Denise presented The Big Breakfast, played Roxie Hart in Chicago and even tried her hand at DJing (Image: (Image: Getty))

Denise van Outen fears being seen as 'failure' who 'can't hold down a relationship'

by · Birmingham Live

Denise van Outen, the multi-talented starlet, kick-started her showbiz career in 1986 with her role as Eponine in the West End sensation Les Miserables. However, Denise's romantic life has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, leading her to fear being perceived as a "failure," in love.

She was romantically involved with Jamiroquai's lead singer Jay Kay for over three years, even inspiring some of his songs, before their split in 2001. In 2009, she tied the knot with Any Dream Will Do winner Lee Mead, and they welcomed their daughter Betsy in 2010.

The pair parted ways in 2013 and finalised their divorce two years later. From July 2014, Denise was linked with commodities trader Eddie Boxshall, but their relationship came to an abrupt end in January 2022 after she found out he had been unfaithful – messaging numerous women even as they were planning their wedding, reports the Express.

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Denise's latest serious relationship, with former backing dancer turned property developer Jimmy Barba, ended in October 2023. Since then, she tells Fabulous Magazine, she's been happily exploring the dating scene.

"I said yes to going on a dating and joined [celebrity-only dating app] Raya. I was so scared of dating, but I've gone on quite a few different dates with different people."

Denise says she had a "strange" relationship with ex-husband Lee Mead (Image: (Image: Getty))

Denise continues, "I've seen so many celebrities," but adds that she can't reveal who is on the app. "but you aren't allowed to say who is on there. It's really funny as they try to match you, and some people who pop up are my mates. It's been really fun."

Denise says she doesn't want to be judged (Image: (Image: Getty))

Denise voiced her concerns about the public nature of her relationships and the potential judgment that comes with it, saying: "This industry can feel pressurised, and then when things go wrong, it's so public.

"You worry that people see you as a failure. I wonder if people say: 'Why can't she hold down a relationship? '"

Additionally, she revealed that she's stepping back from seeking a long-term relationship currently: "History keeps repeating itself, but I'm not chasing it now."