Melanie Sykes split with her gondolier boyfriend Riccardo SIMionato.
Pals have said the TV presenter, 52, and Riccardo, 25, split earlier in the year, because ‘travelling back and forth wasn’t sustainable’.
The couple first fell for one another in October 2020 after she paid £72 to go on his gondolier for half an hour. Although they are now apart, their relationship is still amicable.
Happier times: Melanie Sykes, 52, has split from her gondolier lover, 25, following their holiday romance because ‘travelling back and forth wasn’t sustainable’
The Sun was told by a source that Mel lives in the UK while Ricardo is located in Venice.
‘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.’
MailOnline reached out to Melanie’s representatives in order for them to comment.
Romance: The couple first fell for one another in October 2020 after she paid £72 to go on his gondolier for half an hour. They are still friends, even though they have parted.
Melanie mentioned Riccardo last on social media in August 2021 when she went to Venice to meet him.
She wrote: ‘Ciao for now beautiful Venice you & your people have my heart,’ while he wrote in turn: ‘Thank you very much for the good times spent together.’
The last sighting was in London, October 2013.
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.
Melanie said that Melanie was having so much joy she couldn’t care less about anyone who saw her and the pair kissed on the trip.
It’s over: The last time Melanie referenced Riccardo on her social media was in August 2021 after she jetted to Venice to see him
Melanie wrote in an Instagram posting: “Morning Strumpets.” 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.
“May you be able to recognize, appreciate, take in and celebrate the good times that come your way throughout this crazy world. Melanie, I love you.
Manchester-born actress, who was on a short break in Venice with her friend, posted the first picture of Riccardo letting her go along a canal. This week the story about the love affair emerged.
She was captured in this picture embracing him less than 48 hours later. The next day, she was seen having breakfast al fresco in her gondolier’s company at Campo San Toma.
Riccardo said that English women are his preference, and that everyone is unique. True, no?’
Melanie started a romantic relationship with Jack Cockings after her failed marriage to Daniel Caltagirone. She met Jack on Twitter. He was only 28 years old at that time and she was just 16 years younger.
After seven months of marriage she divorced her husband. She later admitted she got married to the wrong person.
After being briefly linked to Olly Murs, a singer 14 years her senior, and Martin Kaymer (a German golfer), who are 15 years younger, she dated comedian Steve Coogan for 6 months last year.
Having fun: 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
Melanie, the mother of Roman (20 years old) and Valentino (18-18 years old, shared that she gave her sons tips about their love lives when she spoke out against porn.
She spoke on John Bishop’s podcast Three Little Words about the difficulties young men have in maintaining erection due to porn.
John opened the discussion by saying, “There is a phenomenon where young men have difficulty maintaining erections because of their exposure to pornography.” They do not see sex as an intimate experience.
Melanie replied: ‘Oh my god, I know. This conversation was with my oldest.
I just told him that porn is not for everyone and that it’s not something that every woman wants.
Additionally, she stated that she enjoyed talking about sex but it was still too private for some women.
We don’t speak about it. Although we may titter, it is still taboo for women to talk about.
Parenting: Melanie has two sons, Roman (20 year old) and Valentino (18 years old). She shared with them her tips for their relationships as she talked about the dangers associated with watching porn. (pictured 2014).