Peter Crouch has revealed why his wife of 15 years, Abbey Clancy, doesn’t use her married surname. Commonly known by her maiden name, Clancy, Woolton-born Abbey tied the knot with the former Liverpool FC striker in 2011, and the couple share four children, daughters Sophia Ruby and Liberty Rose and sons Johnny and Jack.
It turns out that, despite frequently using her original name, Abbey is, in fact, “legally” known as Crouch, according to Peter, who revealed that he’s sometimes been referred to as “Mr Clancy” by hotels in error.
He shared what he described as a “quite emasculating” experience during a chat on That Peter Crouch Podcast (January 28). In the episode, the topic shifted to men adopting their wives’ surnames.
It prompted Peter to shed light on why Clancy is used more often. He said: “Well, you know, it’s quite emasculating, I think, when… it certainly happens to me when I… sometimes, if I’ve booked a hotel.
“Oh, I’ll ring down and then, like, usually in a different country, and they’ll call me Mr Clancy. I’ve been called Mr Clancy on a few occasions. It’s not… I don’t like it at all. It makes me feel slightly… yeah, not great.”
It was then suggested that she “wouldn’t be Abbey Crouch,” and Peter clarified that she is “legally,” but “everyone just calls her Clancy.” When his co-star suggested that Clancy was “like a work name,” Peter noted that it meant people knew “who she was.”
A model by profession, Abbey attended St Mary’s Primary School and St Julie’s Catholic High School before starring in Britain’s Next Top Model in 2006, finishing as the runner-up. The 40-year-old now hosts The Therapy Crouch podcast alongside Peter.
In related news, Abbey took to Instagram to share a touching message marking her husband’s 45th birthday on January 30. She posted photos and wished him a “Happy Birthday.”
She wrote: “Happy birthday to my world @crouchy. We all adore you more than anything.”
Fans quickly responded in the comments with their own well-wishes. One said: “Happy birthday @crouchy. Enjoy your day, love your podcasts. Keeping it real and so funny xx.” A second added: “Best couple! Happy birthday Crouchy.” A third wrote: “Happy Birthday with your lovely family. Keep doing your fabulous podcast.”
Abbey has previously spoken on Good Morning Britain about the couple’s first meeting in 2005. She said: “When we first met, he begged me for my number, and then I went to the loo or the bar, and when I came back, he was talking to another girl. I was like, ‘How dare you?’”
Peter reportedly attempted to explain by insisting that he was “just talking,” but Abbey asked for her number back. He said: “You can’t give someone your number and then take it back.”