Melanie Sykes has broken up with her Italian toyboy after a year of dating, citing distance as the reason for their split.
TV presenter Mel, 52, first met Riccardo Simionato, 25, when she rode on his gondola during a trip to Venice.
She reportedly paid £72 for a half hour ride during her holiday in October 2020, with the pair falling in love shortly after.
READ MORE: Melanie Sykes, 51, reunites with Italian toyboy lover, 24, who ‘has her heart’
However, after 12 months of dating, the couple have called time on their relationship.
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.”
The couple, who had a 27-year age gap, made trips to visit each other, with Mel posting about Riccardo during a visit to see him in August 2021.
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 last spotted together in London last October, a year after they first met.
(Image: Instagram)
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The couple were photographed together during their holiday romance, but Mel said that she didn’t care.
She said: “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 also recognise, appreciate and take those happy moments in this crazy world. love Melanie x #livethatlife.”
Riccardo was less vocal about the pair’s romance, but did open up about their 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?”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
