Amanda Teague thought her marriage to a 300-year-old pirate was forever – but when he turned nasty, she had to give up the ghost
When Closer last spoke to medium Amanda Teague a year ago, she was enjoying life as a newlywed – with a difference.
For, incredibly, the bride claimed to be happily married to the ghost of a 300-year-old pirate named Jack.
However, she now reveals that just three months after tying the knot, she became seriously ill and was hospitalised. And Amanda now believes it was “evil” Jack who made her sick – and in January 2018 the couple split up after Amanda had him exorcised.
Amanda, 46, from Belfast, says, “I thought Jack and I would be together forever. But just months after getting hitched I suffered a string of health problems, and even needed surgery.
“Another medium told me that Jack was in fact an evil spirit, feeding off my energy. I had no choice but to end it with him. I miss him and he was a great lover, but I had to put myself first.”
Mum-of-five Amanda first felt Jack’s ghostly presence in March 2015, while lying in bed. The pair got chatting, and he explained that he was a Haitian pirate, who’d been executed 300 years ago.
Amanda says, “We’d talk for hours. I started developing romantic feelings for him and, as a ghost, Jack could sense it." In January 2016, he asked me to marry him.
“I’d never heard of a spiritual marriage before, but after researching online I learned that they were popular in Haiti, where Jack is from.
“When I told my children, they were curious, but very open-minded, and my eldest daughters agreed to be bridesmaids.”
Amanda says after getting engaged they had sex two to three times a week.
She says, “A lot of people don’t understand how you can have sex with a ghost, but we were so connected that I could feel his every movement, even if I couldn’t see him. He could touch me intimately, and was a great lover.”
The pair got married on a boat, with Jack saying his vows through a medium.
Amanda says, “I wore an 18th century style dress with a corset top, and carried a pirate flag to represent Jack. We had a huge reception with all our family and friends, and other spirits who Jack knew from his previous life.
“After the wedding, we were like any other newlyweds. I moved to the coast, as Jack likes to be near by the sea, and we’d go on romantic strolls along the beach. On Valentine’s Day, we went for a curry. The staff did look a bit confused when I asked for a table for two, but I didn’t care.
“But two months later, I developed flu-like symptoms, and pain near my bum. I was in so much pain that I called an ambulance. At hospital I was diagnosed with a perianal abscess – a collection of pus near the back passage. It was so severe that I was given intravenous antibiotics.
“At the time, Jack was loving and supportive – I had no idea it was anything to do with him.”
In the months that followed, Amanda was in and out of hospital. She says, “As soon as I thought I was recovering, the abscess came back and I needed antibiotics again.
“I noticed that whenever Jack and I had sex, the abscess seemed to get worse, but I put it down to coincidence.
“By November 2016, I’d also developed psoriasis and my periods had stopped. I spent most of my time in bed, and I was completely miserable.”
Then, in May 2017, Amanda decided she wanted to move back to Belfast – which caused an argument with her husband.
Amanda says, “We had a huge row, and stopped speaking for a couple of weeks. During that time, my health seemed to improve. But when Jack and I reconciled – and had sex – the abscess came back, worse than ever.
“I went to hospital where doctors told me I had contracted life-threatening sepsis and needed to have emergency surgery.
“Thankfully, the surgery was a success – but I knew I could no longer ignore the connection between Jack and my ill health.
“I knew I was too attached to Jack to see the situation clearly so I went to see a medium who said Jack was an evil spirit, using me as an energy source to stay in this realm, rather than moving on to the afterlife.
CHECK OUT the celebs who split in 2019
CLOSER Celebrity breakup 2019 - slider USE THIS ONE
1 of 45Darren Day and Stephanie Dooley
In August 2019 it came to light that Darren Day and his wife Stephanie Dooley had secretly split - two years after renewing their wedding vows. A spokesperson for the couple told Hello! magazine: "Stephanie and Darren separated back in October 2018. "It is a personal matter that they have chosen to deal with privately. There was nobody else involved on either side."The pair tied the knot in 2007 and are parents to three children; they share Madison and Dalton and the CBB star is a dad to Corey (from a previous relationship with Suzanne Shaw). Stephanie is also a mum to her son Jordan (from a former relationship).
