Kym Marsh has had an incredibly tough year following the death of her father and the breakdown of her third marriage.

The actress, 48, sent fans into a frenzy on Sunday when she revealed she is dating her 101 Dalmatians co-star, Samuel Thomas, who is 19 years her junior. Many of the mum-of-three’s fans were supportive of the new relationship, however others were less kind and compared Kym to serial dater, Katie Price.

The singer has now defended the romance and appears to have taken a dig at her exes, sharing a message about waiting to “find someone who looks at you with a light in their eyes you’ve never seen” on Instagram. The poignant post was well-received, with a flurry of the Hear’Say star’s fans pointing out the Cry star “deserves to be happy”, particularly after her hellish year…

Kym’s beloved dad David dies

Kym’s dad David Marsh died in January this year almost three years after being diagnosed with cancer. The former Coronation Street actress said the loss had left her “heartbroken” as her spokesperson issued a statement saying: “It is with immense sadness that we confirm the passing of David Marsh. A much loved husband, dad, grandad, great grandad and friend to many, David passed away peacefully at home yesterday surrounded by his family. We are truly heartbroken and ask for privacy at this incredibly difficult time.”

In June 2021, Kym first shared the upsetting news that her father had been diagnosed with cancer. The actress explained that he had put off going for a health check-up during the pandemic. Sadly, by the time David did see a doctor, the disease had already spread to other parts of his body, including his pelvis and spine.

Anxiety attacks

Kym took a lengthy break from presenting BBC show Morning Live, later revealing she had been suffering from anxiety attacks and was seeking help for her mental health amid her father’s prostate cancer diagnosis. David later appeared on the show during Men’s Health Week to urge viewers not to hesitate getting prostate examinations as he continued to receive treatment for an advanced form of the condition at the time.

Speaking to The Sun about her mental health after she lost her dad, Kym said: “When Dad passed away, I had a bad time and my anxiety was very bad. It was like it was biting at my throat the entire time. But I haven’t had an anxiety attack for a while now. I do struggle sometimes still, but I recognise it and I take time to deal with those feelings. I have learned to control it.”

Third marriage breaks down

Kym split from her Army Major husband Scott Ratcliffe, 35, in May 2023, following a whirlwind two year marriage. The couple originally tied the knot in October 2021 as part of a romantic ceremony involving 150 guests.

Scott was Kym’s third husband after she previously wed actor Jack Ryder in 2002 and former Hollyoaks star Jamie Lomas ten years later. But it was all over for her latest marriage after just over a year-and-a-half as the actress announced the speculation is true.

Reflecting on her failed nuptials with The Guardian, the soap star said: “It’s just experience.” She added: “I think I am a risk-taker because ‘What if?’ is always worse.”

Sources close to Kym claim the pair have split due to work commitments after trying to make things work. “They both really tried to make it work, but the cracks have been there for a while and they were only getting to see each other for one or two days a week at the very most,” the insider claimed.

“Kym’s been so busy, and last year Strictly meant even her weekends were stacked up along with weekdays rehearsing.” Speaking to The Sun, the source added how “Scott is based in barracks down south — he’s got a very busy career as well.”