Jim Davidson Denies Rebound Romance with Maria Rice-Mundy

Comedian Jim Davidson has stated that his new relationship with Maria Rice-Mundy is not a rebound, emphasizing their long-standing friendship and a relationship free from external pressures. The couple made their first official public appearance together at the annual Water Rats ball, held at the Royal Lancaster hotel in central London.

Rice-Mundy, 60, wore a sequined red gown, while Davidson, 72, was dressed in a suit for the charity event. The Water Rats Annual Ball is a yearly gala hosted by the Grand Order of Water Rats, an organization for those in the British entertainment industry founded in 1889.

Speaking to the Daily Mail on Monday, Davidson clarified that his split from his previous partner, Tash, 49, occurred earlier than reported and was an intermittent separation. "This is not a rebound at all," Davidson stated. "My ex, Tash and I broke up long before it was actually reported and it was on and off for a while."

He described his relationship with Rice-Mundy as one without defined expectations. "We are not getting engaged, we are not about to elope and we are not putting labels on things," he said. "She is the oldest woman I've dated and I am the oldest man she's dated. We've been friends for many years and we have a laugh together. We get along great and we're just happy going forward together."

Rice-Mundy, who was recently crowned Ms Great Britain Classic 2026, previously co-hosted television game shows such as "Sale Of The Century" and "Bob's Your Uncle" in the late 1980s. Davidson shared that he has known Rice-Mundy for years, humorously recalling gatecrashing her wedding 30 years prior. He described her as "too good to be true" and possessing a "something special about her" that makes him feel less "useless."

Davidson acknowledged he is still processing his last breakup, which led to the cancellation of his planned wedding at Hampton Court and a forfeited £10,000 deposit. He mentioned that he and Natasha had been splitting up monthly, and that she ultimately ended the relationship three months ago. He expressed a desire to avoid loneliness.

Davidson has been married five times previously. His first marriage was to Sue Walpole in 1971, followed by Julie Gullick in 1981, Alison Holloway in 1983, Tracy Hilton in 1990, and Michelle Cotton in 2009. His planned sixth marriage, to Natasha, was intended to be held at Hampton Court, a venue referencing King Henry VIII's marital history. He confirmed the wedding is off but stated there is "no bad blood" with Natasha, describing their separation as a "grown up separation."

He also mentioned that the house he shared with Michelle Cotton is being sold. Davidson indicated he remains on good terms with his ex-wife Michelle, though he finds it difficult to see the dogs they once shared.