Dec 22, 2008, 9:15 GMT
Ronnie Wood is spending Christmas in America to avoid his family.
Ronnie Wood is spending Christmas in America to avoid his family. EPA/ANDY RAIN
The Rolling Stones guitarist, who left his wife Jo for 20-year-old Russian waitress Ekaterina Ivanova in the summer, wants to avoid a family row during the festive season.
A source told Britain's Daily Express newspaper: "Ronnie has flown to Los Angeles. He doesn't want to get caught up in family feuds over Christmas. He thinks it's for the best for all concerned. Jo was a devoted wife and mother for so many years and the family have rallied round her since Ronnie's affair came out.
"He feels that if he was around for Christmas it would just cause too much trouble. So he'll be hanging out in Los Angeles instead."
Ronnie and Jo's children Leah and Tyrone - who have struggled to come to terms with the end of their parent's 23-year marriage - are spending Christmas with their mother in the UK.
Speaking about her festive plans, Jo said: "I've got 20 people coming over for late lunch. I'm going to be doing the cooking but I've got Leah and her husband Jack helping me too.
"We call Jack 'Captain Cuisine' and so the three of us get in the kitchen and we all do different things. So, I'll be cooking and slaving away in the kitchen. Everybody will be there. It'll be great."
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