England rugby star George Ford's wife fled war-torn Kosovo as a four-year-old refugee before going on to build a successful restaurant business in Greater Manchester.
Atdhetare Hoxha, known as Addy, arrived in Britain in 1999 after her family's home was bombed during the Kosovo War.
They had lost almost everything and could not speak English.
More than 25 years later, she has built a successful career in hospitality, with husband George revealing that she was running four restaurants while raising their young daughter.
It is a remarkable journey from a childhood shaped by conflict to becoming a successful businesswoman.
"When we came here, we had nothing"
Atdhetare was just four when her family fled Kosovo in search of safety.
They eventually settled in Oldham, where her father began rebuilding their lives by working in restaurants.
Recalling their arrival in Britain, she said:
"I came here as a refugee aged four during the Kosovan War. We had a great life back home."
The family had previously enjoyed a comfortable life, but the conflict changed everything.
"When we came here, we had nothing."
Her father started working as a kitchen porter while learning English, inspiring his daughter's future career.
Although Atdhetare initially trained as a hairdresser, she eventually followed her family's passion for hospitality.
Building a restaurant empire
In 2020, Atdhetare opened Sorella, an Italian restaurant in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester.
It marked the beginning of a successful chapter in her career.
Her growing business interests became a major consideration when England international Ford committed his future to Sale Sharks.
Speaking about his decision to remain in the North West, Ford said:
"You don’t make a decision like this just on rugby, there’s loads more to consider."
The fly-half explained that his wife's demanding schedule and their family life had influenced his decision.
Ford has also praised her determination and willingness to help wherever needed.
Speaking to The Times about her work ethic, he joked:
"She is so hard-working."
The experienced international admitted that he and his brother Joe were far less useful when it came to helping in the restaurants.
George Ford opens up about life after rugby
Ford has also been preparing for his own future away from the rugby pitch.
The Sale Sharks fly-half has invested in hospitality and commercial property, recognising that his playing career will not last forever.
Speaking to Investec, Ford explained that financial planning had become increasingly important.
"I want to make sure that even when I do retire, I’m in a good position."
His business interests include Kobe Coffee, which he opened with his brother Joe in 2020.
Ford has also invested in commercial property to create additional income beyond rugby.
The England international has previously spoken about his ambition to move into coaching, but is determined to build financial security for his family.
Family comes first
Ford and Atdhetare married in 2022 before welcoming their daughter, Alarnia, in March 2024.
Fatherhood has given the experienced fly-half a new perspective on life.
Having represented England at three Rugby World Cups, Ford admitted that becoming a dad meant more than anything he had achieved on the pitch.
"I always thought playing for England was the biggest thing in my life, but I know different now."
His decision to remain at Sale has allowed him to stay close to his wife and daughter while continuing his international career.
For Atdhetare, the journey from arriving in Britain as a refugee to building a successful hospitality business has been extraordinary.
And with the couple continuing to plan for their future beyond rugby, their remarkable story is far from finished.
Gallagher PREM partners:
1. Finn Russell — Emma Canning
Bath and Scotland fly-half Finn Russell is married to former international heptathlete Emma Canning.
Canning represented Scotland and Great Britain in athletics before starting a family with the rugby star.
She previously found herself targeted by an online troll who suggested her biggest achievement was being in a relationship with a successful athlete.
Her response was short and sharp.
"Actually - there's room for two Scottish athletes in our relationship. Lol."
The comeback attracted plenty of attention, with Canning making it clear that her own sporting achievements deserved recognition.
The couple married in July 2026 and have two daughters together.
2. George Ford — Atdhetare Hoxha
Sale Sharks and England fly-half George Ford is married to restaurant entrepreneur Atdhetare Hoxha.
Her family fled war-torn Kosovo in 1999 when she was just four years old.
Their home had been bombed, forcing them to leave everything behind and rebuild their lives in Oldham.
Her father initially worked as a kitchen porter, inspiring Atdhetare to pursue a career in hospitality.
She opened her first Italian restaurant, Sorella, in Saddleworth in 2020 and went on to build a business operating four restaurants.
