CBeebies' Mr Tumble star Justin Fletcher has been seen for the first time with his younger girlfriend Samantha Dorrance as they checked into a lavish hotel in Wolverhampton. The 55-year-old entertainer, known for his lively role on the children's show Something Special, is said to be 'madly in love' with Samantha, who plays Tootsie, Justin's alter-ego's best friend on the show. Reports suggest that Samantha has even moved into the star's £2.5 million farmhouse, with the couple convinced the age gap isn't an issue.
Romantic Getaway
The pair were seen arriving at the plush four-star Mount Country Manor Hotel in Wolverhampton for a romantic getaway. Wearing matching New York Yankees baseball caps, they tried to keep a low profile as they hauled their bags across the car park. Justin, who has played Mr Tumble for more than 20 years, was seen in a green gilet with sunglasses as he kept a close eye on their luggage, while his partner opted for a dress and sweater. They are enjoying a break from the Justin Live: Justin Time to Rock! tour and didn't pack light, with both stage stars clutching full plastic bags.
Romance Blossomed Last Year
Romance is said to have blossomed between the pair last year. Justin, awarded an MBE by the Queen for his services to broadcasting in 2012, is estimated to be worth a whopping £2 million. He lived life as a single man for years before connecting with Samantha, and the TV star is sure she is 'the one.' They reportedly enjoy a quiet life on the farm when not performing, with the property in Oxfordshire serving as their sanctuary.
Justin does not talk much about his private life, but ten years ago he confirmed he was single and so busy with his career, though he hoped romance would come along. He has previously said he would like to settle down and start a family, saying, 'I do want to free up some time for myself and my family. I would love to have children so need to find someone who likes kids. A couple of kids would be lovely.'
Past Proposals from Fans
Speaking to The Mirror in 2012, he admitted he had endured some proposals from smitten mothers. 'Er, yes, I have had emails,' he said. 'I'm not married, live alone and have been single for a while now because I've been a workaholic filming Something Special, Justin's House and Gigglebiz.' Has he now found the one? Although she didn't name him, Samantha spoke about her life off camera in an Instagram post last year. She wrote, 'Last year, me and my partner hatched our own chickens. I was making breakfast one morning and noticed all the eggs we had been buying from our local honesty box were fertilised. My partner just so happened to have an old incubator, so we dug it out.'
Samantha, who was in her late teens when she made her West End debut in Dreamboats and Petticoats, landed the role of Tootsie more than a decade ago. They have performed together in pantomime productions for some time, and during a festive run of Cinderella nearly two years ago, Samantha shared a photograph with the caption: 'I couldn't ask for a better Buttons.'
