Jim Davidson Denies Relationship is a Rebound

Comedian Jim Davidson has asserted that his new relationship with Maria Rice-Mundy is not a rebound, following his recent separation from Tash. The couple made their first official public appearance together at the Water Rats annual ball on Sunday night.

Davidson, 72, and Rice-Mundy, 60, were seen at the Royal Lancaster hotel in central London. Rice-Mundy wore a red sequin gown, while Davidson was in a suit. The Water Rats Annual Ball is a charity event hosted by the Grand Order of Water Rats, an entertainment industry fraternity founded in 1889.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Davidson clarified that his relationship with Rice-Mundy is not a rebound romance, despite his split from Tash, 49, reportedly occurring in September. He stated that his previous relationship with Tash had been off and on for some time and that they had broken up well before the news was public.

Davidson described his relationship with Rice-Mundy as having "no rules," emphasizing that they are not engaged, planning to elope, or attaching labels to their connection. He noted that Rice-Mundy is the oldest woman he has dated and he is the oldest man she has 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," Davidson said.

He also mentioned that he and Rice-Mundy, who was recently crowned Ms Great Britain Classic 2026, have been friends for years and that he had even gatecrashed her wedding 30 years ago. Davidson expressed that Rice-Mundy has "something special about her" and makes him feel less "useless."

Davidson admitted that he is still processing his last breakup, which led to the cancellation of his wedding to Tash at Hampton Court and a loss of a £10,000 deposit. He stated that Natasha ended their relationship three months prior, citing that he had left her with no choice. However, he characterized their relationship as having been tumultuous, with monthly breakups.

Davidson, who has been married five times previously, had planned a sixth marriage. His previous union was with Michelle Cotton, with whom he had been for two decades. He announced their split in April 2023 and finalized his fifth divorce shortly thereafter. His first marriage was to Sue Walpole in 1971, followed by Julie Gullick in 1981, Alison Holloway in 1987, and Tracy Hilton in 1990. He has six children from these marriages.