2 of 45Gabby Allen and Myles Stephenson
Gabby Allen and Myles Stephenson have reportedly split after the Love Island star caught her boyfriend messaging other women. A source told The Sun: "Gabby suspected Myles had been messaging a girl a while ago, but he told her that one of his mates had used his Instagram account."Then when they were meant to be having space apart, Gabby caught him red-handed. She immediately ended the relationship."The pair first started dating in September 2018, months after she dumped Marcel Somerville for cheating.
3 of 45Maya Jama and Stormzy
Maya Jama and Stormzy decided to call it a day after four years together in order to focus on their careers. "Yes, I can confirm the relationship has ended and Maya has separated from Stormzy," said Maya's rep.
4 of 45Sam Claflin and Laura Haddock
Hunger Games actor Sam Claflin and his wife Laura Haddock announced they've split six years after tying the knot. In a statement on Instagram, they wrote: "Laura and I have decided to legally separate. "We will move forward with nothing but love, friendship and a deep respect for one another whilst we continue to raise our family together."We won't be commenting on this further. Thank you in advance for your support and respecting our privacy at this time. Both of us x".
5 of 45Harley Brash and Chris Taylor
Harley Brash and Chris Taylor became the first Love Island couple to split. They reportedly called it quits just two weeks after they left the villa.
6 of 45Chanelle Hayes and Ryan Oates
Big Brother star Chanelle Hayes has split from her ex-boyfriend Ryan Oates following his alleged 'vile behaviour'. They previously split in 2017, just three months after welcoming their son Frankie into the world.
7 of 45Gareth Gates and Faye Brookes
Gareth Gates and Faye Brookes called off their engagement in August following a seven year on-off relationship.They split briefly in September 2018, before Gareth proposed in January in New York.
8 of 45Lily Allen and Meridan Dan
Singer Lily Allen announced she'd split from her boyfriend Meridan Dan after a three-year relationship. She admitted on the How To Fail With Elizabeth Dan podcast: "I've always had a boyfriend. "I don't at the moment. I'm single for the first time since I was about 15."
9 of 45Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid
Last year Zayn and Gigi left fans devastated when they announced they'd split but a few days later they were spotted back together again. In conclusion: watch this space. However after it appeared that the pair didn't spend New Year's together, everyone was left wondering whether they'd split and according to Us Weekly they have.A source told the publication: "They're done. They could get back together, but it's over for now."
10 of 45Tanya Burr and Jim Chapman
Youtubers Tanya Burr and Jim Chapman, who were thought to have a joint net-worth of around £4m, split in March after four years of marriage. "Just wanted to let you all know that a few weeks ago Jim and I made the painful decision to no longer be together," said Tanya in a statement on her Instagram."We have a huge amount of love and respect for each other and will continue to remain friends forever."
11 of 45Megan Barton Hanson and Wes Nelson
Megan Barton Hanson and Wes Nelson split after a well publicised row following Wes's debut on Dancing on Ice, where he's paired with professional skater Vanessa Bauer.Despite a scathing social media take down, Megan was still in the audience cheering Vanessa and Wes on after the split.
12 of 45Kaz Crossley and Josh Denzel
Sob! Hot on the the heels of Megan and Wes, Love Island coupleKaz Crossley and Josh Denzel announced an amicable split on Kaz's instagram."Sometimes things don't go the way you planned, but you have to be grateful for the journey."Thank you for everything especially showing me how to love myself again ❤ufe0f".
13 of 45Nicola Thorpe and Charlie de Melo
You know what they say – don't mix business with pleasure. This Corrie workplace romance wasn't to last as Nicole Thorpe – who plays Nicola Rubinstein – and Charlie de Melo – who plays Imran Habeeb – announced their break up just ten months after going public.
