Melanie Sykes has reportedly split from her boyfriend Riccardo Simionato.
Melanie Sykes has reportedly split from her boyfriend Riccardo Simionato
TV presenter Mel, 52, fell for Riccardo, 25, when she took a ride on his gondola in Venice, but friends say the pair quietly ended their year-long relationship weeks ago.
A source told The Sun on Friday (02.09.22): “Riccardo is based in Venice, while Mel is in the UK.
“It was really fun and romantic at first travelling back and forth but it wasn’t very sustainable in the long run.
“The pair have nothing but kind things to say about each other and Venice will forever hold a very special place in Mel’s heart.”
Mel last posted about Riccardo in August 2021 after she travelled to see him in Italy.
She said online: “Ciao for now beautiful Venice you and your people have my heart,” prompting Riccardo to respond: “Thank you very much for the good times spent together.”
The pair were seen together in October on London, but are said not to have ben spotted out as a couple since.
Mel and Riccardo fell in love while she was on holiday in Venice in October 2020 after she paid £72 for a 30-minute ride on his gondola.
She said online about not caring that several images of them together emerged at the time: “I knew I was being stalked on my holiday but I managed to ignore it, partly because it’s just what happens but mostly because I was experiencing so much joy, it was difficult to actually care.
“May you also recognise, appreciate and take those happy moments in this crazy world. Love Melanie x #livethatlife.”
Riccardo has kept quiet about the romance, but did address their 27 year age gap, saying: “Beauty is relative. Maybe what in your eyes is beautiful, isn’t to me. Every person is different, nationality doesn’t matter. True, no?”
Mum-of-two Mel was previously married to actor Daniel Caltagirone, 50, from 2001 until they divorced in 2009, and shares children Roman, 18, and Valentino, 16, with her ex.
She was also married to Jack Cockings, 35, in 2013 but they split after less than a year of marriage.
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