SPE 33 TOG

POSH &

Watching their young children ice-skating in London last week, Victoria and David Beckham looked just like any other proud parents out enjoying the festive season with their family.

But behind the scenes, it seems Posh and Becks are fighting off new claims that they spent just 33 nights together in 2017 – and it’s been nearly six months since either of them posted a couple photo, raising even more eyebrows. Sources say the time apart can be attributed to their hugely successful and demanding careers, while numerous scandals have tested their marriage along the way. And with a new $52.7 million boost to her fashion business announced last month, it seems there could be even more time apart for the A-list couple – who are parents to four children – heading into 2018. ‘They both lead their hectic lives and rarely find time for each other,’ a source tells New Idea. ‘They are like ships that pass in the night. She went back through their schedules since the start of the year – and totted up that they have spent no more than about 33 nights together under the same roof. ‘Some days she is heading off to the airport just as David is arriving home from LA, New York, or wherever he has been on his latest jaunt. It can’t be good for their marriage.’

Adds the source: ‘And the way their diaries are filling out, it could be even worse next year.’

Last year David took the unusual step of admitting that ‘marriage is difficult’ – but says they’re determined to make it through the tough times.

‘Of course you make mistakes over the years, and we all know marriage is difficult at times, but it’s about working through it,’ he told the BBC. ‘Whenever we’ve come up against tough times, we know each other better than anyone knows us, so we talk.’

There’s no doubt that 2017 has been a very busy year for both their careers and family. Posh’s high-end fashion business is skyrocketing and has taken her throughout Asia, to New York, Paris and Europe – and with private firm NEO Investment Partners announcing a cash injection into her brand, things will only get busier for the former Spice Girl.

While David has been outspoken in his support for his fashion-tycoon wife – revealing he was ‘so proud’ of the 43year-old’s achievements – UK newspaper The Sun reported there had been a ‘growing gulf ’ between the couple.

David, meanwhile, has consulted on various business deals, reportedly making him more money than his lucrative soccer career ever did.