14 of 45Michael Parr and Isabel Hodgins
Micheal and Isabel, who first met while they both worked on Emmerdale, split after three years together. It was reported that clashing work commitments after Michael left the soap to crack America was the cause.
15 of 45Adam Collard and Zara McDermot
The third Love Island couple to fall victim to the break up in 2019, Zara and Adam parted waysafter Adam went on a wild night out with his fellow Love Island lads, Jack Fincham and Sam Bird."Sometimes in life, you just aren't enough for someone; no matter what you do for them or how much you try to be," said Zara."For everyone asking if I'm ok, I don't know that I am. But I know that soon I will be. I will be strong and prove to myself that I can get through this."
16 of 45Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson
It's safe to say that Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson had a rocky relationship after it came to light that he had cheated on her while she was pregnant with their first child together. Despite his unfaithfulness, she allowed him to be present when she gave birth and the pair seemed to have moved on from his infidelities. However in February 2019, gossip page Hollywood Unlocked reported that there were allegations that the basketball player cheated with Kylie Jenner's best friend Jordyn Woods. Khloe and her baby daddy have now split.
17 of 45Lady Gaga and Christian Carino
Lady Gaga and Christian Carino called time on their engagement and relationship just four months after he proposed to the pop star. Her representative confirmed the news to People magazine and a source told the publication: "[It] just didn't work out."
18 of 45Gemma Collins and James 'Arg' Argent
Gemma kicked Arg out of her Essex home after he shared an unflattering video of her snoring on his social media.But 'LO! The couple were back together enjoying a romantic mini-break to Paris just days after the scandal, with Arg revealing she regularly changes the locks to her Essex home when the two of them argue.To add insult to injury, Arg did not take the turn of events well and unleashed a horrible spate of insults on the Dancing in Ice star.You are a fat joke of a woman. An absolute car crash! You're nearly 40 fucking years old, you embarrassment," he said. Gemma asked her on-off boyfriend of seven years to "please leave my home today".But he continued: "You fat horrible lump. Nasty mean woman. Who the f--k do you think you are? You've got more rolls than Greggs."They've since reunited... stay tuned.
19 of 45Rita Ora and Andrew Garfield
Despite stepping out publicly with the Spiderman actor in November last year, Rita and Andrew have kept their romance under wraps. But in March it was revealed by an insider that "Andrew split up with her recently and it's been hard going as they had spent a lot of time together."They spent Christmas together and she thought things were going well between them. She's cut up about the situation."
20 of 45Stacey Dooley and Sam Tucknott
Stacey Dooley split from her long term boyfriend Sam Tucknott just months after winning 2018's Strictly Come Dancing. Sources blamed her busy rehearsal schedule and close friendship with professional dance partner Kevin Clifton for the breakdown of their relationship.
21 of 45Jacquline Jossa and Dan Osbourne
Jacqueline reportedly kicked Dan out of the family home after he was accused of getting very intimate with Love Island's Alexandra Cane on a night out in Manchester in March.Both stars' reps claimed that nothing happened, and a spokesperson for Dan said that he was moving out "temporarily" to help his nan clear her house.
22 of 45Melinda Messenger and Chris Harding
Despite appearing on Loose Women together in November and looking the ultimate picture of happiness, Melinda and her boyfriend Chris, who she met on Celebrity First Dates last year, split. According to a source, the relationship broke down after just one argument. And it didn't take long toturn sour.
23 of 45Ulrika Jonsson and Brian Monet
After 11 years of marriage, Ulrika Jonsson and Brian Monet called time on their relationship. The TV presenter and American advertising executive had marriage counselling but unfortunately things didn't work out. Ulrika told Best magazine: "You can only resolve problems with another person."If I'm honest, getting another divorce age 51 is not where I thought I would be, so who knows? I just don't know what shape my future will take."I can't contemplate dating again. Then again, I've said I will never marry again before, and I did."The pair are parents to their son Malcom, 10, in 2014 Brian adopted Ulrika's daughter Bo, 18, (from her previous relationship with Markus Kempen) and the presenter is a mum to Cameron, 24, from her former marriage to John Turnball.
