Reality star with soap actress sister reveals heartbreaking split from gardener fiance – 12 months after getting engaged
what the elle?! Reality star with soap actress sister reveals heartbreaking split from gardener fiance – 12 months after getting engaged
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
DANIELLE Mason has revealed she's split from her gardener fiance, Lee Dopson, just 12 months after the pair got engaged.
Reality star Danielle, 42, whose sister is EastEnders actress Jessie Wallace, 53, announced the heartbreaking news in a Thursday Instagram Story.
Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter
Sign up
6
Danielle Mason has revealed she's split from her gardener fiance, Lee Dopson
Credit: Supplied
6
She announced the heartbreaking news in a Thursday Instagram Story
Credit: Instagram
She wrote against a plain background: "I'm entering a new chapter and no longer in a relationship with Lee.
"Grateful for the past, focused on the future. Appreciate your understanding and kindness."
The break-up comes exactly a year after the My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding star gave an exclusive interview to The Sun's Fabulous magazine - describing Lee as her "soulmate".
She revealed the pair met by chance in their local Co-op, where he helped her pick up some dropped change.
They soon struck up a romance that culminated in a Greek holiday proposal.
Danielle said at the time: 'I feel as though I've met my soulmate.
'He proposed a week ago while we were on holiday in Greece and I can't wait to marry him. We're thinking about having a big white wedding – but we might end up eloping to Vegas if the planning all gets too much.'
Danielle had spoken candidly about her turbulent romantic history, including a volatile nine-year relationship with traveller and MMA fighter Tony Giles - father of her two children, Rudy, 13, and Delilah, 11 - and a brief fling with reformed criminal and ex-Broadmoor inmate Ben Hatchett.
'It lasted for months and all I can say is that it was a mistake,' she admitted of the 2021 relationship.
'I look back on it and wonder what the hell I was doing.'
Danielle Mason gets engaged during sun soaked holiday
At the time of their engagement, Danielle said she felt finally ready to settle down with a "kind, considerate" man.
She praised Lee for everything from packing her lunches to helping with her car and bonding with her children, who both have autism and ADHD.
The former glamour model said: 'He treats me so well. He'll make me sandwiches for a packed lunch when I'm working and buys me flowers constantly…
"It's the first relationship where I've felt safe and secure.'
Dnaielle, who previously earned up to £10,000 per glamour shoot and rubbed shoulders with stars like Orlando Bloom, now runs a cleaning business and social media brand, Miss Mason Cleaning.
She also works as a TV presenter and entrepreneur.
In last year's interview, she reflected on her past with humour and honesty: 'I was cra**ing myself with the thought of getting my tits out, but the money was really good.'
Danielle Mason's very normal job
She is the little sister of EastEnders star Jessie Wallace who became one of the hottest stars of the cult TV series My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding after appearing in season two in 2012.
And for eight years before that, Danielle Mason had already enjoyed a lucrative career as a Page 3 pin-up who jetted across the world for glamorous photoshoots earning as much as £10,000 a pop.
But since appearing in the 2019 Channel 5 documentary The Gypsies Next Door, the 40 year-old has swapped reality TV and topless modelling to become a full-time cleaning expert.
The mum-of-two now has regular clients she does cleaning and housekeeping for.
She also films cleaning hacks under the brand name Miss Mason Cleaning (MMC) on Instagram and TikTok - and it has led to influencer partnerships with brands including Dyson.
