Jesse and Michelle Lally's Relationship Faces Challenges During 'The Valley' Filming
Jesse Lally and Michelle Lally encountered relationship hurdles while working on the set of 'The Valley' series, leading to their eventual separation.
Tear Feature The Valley Stars Jesse Lally and Michelle Lally Separate After Nearly 6 Years of Marriage
Jesse Lally and Michelle Lally Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Rayni & Branden Williams of The Beverly Hills Estates
Jesse Lally and Michelle Saniei Lally, newcomers to The Valley, have decided to separate after being married for almost six years. They have not publicly discussed the reasons for their decision to take a break, but they were not seen together at The Valley premiere party at Jax's Studio City bar on Thursday, March 14.
Jesse and Michelle got engaged in November 2017 after dating for several years. They tied the knot at the Beaulieu Garden in California in October 2018. Their 3-year-old daughter Isabella Bunny was born in April 2020.
"It was really tough having our first child during the pandemic. We were in the middle of a lockdown with no nannies or grandparents to help out," Jesse shared with Us on Thursday. "It definitely put a strain on our relationship."
Jesse and Michelle are friends of Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright, who also star on The Valley. The Bravo spinoff follows the Vanderpump Rules alums in their suburban life with 2-year-old son Cruz and their local community of friends. Throughout season 1, which debuts later this month, Jesse and Michelle’s marriage struggles will be apparent.
Jesse teased to Us about a major storyline in the upcoming season. He mentioned that the focus will be on working on himself to become the best version possible. He also emphasized the importance of both partners evolving together in a relationship. Jesse believes that for a marriage to succeed, both individuals need to grow and adapt together.
Michelle mentioned that they had filmed The Valley "a while ago." She shared in an interview with Us on Thursday that people had told her, "When you watch the show, you’re going to realize how you guys actually are," because when you're in it, you don't always see it. She reflected on the experience, realizing, "Taking a step back and looking at myself, I’m like, ‘Oh wow. It’s obvious we have some marital issues.’"
The Valley Stars Jesse Lally and Michelle Lally Separate After Nearly 6 Years of Marriage
Jesse Lally and Michelle Saniel Lally Michael Simon/startraksphoto.com
Michelle emphasized the importance of authenticity, stating, "I want fans to know how real we were. We’re very authentic. We didn’t fake anything and we said if we’re going to do reality TV, we’re really going to open up our lives — the positive and the negative."
Marital issues are not uncommon among Valley couples. Brittany, 35, revealed in February that she had moved out and was taking some time apart from Jax.
"We want to make it clear that we are separated. Despite this, we believe in the possibility of co-parenting, running businesses, and maintaining a positive relationship," Jax, 44, shared with Us on Thursday. "Not all divorces happen because of infidelity. Surprisingly, that was not the reason for our separation. Currently, we are simply not communicating with each other, and that's the extent of it."
When contacted for a comment, they did not respond immediately.
The Valley premieres on Bravo Tuesday, March 19, at 9 p.m. ET and streams the next day on Peacock.
With reporting by Mike Vulpo
Editor's P/S:
The separation of Jesse Lally and Michelle Saniei Lally after six years of marriage is a poignant reminder of the challenges that couples face in modern relationships. The pandemic, with its isolation and lack of support, has exacerbated the strain on their relationship. Their decision to share their struggles on The Valley, a reality TV show, reveals their commitment to authenticity and transparency. It also highlights the importance of seeking professional help when needed, as they have both expressed a desire to work on themselves and their relationship.
The article also sheds light on the prevalence of marital issues among Valley couples. Brittany Cartwright's separation from Jax Taylor is another example of the challenges that couples face in this community. However, it is encouraging to note that they are committed to co-parenting and maintaining a positive relationship. This suggests that even in the face of separation, couples can prioritize the well-being of their children and work towards a mutually beneficial outcome.