24 of 45Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer
Love Island 2018 winners Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer called it quits in April 2019. The pair won the nation over during their time on the ITV show and many thought they'd live happily ever after however before Christmas they hit a rough patch and split. There were a lot of questions when they reunited just weeks before they hosted the NTAs red carpet together and their Love Island spin off show aired on TV. Despite their reunion, Dani moved out of their shared home and it wasn't long until Jack confirmed on Instagram that they "aren't meant to be".
25 of 45Adele and Simon Konecki
After seven years together Adele and her husband Simon Konecki confirmed they'd split. A spokesperson for the singer said: "Adele and her partner have separated."They are committed to raising their son together lovingly. As always they ask for privacy. There will be no further comment."
26 of 45Susanna Reid and Steven Parish
Good Morning Britain co-host Susanna Reid split from her boyfriend of six months Steven Parish in April, but insisted they remain good friends. "It's very sad, but they just couldn't make it work," a source told The Sun at the time. "They both work extremely hard and there wasn't enough time for romance."
27 of 45Ulrika Jonsson and Brian Monet
Ulrika filed for divorce from her husband of over ten years, Brian Monet, in May.Despite acting as step dad to Ulrika's five kids and having one of their own, Ulrika cited their sexless marriage as grounds for divorce."There's always one thing that tips you over the edge. There's just a moment where you suddenly realise you can't do it on your own," she told the Loose Women."I really believe in counselling. I have gone on my own because I felt like I was dealing with things on my own and found it really hard to cope."
28 of 45Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk
Bradley Cooper and his Russian model Irina Shayk ended their relationship in June, with a source citing conflicting work schedules as the reason. "They were living totally separate lives. If he was in LA, she's out of town, and if she was in town, he was out of town," they said.However, many have speculated that the split may have had something to do with Lady Gaga, who Bradley directed in last years smash A Star Is Born, and had undeniable on stage chemistry with.
29 of 45Danny Walters and Lily Smith
Danny Walters split from his long term girlfriend Lily Walters in June.The couple decided to go their separate ways after five years of dating, with a source telling The Sun, "Danny and Lily still have a lot of respect for each other, but want to spend time concentrating on their own goals."They're both really young and have a lot of growing to do separately, so felt it was best to try being single."However they still remain close and have a lot of respect for each other."
30 of 45Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin
Fifty Shades of Gray actress Dakota Johnson and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin split up in June after 18 months together. According to sources, they had been discussing future engagement plans before their split. However they've since reunited.
31 of 45Tyla Carr and Rossco Edmonds
Love Island star Tyla Carr confirmed that she and her baby daddy Rossco Edmonds split seven months after welcoming their son Archie.
32 of 45Alexandra Burke and Josh Ginnelly
Alexandra Burke is thought to have split from fiancé Josh Ginnelly, after holidaying in Italy without him and taking off her engagment ring. The couple successfully weathered her time in Strictly in 2017, but she's since moved on and is now dating footballe Angus MacDonald.
33 of 45Jade Thirlwall and Jed Elliot
Little Mix's Jade split from her boyfriend Jed Elliot from The Struts after three years ago, with a source blaming "clashing work schedules" but said the break up was "amicable".
34 of 45Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth confirmed their split in August after less than a year of marriage. The couple dated on and off for ten years, first becoming engaged in 2012 but calling things off a year later.
35 of 45Chloe Green and Jeremy Meeks
Topshop heiress Chloe Green was rumoured to have split from her boyfriend of two years, Jeremy Meeks (AKA hot felon) in August after she was spotted snogging polo player Rommi Gianni on her dad's super yacht.
36 of 45Jamie Foxx and Katie Holmes
The A list couple have split after six years together – just three months after their first ever red carpet appearance together at the Met Gala in May, with sources claiming the added pressure of going public pushed them apart.
