Supermodel Erin O'Connor has opened up about finding love again with brand designer Alexander Chappell, sharing her journey through a difficult split and the dating world. The 48-year-old model, who split from long-term partner Steve Gibson in 2023, admitted she struggled after the breakup and took years to enter a new relationship.
Navigating the Dating World After a Split
Erin O'Connor, who shares two sons—Albert, 11, and Eddie, seven—with ex-partner Steve Gibson, revealed she found the dating world "quite scary" after her split. In an interview with Grazia, she explained, "I knew I needed time to get to grips with myself, and that’s quite scary because you don’t know how long that’s going to take." She added, "I wasn’t even flirting. I didn’t know how to date any more."
A New Romance with Alexander Chappell
Despite her initial hesitation, Erin has now found love with slightly younger designer and artist Alexander Chappell. Their first meeting didn't go entirely smoothly, as Erin recalled, "I shook his hand. That’s how out of practice I was." However, something shifted, and she gushed that being with Alexander is the "best feeling in the world." She said, "I’ve met someone kind. It’s so lovely to be with someone who understands. It feels positive. Really positive."
Past Relationships and Personal Struggles
Not much is known about Alexander Chappell, but Erin's romantic history includes ex Steve Gibson, whom she met on a blind date, as well as past relationships with presenter Jamie Theakston and links to comedian David Walliams. Beyond her love life, Erin has faced significant personal challenges.
PTSD Diagnosis from Body Criticism
Erin O'Connor revealed she was diagnosed with PTSD as a result of criticism over her slender figure during her modelling career in the 90s. The model, from the West Midlands, spoke of the devastating impact people's opinions had on her mental health. She said, "I did a lot of crying and soul‑searching because I was publicly used as a means of getting news and shocking headlines."
She elaborated, "After years of being subjected to daily opinions on my body, it was quite traumatic. I definitely suffered. I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress after holding a very public, politicised space." The mother-of-two, who is six feet tall, had previously spoken about feeling "betrayed" by her body, especially after outgrowing her father at age 15.
Reflections on Self-Esteem and Acceptance
Erin shared her thoughts on self-esteem, stating, "This debate is to do with self-esteem. The idea of not feeling accepted is something scary. It really doesn't matter what age, size or shape you are." Her journey from being spotted by a talent scout on a school trip to the Birmingham Clothes Show to overcoming PTSD highlights her resilience.
Now, with a new romance blossoming, Erin O'Connor's story serves as an inspiration for those navigating personal struggles and finding love again after hardship. Her openness about mental health and dating challenges adds depth to her public persona, showing a vulnerable side beyond the glamour of the modelling world.