6
Lee popped the question during a Greece holiday last year
Credit: Supplied
6
She previously described Lee as her "soulmate"
Credit: Supplied
6
Danielle's big sister is EastEnders star Jessie Wallace
Credit: Instagram
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
8 minutes ago
- Daily Record
ITV Coronation Street fans 'work out' who has Logan 'killed' after brutal exit
Viewers think they know what really happened to Logan Radcliffe and who had him 'attacked' amid speculation he's been killed off after his exit aired On Friday's episode of Coronation Street, fears for Logan's life mounted after he appeared to be attacked following a revealing conversation with Carla Connor during a prison visit. The villain seemed to have divulged too much information to Carla, and shortly after a fellow inmate cautioned him about being overly talkative. A visibly shaken Logan protested his innocence as the cell door shut, hinting at an imminent assault. It comes as actor Harry Lowbridge announced his departure from the ITV soap, having wrapped filming his final scenes. This led viewers to speculate that Logan had met a grim fate in the cell, possibly orchestrated by someone wanting to silence him after his mention of a mysterious figure named Tia Wardley. Carla had been seeking clarity on the circumstances surrounding her partner Lisa Swain 's late wife Becky Swain's death. Lisa found herself unable to move on, plagued by uncertainties regarding Becky's troubles prior to her death and the reasons behind her fatal hit and run. During her visit to extract details from Logan about Becky, he demanded £10,000 in exchange for potential information. In the process he inadvertently mentioned Tia Wardley, though no further explanation was provided about their identity or connection to Becky, as reported by the Mirror. The mention of Wardley was enough to put Logan in hot water with a cellmate who shared a "mutual friend" they had both apparently angered, suggesting Logan needed to be permanently silenced. Following the cliffhanger, Harry confirmed his Corrie exit to his Instagram followers. This led fans to believe that Logan had met his demise and to speculation about who the mutual acquaintance is, and how they connect to the Becky storyline. Some predict a plot twist, suggesting that the individual behind Logan's demise could be none other than previous show antagonist Harvey Gaskell. Some suspect it's DI Costello or even Lisa's therapist Floyd, as they are eager for Lisa to cease her investigation into Becky's fate. Lisa herself was also suggested as a potential suspect, while both Becky and Tia were hinted by viewers to be the "mutual friend". One fan took to social media to declare: "Lisa definitely had Logan killed in prison." Another viewer speculated: "So that mutual friend? Costello? Kit? Tia? Or Becky herself?" A third chimed in: "Best guess at the moment is Costello or Floyd." Someone further added: "Was the killer sent by Costello?" while another queried: "Harvey?" Another comment read: "It's either Costello or Kit got Logan attacked inside."
Scottish Sun
10 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
James Whale dead aged 74: Ex-Celebrity Big Brother star and radio legend has died after battle with cancer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EX-CELEBRITY Big Brother star and radio legend James Whale has died aged 74 following a battle with cancer. The revered Talk presenter, who took part in the reality show in 2016, had been diagnosed with stage-four kidney cancer in 2020. 3 James Whale has died aged 73 following a battle with cancer Credit: PA 3 The star had featured in Celebrity Big Brother in 2016 and had a long established career in radio Credit: talktv 3 He had received an MBE in 2024 for his services to broadcasting and charity Credit: PA In a heartbreaking update during his show, James revealed this month he had just weeks to live as he moved into the final stages of his terminal battle. 'I'm actually in my last couple of weeks. Last time I saw my oncologist, he said I probably have only got weeks to go," James, 74, told viewers from his home on Saturday June 21. 'Over the 50 years, I have interviewed and chatted to some of the most amazing people. It may have been you. Maybe we'll catch up for the last time." On Monday it was revealed he was "happy to go now" after moving into a hospice. Later, when a viewer named Paula called in, he confessed how emotional he has been about his prognosis. He told her: "I spend a lot of time crying. And it really, it's a bit embarrassing, Paula, to be quite honest with you. 