ITV Celebrity Catchphrase: Matt Dawson’s life from marriage to model ex and son’s meningitis ‘hell’ to his health battle

Matt Dawson’s rugby career may have propelled him towards fame but he is best known for his long-running appearance as team captain in sports quiz show A Question of Sport. He features alongside Tennis star Sue Barker as host and Cricket legend Phil Tuffnell as his rival captain. It’s been far from plain sailing for Matt, 49, who has dealt not only with his own health battle, but also a nightmarish ordeal following his son’s battle with meningitis.

Matt, who was born in Berkenhead, Mersyside and raised in Buckinghamshire, won 77 caps for England’s Rugby team and was part of the winning team in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. His career saw him take part in three international tours with England’s Rugby team and his media career spanned quiz shows, sport commentary for BBC Radio 5 Live and he also took part in Strictly Come Dancing.

READ MORE: ITV’S Celebrity Catchphrase: Shaun Williamson’s life from the circus performer ex, long lost son and his serious drinking problem

The former London Wasps player announced his split from his wife of 11 years, German-born ex-model Carolin Hauskeller, in September 2020. The couple have two sons together, Alex and Sami Dawson and Matt announced that they endeavour to remain friends and co-parent for their children.

Matt took to social media to share the news, he wrote: ‘We know this will be a surprise to most but after 11 years together Carolin and I have decided our relationship needs a new direction, bringing our marriage to an end. The love for our beautiful boys grows stronger day by day as does our friendship as co-parents.

”To our dear friends please continue to support us as positively as you can for the next stage of our lives. It’s vital that Alex and Sami understand that we will always be a united family.”

Four years before their split, Matt and his family endured an ordeal from ‘hell’ as their son Sami battled meningitis and underwent life saving surgery.

Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine two years after Sami’s battle, the couple told how they had been told by doctors to face the prospect that they could lose their son.

Carolin told Lorraine: “The way I coped was zoning that possibility out. I was told that he might not come home but it didn’t cross my mind after that.”

Matt shared the news via social media, he tweeted: “The 2 weeks of hell we’ve just had cos of Meningitis. Sami lucky due to amazing people @GreatOrmondSt #vaccinateNOW.

“I must also heap praise on @ChelwestFT [Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust] for their superb A&E and recognition of Sami’s disease. We’re indebted.

“I ask one favour. Please read and sign so fewer kids suffer.”

Matt has also faced his own health battle in recent years, after being bitten by a tick in a Chiswick park in West London 2015, he contracted Lyme Disease.

He noticed a rash on his back and went to receive a blood test at the same time he began developing heart symptoms.

The bacterial infection spread through his body and he was left needing heart surgery.

Matt went on to campaign to raise awareness following his health scare and told Radio 5 Live’s Chris Warbuton about ticks, he said: “They are so small, and yet they can be seriously debilitating.”

You can see Matt Dawson take on Stacey Dooley and Anthony Cotton in ITV’s Celebrity Catchphrase on Saturday February 19 at 6pm.

Want more news like this straight to your inbox? Subscribe to MyLondon’s FREE newsletters here.