Ford and Atdhetare married in 2022 and welcomed their first child in 2024.
3. Freddie Steward — Madison Woan
Leicester Tigers and England full-back Freddie Steward has an unexpected connection to Premier League football.
His girlfriend, Madison Woan, is the daughter of former Nottingham Forest midfielder Ian Woan.
Her father spent a decade at Forest and later became a coach, working alongside Sean Dyche at Burnley and Everton.
Madison has also taken on an impressive challenge of her own.
She completed a trek across the Sahara Desert alongside her mother to raise money for the Rosie May Foundation, which supports vulnerable children and families.
The couple have also shared photographs of their travels together on social media.
4. Marcus Smith — Beth Dolling
Harlequins and England fly-half Marcus Smith is engaged to model and singer Beth Dolling.
The couple got engaged in July 2026, with Smith popping the question during a holiday in Sardinia.
Dolling has built a career in fashion, working with brands including PrettyLittleThing, Missy Empire and Rebellious.
She has also pursued a career in music, sharing singing videos and performances with her followers on social media.
The couple have been together since 2019, with Dolling regularly supporting Smith throughout his rise to international rugby.
5. Louis Rees-Zammit — Drew Knotts
Louis Rees-Zammit's relationship with American influencer Drew Knotts has attracted plenty of attention since the pair went public in 2025.
However, questions have recently emerged over whether the couple are still together.
Drew now lists Tampa as her base on Instagram, although the pair continue to follow each other on the platform.
Neither has publicly confirmed a breakup, and their current relationship status remains unclear.
6. Maro Itoje — Mimi Fall
Saracens and England captain Maro Itoje married model and artist Mimi Fall in 2025.
The couple celebrated their marriage with ceremonies reflecting their British and Nigerian backgrounds.
Mimi has built her own career in fashion and art, producing work inspired by culture and identity.
The pair have also attended several high-profile events together, including a Nigerian state banquet at Windsor Castle in March 2026.
In August, Itoje and Mimi announced they were expecting their first child.
They shared the news with photographs on Instagram, accompanied by the simple caption: "Mum & Dad."
7. Alex Coles — Jemima Sellicks
Northampton Saints and England forward Alex Coles is in a relationship with doctor Jemima Sellicks.
Sellicks has worked in internal medicine at Northampton General Hospital and has been identified as a member of the Royal College of Physicians.
While Coles has established himself as an England international and a key figure at Northampton, his partner has built an impressive career in healthcare.
The couple have largely kept their relationship away from the spotlight, although they have shared occasional glimpses of their life together.
Instagram embed: Alex Coles and Jemima Sellicks together.
8. Henry Slade — Megan Slade
Exeter Chiefs and England centre Henry Slade married his long-term partner Megan in August 2022.
Megan has been involved with children's clothing brand Olive & Bud, which was created to provide affordable clothing for young families.
The couple have three daughters together, with family life becoming increasingly important to the experienced centre.
Slade, who has lived with type 1 diabetes since his teenage years, has also spoken about his concerns that his children could develop the condition.
He has used his profile to raise awareness of diabetes and the importance of early screening.
9. Elliot Daly — Michelle Daly
Saracens and England back Elliot Daly married his long-term partner Michelle in 2021.
The couple have known each other since their school days, long before Daly established himself as an international rugby star.
Michelle studied at the London School of Photography and went on to establish her own photography business, Michelle Sylvia Photography.
Her work has included portraits and special occasions.
In 2024, Daly withdrew from England's summer tour of Japan and New Zealand to remain at home with Michelle ahead of the birth of their first child.
10. Tommy Freeman — Ashleigh Inwood
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The couple have shared glimpses of their life together on social media and have reportedly bought a home near Northampton.
Freeman has also joked about his close friendship with Saints teammate Fin Smith.
The pair spend so much time together that Freeman once suggested their girlfriends might think the two rugby stars preferred each other's company.
It offered a light-hearted insight into life away from the pitch for one of England's most exciting backs.
