Ellie Goulding has split from the hunky surf instructor she sought comfort from after her marriage came to an end.
Ellie struck up a relationship with Armando Perez – who is eight years her junior – after he gave her surfing lessons as she rang in the New Year in Costa Rica.
The 37-year-old singer then repeatedly jetted out to see her toyboy lover in the following months – but now their fling has finally fizzled out, say friends.
HOW IT HAPPENED
One said: ‘Amando and Ellie were very attracted to one another. Despite the age gap, they struck up an instant chemistry when he gave her private surfing lessons.
‘They soon formed a bond and loved spending time together – Ellie loved hanging out on the beach with Armando to get away from everything that was going on back home after her marriage had come to an end.
Armando, 29, was used to spending his days instructing in the water and running around barefoot in swim shorts, and was more comfortable enjoying his ‘quiet life’ without the ‘drama’ of being in the public eye, the source added.
‘They had a very special time together and she visited the country a lot.
READ ALSO – Ted Cruz snaps at moderator during TESTY debate with Senate race rival Colin Allred
The source continued, ‘But they are from very different backgrounds. She is a big pop star from England while Armando’s whole life is based here in Playa Hermosa. He loves it here and I doubt he would have any plans to leave.
‘Their lives are very different and so it was natural for them both to eventually move on.
‘But they still remain great friends.’
The couple met at the turn of the year when Ellie had gone to the Central American beach resort for a yoga and surf retreat with two close friends – actresses Emily Wickersham and Alessandra Ford Balazs – where they rented a swanky hillside villa.
