Hannah Waddingham Opens Up About Her Love Life After 8 Years of Single Motherhood: “Very Good-Looking” Partner

Hannah Waddingham Talks About Her First Romance in 8 Years: “He’s Very Good Looking”

Hannah Waddingham has disclosed that she is dating for the first time in eight years.

The 51-year-old, who plays Rebecca Welton in *Ted Lasso*, casually revealed that she is seeing someone during the feature interview for the June issue of *Women’s Health UK*. She was laughing when she showed off her new love by saying that her boyfriend is “very good looking” and “really lovely.”

Hannah had a daughter single-handedly after her relationship with her ex-partner Gianluca Cugnetto ended when their daughter was two years old. Since then, she has been mainly occupied with her daughter Kitty, 11 years old now.

“Actually, I have been single for 8 years, ” Hannah explained to the magazine when she was asked about having a new partner. “Before, I was so full of work and emotional challenges that mentally and emotionally I didn’t really have the space for love or relationships.”

“I’ve been down at the coalface of just me and my girl. [But] now I’m prepared to stick my head above the parapet a bit more.”

In response to whether “the parapet is a very good-looking one, ” Hannah exclaimed with a laugh and said, “it is!”

Hannah Waddinghamon Her New Love: “The Best Thing Is Being Happy and Strong in Myself”

Obviously, my relationship is great, very lovely, “And that” in fact, it is a wonderful experience. But most importantly, the best part of it for me is first of all, finding happiness and a sense of strength within myself.”

Although Hannah has not disclosed the name of her new partner, the actress had sparked the dating rumors in March after being spotted with the charming spine surgeon Nick Beresford-Cleary at the Cheltenham Festival.

Nick works as a Consultant Spine Surgeon at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and King Edward VII Hospital. He is qualified to perform both elective and emergency spinal surgeries. After initially gaining a degree in mechanical engineering, he went on to pursue medicine at Edinburgh University.

Hannah revealed how she achieved her part in *Ted Lasso* after becoming a single mother to her daughter. The actress had been with the father of her daughter for more than a decade, and their engagement was rumored before they’re breaking up.

She confessed that she was afraid that focusing on the single motherhood would mean the end of her career.”

“However, I discovered a different side of me. I realized, ‘No, I’m not gonna be the person hiding under a blanket crying, oh, poor me type of person.’ I’m going to be the one doing the fighting because I know that I have so much to give…

Hannah Waddingham On Being A Single Mom: “People Don’t Realize That It’s Different From Two Parents”

“The reason why I discuss [single motherhood] is because it is different from having two parents. It may sound silly and obvious but I think many people forget it.

“People say ‘Yes, I’m alone most of the time.’ But that is not the same as being sole provider. She is definitely my greatest accomplishment, because of that.”

Eight years ago the actress was left in a state of panic when her daughter who was just three at the time, quickly became very ill and was rushed to hospital. Kitty’s diagnosis was a total shock she had the auto-immune disease Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

Hannah’s diagnosis made her decide to withdraw from acting, especially roles that would physically take her away from home.

It was then that Hannah admits she drew in the *Ted Lasso* role, she told the universe she wanted a job that would stretch her as an actress but most importantly was near to her and Kitty’s London home.

After two months she got her first audition for the role of Rebecca, the filming of which would be just half an hour away from her home.

Hannah Waddingham main dating criteria: “Positive and Charismatic” and “Leave if You Wont Come Up”

It seems Hannah will not be dating anytime soon. She pointed to her very hectic schedule and, in her own words, being very selective. She did, however, mention that she would definitely give strict rules to the dating market if indeed she decides to get back on the dating market.

On *Rule Breakers* podcast, she told Michelle Visage: “Really, I think that I’m a very selective girl who has a very precise set of criteria of things.”

“With guys, ” she explained, “one of the big things is just please, gents, positivity, positivity and charisma and that I am your girl. But there are tons of misogs [miserable old folks] out there and I certainly don’t need it.”

Continue: “I do not care much about stereotypical cutey pie, sexy or whatever.

“The type of guy I want is the one who can just pick me up and say, ‘I got you, it doesn’t matter if you have your make-up on or not, I’m happy to just lie in bed with you having Marmite on toast and a glass of milk.’

“And just be a lovely positive, charismatic soul. I’m 50 and I’m like, ‘Man, if you are not going to step up, then step off and be gone. Hasta la vista until someone amazing comes along.’

She also said that in her book there were several deal breakers: bad kissers and a lack of eye contact