EastEnders Star Debbie Arnold Finds Love Again at 70: “I’m a Cougar, Darling!”
Debbie Arnold, best known for her role as April Branning in EastEnders, has shared the heartwarming news that she has found love once again at the age of 70. The actress, who played the iconic character on the BBC soap between 1995 and 1996, revealed her romantic journey in a candid interview on Channel 5’s Vanessa show.
A Love Found in an Unlikely Place
Debbie, who has previously been married to actor John Challis (known for his role as Boycie in Only Fools and Horses) and actor/director David Janson, met her new partner at a funeral. Yes, you read that right – love struck at a wake! Debbie joked about the unusual setting, sharing, “I didn’t go to a funeral to pull anyone,” but when she met the man, who is nine years younger, she knew something special was beginning to spark.
Despite initially thinking he wasn’t her type (he’s bald and a bit younger than her usual preference), Debbie and her partner quickly hit it off. “I could just tell from the first second,” she said, referring to their first kiss after a dog walk. “It was like ‘oh my goodness, I’m in big trouble here.'”
Age Is Just a Number
Debbie was candid about the age difference, admitting that at first, she never thought she would find love with someone younger or without hair. “He definitely wouldn’t have gone for me because I’m too old by six or seven years older,” she laughed. But she quickly realized that age doesn’t matter when it comes to love. “If you find someone attractive, you don’t care how old they are.”
She playfully dubbed herself a “cougar,” comparing her love story to that of Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith, who also found love at 70. “I’m like Prue Leith, she found the love of her life at 70, too. A bit like me. I’m a cougar, darling. He’s only 61!” Debbie said with a smile.
The Love of My Life
Debbie proudly shared that she feels like she’s “saved the best ‘til last,” describing her new partner as “the love of my life.” “I just know he is the one,” she said, reflecting her optimistic outlook. “If for any reason I’m wrong, well, hope springs eternal.”
Fans Celebrate Her New Romance
Fans have expressed their joy and admiration for Debbie’s new relationship, with one fan writing, “Good for her. Love always finds a way.” Another fan commented, “Never look for love, love is always looking for you. Nice one, Debbie.” Debbie’s positivity and openness about her new relationship have certainly struck a chord with her followers.
Debbie has had a long and varied career in the world of soap operas, with roles in Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, and Emmerdale, and it’s clear that, just like on screen, love is never far from her life.
A New Chapter
With this new chapter, Debbie Arnold proves that it’s never too late to find love, and sometimes, the most unexpected moments can bring the greatest joys. As she celebrates this new chapter with her partner, fans are excited to see the next steps in her journey—both on-screen and in her personal life. 💖
