TV presenter and singer Kym Marsh has had to defend her relationship with Samuel Thomas after facing online scrutiny.
Over the weekend, Kym, 48, posted a photo on Instagram of herself and Samuel, 29, sharing a passionate kiss. In her caption, she wrote, “Met the most amazing man ever!”
She continued: “Sometimes the most unexpected things happen at the most unexpected times. @samuelthomasuk I love you #beautiful #soulmate #loveyou.”
While their age gap sparked a strong fan reaction, many of Kym’s fans were quick to send supportive messages in the comments section.
“I’m so happy for you Kym! You deserve all the happiness!!” wrote one, while a second noted: “Kym you deserve this more than anything” and a third chimed in: “Ahhhh!!!!! So so so pleased for you.” Responding to a negative comment, Kym was quick to pen: “Do one.”
Meanwhile, her beau Samuel, who starred alongside Kym in 101 Dalmatians – The Musical, was quick to comment “I love you” followed by a red heart emoji.
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Kym was married to her first husband EastEnders star Jack Ryder from 2002 until 2009, and she later said they split because they were “very different.”
Speaking about their separation in March 2008, she said on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories: “Jack wasn’t really a party-goer. He didn’t drink. I am a party girl. I like going out, I like having a drink occasionally, I like socialising. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with that.”