Seven years after Ryan Thomas proposed to Lucy Mecklenburgh in the picturesque Italian town of Positano, the celebrity couple have yet to exchange vows. The pair, who first fell in love in 2017 while filming Channel 4's Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls, have previously attributed their delayed nuptials to life's unpredictable twists and turns.
Financial Factors Behind the Postponement
Now, insiders reveal that the real reason for the hold-up may be Lucy Mecklenburgh's cautious approach to finances, driven by Ryan Thomas's well-documented past money troubles. A source close to the couple told The Sun that Lucy, who comes from a wealthy family, is keen to maintain her financial independence.
'Lucy was raised to understand money and be very careful with it,' the source explained. 'Her father, Paul, is very wealthy with an extensive property portfolio, and she and her sisters stand to inherit a significant amount one day. Lucy listens to her father's advice and has always been financially literate.'
Ryan Thomas's Financial History
In contrast, Ryan Thomas has openly admitted to past financial missteps. Before meeting Lucy, he was declared bankrupt in 2013 despite earning £100,000 a year on Coronation Street at the time. His bankruptcy stemmed from an unpaid £40,000 tax bill, and while it has since been resolved, it continues to cast a shadow over his financial reputation.
Recent filings show that his company, R James Thomas Ltd, which handles his TV and endorsement earnings, had just £1 in its accounts as of January 2025. The records also indicated he owed over £30,000 from a Covid Bounce Back Loan. In the UK, bankruptcy can affect credit reports for up to six years, with some restrictions lasting as long as 15 years, and it must be disclosed in full financial history applications regardless of how much time has passed.
Implications of Marriage on Finances
The source elaborated on Lucy's concerns: 'As much as Lucy loves him, it wouldn't be entirely sensible for her to legally bind her finances with Ryan's, which would happen if they were married. They share some money and property, but Lucy has likely been advised to protect her interests. If Ryan ever faced financial difficulties again, it could impact her credit rating and have serious implications for her own finances.'
Other Factors in the Delay
However, not all sources agree on the financial explanation. Another insider insisted to The Sun that the couple simply 'happy as they are' focusing on their young children, Roman, six, and Lilah, three, and their busy careers. The pair got engaged in June 2019, but the Covid-19 pandemic forced them to put wedding plans on hold, during which time they started their family.
A Romance That Nearly Didn't Happen
Interestingly, Ryan Thomas revealed in December that their romance almost ended before it began. On an episode of his podcast with brothers Scott and Adam, he confessed he was planning to break up with Lucy on their first date after filming Celebrity Island. 'I found it a bit unattractive that someone actually liked me,' Ryan admitted. But upon seeing her, he changed his mind: 'She looked incredible and was super cool... I went "Yeah, I'm in."'
Representatives for Lucy Mecklenburgh and Ryan Thomas have been contacted by the Daily Mail for comment, but as of now, the couple's wedding plans remain on hold, with financial prudence playing a key role in their decision-making process.
