Coleen Nolan, a prominent figure on the television show Loose Women, is venturing into the world of dating once more. She has joined the cast of Celebs Go Dating, where she will explore her romantic options while confronting her fears about emotional hurt.
Coleen Nolan’s Relationship Journey
At 61, Nolan reflects on her complex romantic history. She has experienced two marriages and multiple dating challenges. Her first marriage to EastEnders actor Shane Richie, from 1990 to 1999, ended due to infidelity. The couple has two sons, Shane Jr., 37, and Jake Roche, 33.
In 2007, Coleen married musician Ray Fensome, but they parted ways in 2018, sharing a daughter, Ciara, 25. Most recently, she ended her relationship with Michael Jones, a logistics manager, in 2024.
Concerns About Dating
As she steps back into the dating scene, Coleen has expressed her apprehension about hurting others. During discussions with dating experts Paul C. Brunson, Anna Williamson, and Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaipor, she acknowledged her tendency to prioritize others’ feelings over her own, which has hindered her dating experiences.
Coleen shared her sentiments with Closer, stating, “I’m scared of hurting anyone to the point where I hurt myself first, and that doesn’t get you anywhere in dating.”
The Reality of Online Dating
With experience on dating apps over the past four to five years, Coleen has faced disillusionment. She often found that the individuals she met did not match their online photos, leading to disappointing encounters. Despite this, she previously met Michael on Tinder.
- Experience on dating apps has included misleading profiles.
- Preferred to join Celebs Go Dating after seeing its enjoyable format in past seasons.
A New Approach to Finding Love
Coleen has set a clear boundary in her dating preferences. She does not want to date anyone who is significantly younger, preferring partners closer in age. She humorously remarked, “My rule is, I don’t want to date anyone I could have given birth to.”
She remarked on the challenges of dating at her age, commenting on the older men she encounters who seem less willing to engage in vibrant activities. “Some of them act really old. The minute someone says we’re too old for that now, I’m out,” she stated. Nolan embraces a youthful mindset, asserting, “I’m 61, but mentally I’m about 35.”
Upcoming Season of Celebs Go Dating
Fans can catch Coleen and her fellow contestants, including former England rugby player James Haskell, rapper Professor Green, and ex-Love Island star Gabby Allen, when Celebs Go Dating premieres. The new season is set to begin on Monday, May 4, airing at 9 PM on E4.
