LOVE, GRACE and CRICKET: Meet Daniella Lloyd – wife of England’s pace maestro James Anderson and his quietest cheerleader
Daniella Lloyd and James Anderson first crossed paths in a nightclub in London in 2004. A young Daniella, then studying to become a model and fresh from walking her first catwalk, spotted James who, in her own words, she “had never heard of” at the time. But the quiet man in the corner, in her recollection, seemed to have an air about him. It wasn’t long after that first encounter that their relationship began to take shape.
Getting serious: from meeting to marriage
Two years after meeting, James got down on one knee and the couple were married in Manchester in 2006.
They decided to set up their home in James’s hometown of Burnley, England. Daniella would move away from the bright lights of the fashion capitals and, in a way, transition from model to wife. She also spoke of the excitement of watching James play cricket at grounds across England, a much-loved hobby of the Andersons.
Daniella no longer a model: a new identity
Daniella describes herself on her Instagram bio as an “ex-model”. She had previously worked in the fashion industry as a professional model before their relationship.
Away from the former days of catwalks and fashion shoots, she is first and foremost wife of James and a mother to their two daughters. Daniella playfully refers to herself as a “cricket and golf widow” of her husband. Daniella provides the support for James, with her husband playing an elite level of sport, whether in cricket or golf.
Daniella as support and a key presence in James Anderson’s career
James Anderson is England’s all-time Test wicket-taker. Daniella is an important part of James’s cricketing journey and presence at matches. Daniella was a support system to James after he hinted at retirement in 2021, even accompanying him on tours.
Daniella is a key presence and source of support in his career. He credits Daniella when he contemplated hanging up his boots in 2021. He said, “A big reason I’m still playing is my wife.” Daniella and James with their two daughters, Lola Rose and Ruby Luxe Daniella and James have two daughters, Lola Rose and Ruby Luxe. They are currently aged 15 and 13, respectively, with the birth of Lola Rose in January 2009 and Ruby Luxe in December 2010. Daniella also shared that she and James experienced a miscarriage before their daughters were born.
Daniella and James’ wedding day
Daniella and James Anderson married in a ceremony in Manchester in 2006. Daniella and James share two daughters, Lola Rose and Ruby Luxe. The couple have maintained a relatively low profile since their early relationship, but Daniella has shared some insights into their home life in interviews and on social media.
In terms of interests, Daniella has mentioned in interviews her love for fashion, design and travel. Daniella and James have focused on supporting their daughters and allowing them to pursue their own interests and passions.
Fashion and design interest carryover from modelling to new ventures
Daniella and James had an interest in fashion and design outside of cricket and the catwalk. Daniella has spoken about James starting his own menswear line, The James Anderson Collection, in 2012.
In this way, Daniella still has an involvement in modelling and fashion in supporting her husband’s cricketing career. Daniella appeared at events supporting her husband and also had her own design and style company.
Looking ahead: next steps
As James Anderson is in the twilight of his England career, the former player is making the transition to life after cricket with appearances, coaching and other ventures. Daniella continues to be by her husband’s side. The coming years will be a new chapter for both her and James in their lives together.
Daniella and James will take the next steps of their life after England together. As James Anderson made his final England appearance in 2023, his life beyond cricket is a new chapter. Daniella remains as her husband’s partner and key support system moving forward.