Denise Van Outen has disclosed that she is secretly dating a mystery man who has 'no interest' in the spotlight, marking a departure from her previous relationships. The 51-year-old TV personality, who was linked to businessman Adam Butler last year after splitting from Jimmy Barba, said her new partner does not work in showbiz and will not be seen on the red carpet.
Speaking to The Sun, Van Outen explained her decision to keep the relationship private: 'I've not talked about it yet. But, yes, I am dating someone. And for the first time in my life, I have made the decision to keep it private. I don't need to reveal all the details.' She added that she regretted going public with past relationships because 'when things go wrong' it becomes visible to the world.
The star, who narrates The Only Way Is Essex, noted that her new man differs from previous partners: 'I've always had partners that want to be on a red carpet and be photographed or be famous, but he doesn't want that. He's just got no interest in it. I think that's a good thing, because I've had my fingers burned.'
Van Outen, who lives in rural Kent, admitted she relies on dating apps to meet people. She joined exclusive app Raya in 2024, saying: 'Actually, for me, dating apps are a really good thing. I don't know how else I would meet people if I wasn't doing that.' She added that being a single mother to daughter Betsy, 15, makes it harder to go out at night.
The performer previously ended her engagement to Eddie Boxshall in 2022 after discovering his infidelity. She also dated Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay from 1998 to 2001. Reflecting on her past, she said: 'I've learned to be on my own and be content. This industry can feel pressurised, and then when things go wrong, it's so public. You worry that people see you as a failure.'
