Daniella Westbrook wedding 'on the cards' to 'soulmate' ex-addict boxer
Things appear to be hotting up between Daniella Westbrook and her bare knuckle fighter boyfriend Charlie Symonds - with a source claiming marriage is even on the cards
Danniella Westbrook has had her fair share of life dramas – but after going public with a new man, a source claims she's in a 'love bubble' and 'ready to commit'. The actress, who joined EastEnders at 16 years old and played Sam Mitchell on and off until 2016, appeared to be smitten with bare knuckle boxer Charlie 'Chasa Real Talk' Symonds on a sun-soaked break to Greece.
Danniella and Chasa are believed to have been friends for six years, but have clearly taken their relationship to a new level and were seen packing on the PDAs. The mum of two, 51, was beaming as she and Croydon-born Charlie kissed and splashed around in the water. And now a source claims exclusively to OK! that what started as a close friendship has grown into something much deeper – and they've already talked about next steps.
'Danniella feels that she's found her soulmate. Chasa doesn't judge her one bit and doesn't care what has happened in her past. He understands all about the issues she's been through but is supportive – he just wants to make her happy. She's really smitten and feels like she can trust him, which is a really big deal for her.
'This is something she's prayed for for a long time, it could be something special. She is thinking about marriage and definitely wants to tie the knot with him, it's a no brainer for her and she's ready to commit fully. They're in a love bubble so wedding bells are definitely on the cards.'
It's been more than two decades since Danniella's nasal septum collapsed from excessive cocaine use, and she revealed a few years ago that she was still trying to repair the damage caused, as well as the effects of osteoporosis. Her appearance has since changed dramatically thanks to corrective surgeries, but our source claims she would happily go under the knife again to achieve bridal perfection, adding: 'She would definitely have more surgery and get some tweaks before getting married, she's very much dedicated to repairing her looks and looking the best she can.
'She's already had a lot of operations, but she wants to go on until she feels content. Now she's found 'the one' she wants to make sure she's looking her best.' The former Dancing On Ice star, who has battled addiction for much of her adult life, revealed that her life had'changed dramatically' since losing her dad in January 2024, and she'd 'pulled herself back from the brink again.' She wrote on her socials last month: 'I got myself back into recovery and [have] taken the right opportunities that have come and do come my way. I feel so grateful, blessed and useful.'
She gave her intrigued fans a peek into her budding romance when she hinted in another recent snap of the pair that 'a holiday romance was brewing', and that 'it may just become an everlasting love'. Charlie, 42, is a retired English professional welterweight boxer and is currently signed to Conor McGregor 's Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, where he walks into the ring as the 'Croydon Bomber'
The pair are believed to have reconnected in Dubai at the BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships) where Chasa was competing – and have been enjoying quality time together since. He opened up last year about his own experiences of drugs, confessing he'd 'gone down a dark road' but had been in recovery for more than seven years since hitting rock bottom.
After going public, it seems Charlie and Danniella's fans are especially keen to see them go the distance. On one of the most recent snaps of them on Instagram, one follower urged the bare knuckle fighter to 'wife that one up, bro' – to which they both replied with red heart and hand-clapping emojis. Another person added: 'Please stay together forever' while another wrote: 'I've not seen you two so happy in a long time, long may it continue.'
Things also seem to be looking up for Danniella when it comes to her relationship with her two children – Kai and Jodie – who she's been estranged from at various points in their lives. In 2023, the actress claimed she was heartbroken after her grown-up daughter Jodie, who she shares with ex husband Kevin Jenkins, had 'cut' her out of her life with no explanations.
After a few followers posted on Jodie's social media urging her to get back in touch with her mum, she responded with a polite: 'If you don't know the situation please don't comment, thank you.' But it seems time can be a great healer and as of last month, things appeared to be improving. 'Having both my children back in contact with me and rebuilding what I broke is something I never thought I would get a chance to do,' Danniella said.
'The blessings just keep on coming one day at a time.' Our source says the TV star takes full responsibility for what's happened in the past but is determined to get things back on track. 'She's learned from her past mistakes, she's back in touch with her daughter and is so happy about it. She'll do everything she can to make sure things remain positive between them.' Hopefully Danniella gets the happiness she wants .
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