'I'm heading into the sunset and I talk about it regularly on the show and you know it's interesting because now everybody talks about it. "Not me, not mine, but their own, you know, they don't feel that they're doing it quite right without having a cancer to talk about." Back at the beginning of May, James told viewers that his condition had worsened, treatment was no longer working and he would "be lucky to make it to Christmas". He explained: "I'm at the end of my cancer journey. There is no treatment I can have anymore." That same month, James celebrated his 74th birthday with loved ones. Watch James Whale's ups and down in the Celebrity Big Brother house It comes after he spent Christmas in intensive care before being discharged from the ICU on December 30. His relieved wife Nadine told fans at the time: "After a worrying week I am happy to report that @THEJamesWhale is out of ICU and back at home, having batted off the Grim Reaper yet again. "This time he tried with a bout of Influenza A, but without success." After battling kidney cancer in 2000, James launched the charity Kidney Cancer UK to increase knowledge and awareness, funding research into the causes, prevention and treatment of the disease. He had fathered two kids with Melinda Maxted, James and Peter, before she herself was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. Melinda died in May 2018, just three months after James made the announcement of her diagnosis. In 2020, James revealed the disease had returned and spread to his spine, brain and lungs, and has shared his ongoing cancer battle candidly with listeners and viewers over the past few years. A year later, on his 70th birthday, James announced his engagement to Nadine Lamont-Brown, before marrying her in October of that year. The powerhouse presenter had been a staple of the airwaves for over 50 years and was awarded an MBE in the 2023 King's New Year Honours List for his outstanding contribution to broadcasting. At the time, he told The Sun: "I'm exceptionally thrilled as somebody who's been able to enjoy their job for their entire life and receiving an award like this is just the best." James celebrated the milestone with hundreds of pals at an £80,000 bash in Mayfair - paid for by millionaire Charlie Mullins and organised by his pals Chuck Thomas and Andre Walker. He had also received the first-ever TRIC Recognition Award for his outstanding work across 50 years. James began his career with Metro Radio in 1974 where he pioneered the concept of the late night radio phone-in. Five decades later, James was still heard hosting the phone-in, every Saturday night, on TalkTV and TalkRadio. His late-night series, the James Whale Show, which was broadcast live simultaneously on Radio Aire in Leeds and ITV in the 1980s, made the genre famous. In 1988, after gaining a loyal legion of listeners who loved his unique acerbic and incisive style, The James Whale Radio Show was simulcast live on television every Friday night on ITV, pulling in over one million viewers. 'GIANT OF RADIO AND TELEVISION' James went on to host Whale On, Dial Midnight and Central Weekend Live for ITV, Talk About for BBC One, and more recently appeared on Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother. 2008 saw his autobiography, A Lifetime Of Night-Time, published as well as him falling into hot water after he urged listeners on TalkSport to vote for Boris Johnson in that year's London mayoral election. The acerbic and outspoken host was reportedly suspended again in 2018 after appearing to laugh at a guest who was speaking about her rape on air. The much-loved presenter had also hosted a range of shows on BBC local radios and LBC, before appearing on Celebrity Big Brother in 2016 for its eighteenth series. He was the sixth person to be evicted on the reality show, coming in ninth place overall. Late in 2016, James began covering shows on TalkRadio, before becoming a host himself of a Monday to Thursday evening show. Most recently, he held the 10pm to 1am slot on a Friday night on TalkRadio, a time described as his "spiritual home". In early 2024, James was awarded the first ever TRIC Recognition Award for his 50 years in broadcasting, with his 'true grit and determination to entertain and inform the nation every week', not least in the face of his illness. At the time of the award, Richard Wallace, Head of TalkTV, said: 'There are legends - and then there's James Whale. "This award is a fitting acknowledgment of a maverick talent who has entertained TV and radio audiences with inimitable style for more than 50 years.' Dennie Morris, Director of Audio, News Broadcasting, added: 'James is not only a giant of radio and television, but one of the loveliest men I've ever met. "His contribution to the industry and to charity over the years has been remarkable. "I can think of no one more deserving of this honour.'
