After eight years of focusing on her career and raising her daughter Kitty, Hannah Waddingham has found love again. In an intimate interview with Women’s Health UK, the Ted Lasso actress, 51, shared that she’s officially in a relationship and couldn’t be happier. With a wide smile and a glint in her eye, Waddingham teased that her new man is “very good-looking” and “really lovely,” though she kept his identity under wraps for now.
The reveal marks a new chapter in the life of the accomplished actress, who has spent nearly a decade focusing on her daughter, Kitty, now 11. After her split from her ex-partner, Gianluca Cugnetto, when Kitty was just two years old, Hannah put her full energy into raising her daughter as a single mother. For years, she made a conscious decision to put her romantic life on the back burner in favor of nurturing her family. But now, as her daughter grows older, Waddingham feels ready to embrace a new relationship and share her happiness with the world.
Eight Years of Single Motherhood and Self-Care
It’s been a long journey for Waddingham, and she admits it wasn’t easy. “It’s taken me eight years,” she said, reflecting on her time as a single mother. “I didn’t really have the space mentally or emotionally for that [a relationship].” The actress has never shied away from the challenges of motherhood, and she’s always been candid about how much of herself she poured into raising Kitty alone. Her focus has always been clear: her daughter’s well-being and her own personal growth.
“For so long, I hunkered down and focused on my girl and me,” she shared. “I didn’t have the time or energy for anything else.” And while those years were filled with the ups and downs of single motherhood, it’s clear from her words that Waddingham never considered herself deprived. Her focus on herself, her career, and, most importantly, her daughter, has given her a sense of inner strength.
But now, after years of devotion to her daughter, Waddingham says she’s finally “ready to stick my head above the parapet a bit more.” When asked if “it’s a very good-looking parapet,” she giggled and confirmed, “It is!” The actress’ excitement is palpable, but there’s a sense of serene satisfaction in her tone. Her happiness isn’t just about a new relationship—it’s about finally feeling ready to embrace everything life has to offer, beyond her role as a mother.
A New Romance: Who Is the Mystery Man?
Though Hannah hasn’t named her new boyfriend, fans have already begun speculating after she was spotted in March 2026 with Nick Beresford-Cleary, a handsome spine surgeon from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Beresford-Cleary is known for his work in both elective and emergency spinal surgeries and has an impressive career in the medical field.
The two were seen together at the Cheltenham Festival, and the chemistry between them fueled romance rumors. While Waddingham has not officially confirmed her relationship with Beresford-Cleary, the duo seemed to be enjoying a private and happy moment in each other’s company.
Waddingham has always been known for her grace, poise, and elegance, and the idea of her being with someone who shares those values is hardly surprising. Despite her star status, Hannah remains grounded, and she’s made it clear that this relationship is about much more than public attention. “It’s really lovely, obviously,” she says, speaking about her new relationship. “But the best thing about it is, firstly, being happy and strong in myself.”
The Power of Positivity and Charisma
When asked about her relationship preferences, Waddingham revealed that she has very specific criteria for what she looks for in a partner. “I want a guy that scoops me up and goes ‘I’ve got you, I don’t care if you’ve got your make-up on or not, I’m happy to lie in bed with you and have Marmite on toast and a glass of milk,’” she quipped. “Just be a lovely, positive, charismatic soul.”
Her words reflect her evolving perspective on love and relationships. Waddingham isn’t interested in superficial connections—she wants someone who brings joy, energy, and positivity into her life. “Positivity and charisma—that’s what I’m looking for,” she says with a smile. “I don’t need anyone miserable or negative.”
Her willingness to embrace a new chapter in her life is inspiring. At 51, Waddingham isn’t afraid to take risks in love, but she’s also clear on her deal-breakers. “Bad kissers” and “lack of eye contact” are immediate turn-offs for her, making it clear that she knows exactly what she wants in a relationship. Her self-assured attitude is refreshing, as she declares, “If you’re not going to step up, step off and be gone.”
The Triumphs of Single Motherhood: A Personal Victory
Waddingham’s journey to this point has been shaped by the challenges she faced as a single mother. When she found herself raising Kitty alone, she could have easily let the hardships define her. Instead, she chose to fight back. “I found in myself a strength,” she says. “I thought, ‘No, I’m not going to sit in the corner with a duvet over my head and think, oh, poor me.’ I’m going to come out fighting because I know that I have so much to give in my career.”
Her strength as a single mother is a testament to her resilience, and her career blossomed because of her dedication to both motherhood and her craft. After Kitty was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder when she was just three, Waddingham took a step back from acting to care for her daughter. It was during this time that she manifested the role of Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso, a move that brought her both professional success and personal fulfillment.
Waddingham says her career and her daughter’s health became her priorities, and she’s never looked back. “She is undoubtedly my greatest achievement because of that,” Waddingham says, her pride in her daughter evident.
A Bright Future Ahead
Looking ahead, Waddingham’s future seems brighter than ever. With her daughter thriving and her personal life flourishing, she’s embracing this new chapter with open arms. As she reflects on the lessons learned from her years as a single mother, she says, “It’s taken me eight years, but now I’m ready for something more. Ready to embrace life, love, and everything that comes with it.”
For Waddingham, her journey is far from over. With a positive attitude, a supportive partner, and a sense of fulfillment in her career and motherhood, she’s poised to continue thriving in all aspects of her life. It’s a story of triumph, of finding strength in the face of adversity, and of embracing love when the time is right.
