Who is Denise Van Outen’s ex-boyfriend Jimmy Barba?
IN November 2023, Denise Van Outen stunned fans after she announced she had split from boyfriend Jimmy Barba.
But who is he and what is he known for? From the former couple’s split to whom Denise Van Outen has previously dated - here’s everything you need to know.
Who is Jimmy Barba?
Denise Van Outen and property developer Jimmy Barba first began dating in June 2022 - after All Saints singer Shaznay Lewis introduced the pair.
Denise previously said she did not feel the need to vet Jimmy as she knew those closest to her would never set her up with someone she could not trust after her rocky love life.
The TV personality started dating Jimmy after her split from long-time partner Eddie Boxshall, who she was with for seven years.
At the start of their relationship, the couple appeared to be inseparable and posed up together on red carpets, holidays, and for Instagram pictures.
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However, sadly it wasn’t meant to be, with Denise and Jimmy later calling it quits and going their separate ways after 18 months together.
The couple’s split was revealed in November 2023, with Denise telling The Sun: “We have decided to part ways but we remain great friends and our families and children are still in touch.”
An insider then added: “It was a really tough decision to make but Denise knew it was best to end things with Jimmy as the romance ran it’s course.
“She’s had a rough few weeks and has thrown herself into work to get over it.
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“She was so happy after all the drama and upset caused by Eddie and really trusted Jimmy.
“Everyone loved and knew him, which made the decision even harder. She feels like she is back to square one now, but she had to follow her gut.”
Following their split in November 2023, Van Outen stepped out in glamour for her first night out post-breakup.
The newly single reality TV star let her hair down as she attended a MacMillan charity gala in London.
What is Jimmy Barba known for?
As mentioned above, Jimmy Barba is a property developer.
But fans may have recognised Van Outen’s ex from reality TV in the past - as well as appearing in his own music video.
Back in 2010, Jimmy was a household name in Italy when he starred in the eleventh series of Big Brother (Grande Fratello).
He finished in fourth place on the show - keeping audiences entertained by striking up TWO romances on the show.
Jimmy got close with his co-stars Rosa Baiano and Margherita Zanatta, but the flings didn't last in the outside world.
Instead, Jimmy began a short-lived music career, releasing three pop singles between 2012 and 2013 - which didn't make the charts.
He then turned his back on showbiz to become a property developer.
Who has Denise Van Outen dated?
Prior to her romance with Barba, Van Outen split from her previous boyfriend Eddie Boxshall in 2022 following seven years together.
The couple went their separate ways after she discovered that he had been exchanging explicit messages with other women.
Speaking about the betrayal, Denise previously told us: “Obviously those things weren’t nice to go through, but where I’m at now with Jimmy [Barba], who has such a good energy, everything was worth it.
"Honestly, I feel like I’m in a nice, happy, good place. I wouldn’t change anything."
Before Eddie, Denise was married to actor and singer Lee Mead.
They met when she was a judge on the BBC talent show Any Dream Will Do in 2007.
The couple announced their engagement in January 2009 and married in the Seychelles in April 2009.
Their daughter Betsy was born on May 1, 2010.
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However, Lee and Denise went their separate ways in July 2013.
In the 90s Denise had also dated Jamiroquai frontmaien Jay Kay.