Main content
This programme is not currently available on BBC iPlayer

Millionaires' Ex-Wives Club

A look inside the world of super rich divorce when the mansions, the Rolls and the super yacht have to be split - and hundreds of millions of pounds are at stake.

When your husband is a multimillionaire, life can be something of a fairy tale, but when it all comes crashing down, it seems the bigger the money, the bigger the fight. This programme steps inside the world of high-profile divorce cases where millions of pounds are at stake, and London is the battleground

Here women are said to get the very best deal because, as divorce lawyer Jeremy Levison explains, a change in the law means the starting point is a 50-50 split. But for the men who have spent a lifetime building their fortunes, 'it can be a bitter pill to swallow,' says divorce lawyer Julian Lipson. The film follows two ex-wives who went into battle with their exes.

Michelle Young has clocked up 65 court hearings and 13 sets of lawyers in her battle with her ex-husband. And 11 years on, she still hasn't given up. Michelle spent 18 years with Scot Young, a property tycoon who made his first millions in the 80s - but whose real fortune came from being a fixer to oligarchs and Britain's super rich. The couple had two daughters together. Both Scot and Michelle had humble beginnings but went on to have a lavish lifestyle together but the end came in a shocking phone call, when it was claimed that Scot had not only lost his entire fortune overnight in a big property deal, but also had a breakdown - and was having an affair.

Lisa was married for nine years to multimillionaire Vivian Imerman. He made his first fortune from his fruit juice business before he married her. But Vivian then went on to make a second fortune of £250 million during the course of their marriage. When it came to the divorce, Lisa wanted a 50-50 split, and asked for £120m. But Vivian's first offer was for £2 million. So Lisa decided to fight. Lisa says it wasn't simply about the money though.

1 hour

Last on

Fri 1 Mar 201900:15

Music Played

  • Chocolococolo

    Stranger Lukas

Credits

RoleContributor
ExpertDavina Katz
ExpertJulian Lipson
ExpertDiana Parker
ExpertJeremy Levison
DirectorLynn Alleway
Executive ProducerKatie Bailiff
Production ManagerJane Nicholson
Production CompanyCentury Films Ltd

Broadcasts

  • Wed 17 Jan 201821:00
  • Mon 22 Jan 201823:15
  • Fri 23 Feb 201800:15
  • Sun 2 Sep 201822:00
  • Fri 1 Mar 201900:15