A married couple who won £2.3 million (US$3 million) in the UK National Lottery have divorced after the wife began a relationship with one of the UK's richest men.

David and Victoria Jones won £2.3 million in 2004, having been married for a month, and used the money to set up a successful property portfolio in Devizes, Wiltshire.

Twelve years later, the pair said the lottery "ruined their lives" and that they wish they had never won.

Mrs. Jones, 41, who bought the winning ticket with the last pound coin in her purse, has reportedly left her husband for wealthy businessman Mike Clare — who sold bed retailer Dreams for £222 million in 2008.

Despite having bought a luxury home and a £70,000 sports car with their lottery winnings, Mrs. Jones said it was "one of the worst things that's ever happened to [her]".

"The stress it gives you in life and even 12 years down the line, I'm still classed as a lottery winner and it's horrible. It ruins your life. People treat you differently — it's just not a nice thing," she said.

Their relationship began to deteriorate on Boxing Day last year, when Mr. Jones, 41, said his wife announced she was leaving him.

But, during a make-or-break trip to Cape Verde in March, Mr. Jones claims he discovered his wife's affair with Mr. Clare after reading text messages exchanged between the two.

Mrs. Jones initially denied a relationship with the businessman, saying they were "just good friends".

But Mr. Clare — who now runs property firm Clarenco and is worth an estimated £260 million — yesterday confirmed the relationship, although he is still married to his wife of 37 years, Carol.

"I am seeing Victoria Jones. She didn't leave her husband for me," he said.

"We're not living together or anything like that, I'm seeing her. I'm quite friendly with my wife, I had a meeting with her yesterday.

"I haven't just seen Victoria. Everyone knows I've seen different girls and [my wife] is aware."

Mr. Clare, 61, is said to have separated from his wife in August and the Jones' are believed to be in the process of splitting their assets.

The couple are the latest in a series of partners to split after winning the lottery, dubbed the "lottery curse".

Les and Samantha Scadding split four years after winning £45.5 million in 2009 and Adrian and Gillian Bayford separated a year after their £148 million prize in 2012.

(Click to display full-size in gallery)Victoria (left) and Jason Jones won £2.3 million on the lottery just a month after getting married.

(Click to display full-size in gallery)Mike Clare has confirmed the relationship, despite still being married.