Holly Valance's Dramatic Political Reinvention After Billionaire Divorce
Holly Valance, who first captured public attention in the late 1990s playing Flick Scully on the iconic Australian soap opera Neighbours, has undergone a remarkable transformation. The 42-year-old former pop star and actress has entered a new chapter as a vocal right-wing political activist, following her divorce from billionaire property tycoon Nick Candy in June last year after thirteen years of marriage.
A Complete Lifestyle and Ideological Shift
Sources close to the couple revealed to the Daily Mail at the time of their separation that they had been living separate lives for an extended period, with Candy frequently traveling for business interests in Dubai and London, including his involvement with The Reform Party. Since the split, Valance has rebranded herself politically, moving away from her native Australia, which she claims has "gone big on woke stuff."
Her new political alignment has seen her grow close to controversial anti-Islamist figure Tommy Robinson and sparked a romance with her former bodyguard, Grant Gale. Valance has been actively supporting Reform UK and far-right causes, marking a significant departure from her earlier self-described liberal views.
From Entertainment to Political Influence
Valance's influence in political circles has grown to the point where there have been calls for her to stand as a Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom. Her political connections extend internationally, having enjoyed meetings with former US President Donald Trump, whom she described as "fabulous." This relationship was facilitated through Nigel Farage, who posted a social media picture of their meeting at Mar-a-Lago in 2022.
The actress-turned-activist attributes her ideological shift to what she calls "waking up" to what she perceives as the "c**p ideas" of the left. This transformation has positioned her as a conservative firebrand and anti-woke crusader, attracting both support and criticism.
Musical Controversies and Public Statements
Valance's political views have manifested in her artistic work, most notably through her anti-woke song "Kiss Kiss (XX) My A**e," a reworked version of her 2002 hit. The track, which serves as a soundtrack to Pauline Hanson's film A Super Progressive Movie, features lyrics targeting trans issues, "snowflakes," and cancel culture. It briefly reached number one on iTunes' best-selling songs chart before being temporarily banned by Apple, a move Valance claimed only helped promote the song further.
In February, Valance made headlines again for using a slur about people with learning disabilities during a debate about the pandemic on Free Speech Nation. When host Josh Howie apologized for her language, Valance responded defiantly, questioning whether they were indeed on "Free Speech Nation."
Political Affiliations and Personal Life Developments
Valance has explicitly rejected the Conservative Party, instead declaring herself a paid-up member of Reform UK and expressing her intention to vote for the party. While there were suggestions she might stand as a candidate in the Tory safe seat of Basildon and Billericay, she declined due to logistical difficulties as a mother of two.
Her political commentary has extended to criticizing climate activist Greta Thunberg, whom she labeled a "demonic little gremlin" in 2024, arguing that such figures contribute to anxiety among young people.
Relationships and Public Appearances
Valance's association with Tommy Robinson has raised concerns among friends, particularly regarding her two daughters, aged twelve and eight. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has multiple convictions including assault, mortgage fraud, and contempt of court. Despite these concerns, Valance was pictured with Robinson at his "Unite the Kingdom" rally in September, wearing a "MEGA" (Make England Great Again) hat and praising the event.
However, recent photographs show Valance kissing new flame Grant Gale, a 34-year-old former soldier and her ex-bodyguard. The images depict the couple enjoying time together in a London park, with Gale wrapping his jacket around Valance before they shared a kiss. Gale previously worked as part of the security team protecting Valance, Candy, and their children at their £270 million Chelsea mansion, which has since been sold in one of the world's most expensive property transactions.
Background and Future Intentions
Born in Melbourne to a Serbian father and British mother, Valance moved to Britain in 2018, briefly relocating to Los Angeles before returning to the UK to live with Candy prior to their separation. She has declared no intention of returning to Australia, criticizing what she perceives as the country's embrace of woke culture, particularly in education.
Valance's journey from television star to political activist represents one of the most dramatic personal reinventions in recent public life, blending celebrity, politics, and personal transformation in a narrative that continues to evolve.
