girlfriend Linda Phan. So, instead of getting their own place, Linda and Drew decided to move in with Jonathan in his house in Las Vegas. This was a rather unusual living situation with a married couple living with another sibling.

However, things got even crazier! Jacinta then moved in too! Two couples and two brothers were now sharing a roof in Las Vegas.

Fans were now convinced that it was only a matter of time before Jonathan got down on one knee.

Out Of Nowhere

Instagram/MrSilverScott

Instagram/MrSilverScott

Nobody saw this coming. In early April 2017, one Instagram post blew everyone's mind. Jonathan Scott posted a picture of he and Jacinta playing with baby elephants. Innocent, right? Yet, in the caption, Jonathan announced that the couple had called it quits.

The words were clearly written very delicately, and Jonathan ensured his fans that the decision was mutual between the two of them. But the announcement was so unexpected and sudden that it sent fans reeling.

What had happened? What was Jacinta's reaction?

Her Response

Instagram

Instagram

In response, Jacinta reposted what Jonathan had already written. Both of them spoke highly of each other with no clear signs of animosity towards each other. This was surprising, not just because of the breakup, but because it was such a clean separation between two huge celebrities.

For most people, it was refreshing more than anything. Jonathan claimed that the two of them would remain friends no matter what, and both had great things to say about the other person and their past.

So the real question was, what had happened?

Skeletons In The Closet

Frostsnow

Frostsnow

It turns out, Jonathan had a few skeletons in his closet. Although Jacinta knew about his secret, the rest of the world didn't. It was a part of his life that he chose to not share with the rest of the world and shocked all of his fans.

Apparently, Jonathan had been married before. He had met his previous wife, Kelsey Ully while he was working for WestJet. The two had dated for 5 years and were married for 2.

People then began to wonder, was this the reason why Jonathan was so hesitant to search for love?

Changing Times

Getty Images

Getty Images

Jonathan and Jacinta then both moved out of the house they were living in with Drew and relocated to Toronto, Canada. Drew and Linda stayed behind, which was healthy for the couple who finally got to spend some time alone together.

Although Jacinta might have been Jonathan's love of his life, it was his brother that had been his partner and confidant through thick and thin. Moving away from his brother, who had been such a big part of his life, proved to be incredibly hard on him.

But what about Jacinta?

Overexposure

Twitter

Twitter

In order to have a relationship with one of television's biggest stars, it meant that Jacinta had to give up much of her own personal life. She was now in the public eye and was always on her toes whether she was in front of the camera or being followed by paparazzi.

It’s believed that living, loving, and working with her celebrity boyfriend had become too much of her. Being part of the relationship, she even had to quit her own job in order to work for the Scott brothers as a member of the show.