Melanie Sykes, 52, splits from gondolier toyboy, 25, after whirlwind holiday romance
TV presenter Melanie Sykes has split from her Italian toyboy Riccardo Simionato.
Mel, 52, fell for Riccardo, 25, when she took a ride on his gondola in Venice.
Pals said the pair, who have 27-years between them, quietly ended their 12 month romance earlier this year,
A source said: “Riccardo is based in Venice, while Mel is in the UK.
“It was really fun and romantic at first travelling back and forth but it wasn’t very sustainable in the long run.
“The pair have nothing but kind things to say about each other and Venice will forever hold a very special place in Mel’s heart.”
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Mel last posted about Riccardo in August of last year following a trip to see him.
At the time she gushed: “Ciao for now beautiful Venice you & your people have my heart.”
He replied: “Thank you very much for the good times spent together.”
They were later spotted in London last October, but have not been seen together since.
Mel and Riccardo fell in love while she was on holiday in Venice in October 2020 after she paid £72 for half hour’s ride on his gondola.
A number of images of them were taken during their whirlwind holiday romance and Mel insisted she didn’t care.
She said at the time: “I knew I was being stalked on my holiday but I managed to ignore it, partly because it’s just what happens but mostly because I was experiencing so much joy, it was difficult to actually care.
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“May you also recognise, appreciate and take those happy moments in this crazy world. love Melanie x #livethatlife.”
Riccardo has kept quiet on the romance, but did address their 27 year age gap.
He said: “Beauty is relative. Maybe what in your eyes is beautiful, isn’t to me.
“Every person is different, nationality doesn’t matter. True, no?”
Melanie was previously married to actor Daniel Caltagirone - from 2001 until their divorce in 2009 - and shares kids Roman, 18, and Valentino, 16, with him.
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She also wed Jack Cockings in 2013 but they split after less than a year of marriage.
