Coleen Nolan, 61, has shared that she initially dismissed her partner, 46-year-old fashion lecturer Ryan Brockbank, due to their age difference, admitting that her own insecurities played a significant role in her hesitation. The television personality recently disclosed that Brockbank initiated their romance by sending her a direct message on Instagram.
Speaking on the television program Loose Women, Nolan recounted how the relationship nearly didn't materialize because she felt the age gap was too substantial. "I went, 'Oh god no. Way too young. Straight away, I said you're too young,'" she said, referring to her reaction when she learned Brockbank's age.
Nolan elaborated on her participation in the reality dating show Celebs Go Dating earlier in the year, where she stated she avoided dating anyone younger than 55. She explained that her reluctance stemmed from concerns about appearing older and wondering why a younger person would be interested in her. "My own insecurity, really, I thought they wouldn't fancy me anyway because I'm 61 and I'd wonder why they did," she stated.
She also mentioned not wanting a partner with young children, having already navigated that phase of life, and not wanting someone who lived far away, both of which applied to Brockbank. However, she realized that when a connection is genuine, such logistical concerns can be overcome. "It made me realise that when it's the right one and the real one, all those things don't matter, you make them work," Nolan explained.
Nolan described how Brockbank persisted after her initial rejection, continuing to pursue her and make her laugh, which she found appealing. He reportedly told her that while she might be older in years, her demeanor was youthful. "You might be that in years, but it's like going out with a kid because you're like an 18-year-old!" he said.
Nolan revealed that Brockbank first reached out in May, sending her an Instagram message asking if she would like to get a drink. After a brief exchange, he asked if she was watching Eurovision. The pair then engaged in a flirty conversation, with Nolan eventually replying with a heart emoji. Brockbank later shared a screenshot of their initial messages, captioned "How it started…" followed by a selfie of them together with the caption "How it's going."
The television personality, who was previously married to actor Shane Richie and later to Ray Fensome, expressed that she is now open to marriage for a third time with Brockbank, a sentiment that surprised her 25-year-old daughter, Ciara. Nolan stated that she had previously decided against remarrying but changed her mind after meeting Ryan, whom she described as the person she had been searching for. "I always said I wouldn't get married again but I hadn't met Ryan," she admitted. "He's what I have been looking for, for probably 50 years."
Nolan also shared that she and Brockbank have gotten matching tattoos. Ciara described the tattoos, one of which is an 'R' and a heart on Nolan's chest, and another on her forearm, as a sign that her mother had "lost the plot."