37 of 45Chloe Brockett and Harry Lee
The TOWIE love birds called it quits following a whirlwind romance on the show, with Chloe taking to her Instagram stories to break the news to fans. "For all those asking. Me and Harry and no longer seeing eachother," she wrote. "I wish him nothing but the best but sometimes people just aren't compatible! Love, Chloe x".
38 of 45Amy Childs and Ritchie
Amy Childs split from the father of her second child, Ritchie, in August – less than a year after the birth. Her anonymous boyfriend was a businessman who had no interest in fame, and the couple were dating secretly for eight months before being spotted together on holiday.
39 of 45Sair Khan and Simon Lennon
Coronation Street actress Sair Khan, who plays Alya Nazir in the soap, has split from fellow actor Simon Lennon, citing clashing work commitments as the reason. Last year we watched as Sair was welcomed home from the Jungle by Simon, but sadly they've now called it quits.
40 of 45Emily Atack and Rob Jowers
Emily Atack reportedly split from her boyfriend of just six months, Rob Jowers, after a recent family holiday highlighted their differences.Presenting Singletown alongside Joel Dommett, it looks as though Em could be setting up home in Singletown herself.
41 of 45Tina Malone and Paul Chase
Tina Malone split from her toyboy husband Paul Chase, 19 years her junior, in October, after 11 years together.Taking to her Twitter Tina confirmed the split, saying "With great sadness I wrote this myself and Paul have split up after 11 yrs together!"The couple share seven year old daughter Flame.
42 of 45Charlotte Crosby and Joshua Ritchie
Charlotte announced her split from Josh in November after two years of dating, shortly after leaving her life in Newcastle to move to Josh's native Bolton. "Sadly the relationship seems to have broken down," she said. "Hoping we can still remain civil and wish him the best for the future."
43 of 45Lucy Spraggan and Georgina Gordon
X Factor star Lucy Spraggan announced her split from her wife of three years Georgina Gordon on social media in November. The couple fostered 12 children during their marriage and Lucy said they would remain friends.
44 of 45Rag 'n' Bone Man and Beth Ruoy
Rag 'n' Bone man split from his partner of 10 years Beth Ruoy in November after just six months of marriage. They share a two-year-old son. "He likes to keep a low profile so doesn't want to make a big deal out of it, but there are no explosive rows and he isn't likely to say anything about it," said a source.
45 of 45Matt Smith and Lily James
Dr Who and The Crown actor Matt Smith split from his model girlfriend Lily James in December after five years together. There's been allegations that their hectic schedules and Matt's friendship with his The Crown co-star Claire Foy were the reason."Things haven't been right for a while, and a few months ago they decided to finally end it properly," a source told The Sun."It has been difficult because they have many mutual friends, so hopefully it will all stay civilised. But for now the relationship is formally off."
WATCH Top tips you need to know when purchasing wine
“I told Jack immediately that I was leaving him. He was furious and threatened to kill me. This was proof to me that Jack wasn’t the loving man I thought he was.
“I was devastated. I was in love with Jack, but all along, he’d been using me for his own benefit.”
To banish her evil spirit husband, Amanda arranged for two Pagan priests to perform an exorcism at her house.
READ MORE real life news
She says, “An exorcism isn’t like what you see in horror movies. We dimmed the lights, and I sat in a chair as the priests chanted around me.
“Jack kept begging me to stop the exorcism, but I knew it had to be done. As soon as it was over I felt at peace.”
And Amanda says that since ending it with Jack, she’s returned to full health.
She says, “The abscess has gone, my skin has cleared up and my periods have come back. Doctors are stunned by my recovery.”
And she won’t be embarking on another ghostly relationship any time soon. She says, “I’m in the process of working out how to divorce him – I think I might have to declare myself a widow to cut that last tie to him.
“I’ve learnt my lesson. Spirits are best left in the other realm."
Read more real life in this week's Closer magazine, out now.