Lee Mead has a new girlfriend.
The 36-year-old actor has revealed he’s found love again – four years after he split from his wife Denise van Outen – with a lady called Issy after he met her in a local cafe a year ago while collecting his seven-year-old daughter Betsy from school.
Speaking to The Sun Online, he said: "We went to a local coffee shop and Issy was there with her four year-old son. We got on really well, but it was a while before I plucked up the courage to ask her on a date. She’s a lovely woman and she’s a parent as well, which I think helps. She’s based in Kent and she’s not in the same business as me; I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing!
"I’m not one to rush into relationships and I was single for six years, but it’s nice to have found someone. We’ve been together just under a year and it’s going really well. We had a nice week-end together recently and we’re very happy."
Lee met Denise, 43, back in 2007 when he competed on the musical BBC talent show ‘Any Dream Will Do’ – which he went on to win – and she was one of the judges.
They then began dating shortly after the show came to an end and tied the knot two years later before welcoming their daughter Betsy into the world in 2010.
However, their union didn’t last long as they separated in 2013 and divorced in 2015.
Lee said: "When any couple split there’s obviously that transitional period where it’s hard. But it’s been five or six years. We’re friends now. Ultimately as parents we both adore Betsy – she’s our whole world – so I think that brings you together."
Denise has been dating city trader Eddie Boxshall for the past four years.