Scottish Sun
10 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
MAFS couple who weren't paired up on show share VERY extravagant wedding plans with co-star DJ revealed
They were partnered with different people on the show, but fell for one another and became engaged soon after WEDDING BELLS MAFS couple who weren't paired up on show share VERY extravagant wedding plans with co-star DJ revealed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAFS couple who were not paired up on the show have shared their VERY extravagant wedding plans. Controversial bride Jacqui Burfoot, who was paired up with Ryan Donnelly in this year's series of Married At First Sight Australia, later found love with Clint Rice, who had been paired up with Lauren Hall in the same series. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 8 Jacqui and Clint from Married At First Sight will get married in around six months Credit: Instagram 8 The happy couple became engaged in April Credit: Instagram 8 They reside in Tasmania with their two dogs Credit: Instagram The pair then announced their engagement in April, after a whirlwind romance that began during the show, with Clint getting down on one knee and Jacqui saying "yes". Opening up in an exclusive interview with The Sun, the smitten couple looked extremely loved up as they dished on their wedding plans. Jacqui and Clint gushed over their extravagant plans for when they tie the knot, revealing when their big day will likely take place, and which MAFS co-star is slated to make a special appearance. "I've got these ideas, and you know, like I want things at my wedding," Jacqui told The Sun. "If I was to have a wedding, or a wedding celebration, or a wedding party of some kind, I want sparklers there, because I think it'd be really cool, and I want to pop some champagne. "And I want to have fireworks." She later added: "If we have a party, we want to have Morena DJ, but we also want to have a jazz band. "So I've kind of said like we could have a jazz band first, and then have Morena [Farina] at a party. 8 Morena Farina, who is a renowned DJ, was paired up with Tony Mojanovski in the hit series - but their romance did not last Credit: Nine "And we still haven't decided whether we want to have like a 3 day event where you've got a welcome party, and then you've got the wedding day, and then you've got a barbecue post the next day. "So we're deciding where the entertainment would be." Watch shock moment MAFS Australia couple get engaged after ditching show spouses in surprise wife swap Speaking about wanting an intimate moment on their wedding day, Jacqui explained: "Because we had a public engagement, we want to have more of an intimate wedding to balance it out. "I personally want to have a private moment just between Clint and I, because I didn't get that private moment with our engagement. "I'd love to have that at like a formal private moment with just the two of us as well. "Whether it's, I know some people do reading your vows together. Or some people just do like a sunset walk on their wedding day together. Married At First Sight Australia Couples 2025 Lauren, 37, Business Owner, and Clint, 43, Pro Golfer Eliot, 35, Business Owner, and Veronica, 32, Personal Trainer/Actor Beth, 28, Salon Manager, and Teejay, 28, Business Development Manager Jacqui, 29, Consultant, and Ryan, 36, Project Manager Morena, 57, DJ/Fitness Instructor, and Tony, 53, Charter Captain Rhi, 34, Account Manager, and Jeff, 39, Electrician Ashleigh, 34, Dance Studio Owner, and Jake, 30, Teacher Awhina, 30, Aged Care Worker, and Adrian, 30, E-Commerce Business Owner Sierah, 31, Financial Associate Advisor, and Billy, 31, Plasterer Jamie, 28, Account Manager, and Dave, 36, Builder Katie, 37, CEO and Tim, 38, Primary School Teacher Carina, 31, Digital Marketing Manager and Paul, 30, Wellness Advisor "Something that's just the two of us where nobody else is invited to view or watch, and that would be really important to me just to capture that between the two of us." Revealing when she and Clint will likely get wed, Jacqui said: "Realistically. Next year, I think, yeah, it'd be like, hopefully, summer. "So in between November this year and end of autumn next year will probably be the plan. "6 months somewhere around there. Yeah." 8 The pair are content when it's just them and their beloved dogs Credit: Instagram 8 They both told us how they are excited to start a family soon Credit: Instagram Elsewhere in our chat, Clint spoke of how he and Jacqui were keen to start a family soon. "We want to start a family," he told us. He went on to say: "We're content when it's myself, Jac and the dogs in our own environment. "It's amazing like that. And that's what we want... to keep growing. "We're both business minded. And we we're growing businesses now. "And next step is to to grow a family," Clint went on. 8 Jacqui was paired with Ryan on the hit show Credit: Nine
