Kym Marsh hits out after critics slam star, 48, dating new man who is same age as her son

Former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh and her new beau have hit back at trolls who have criticised their 21-year age gap, just hours after announcing that they are in a relationship.

Kym Marsh pictured with her son Dave Cunliffe as they attend The British Soap Awards (Image: WireImage)

Kym Marsh went public with her new beau, who is nearly twenty years her junior, and clapped back at online trolls criticising their blossoming romance. The former Coronation Street star, 48, revealed her new relationship over the weekend with a public display of affection-filled post on social media. The post featured a romantic snapshot of her sharing a kiss with Samuel Thomas, her co-star in 101 Dalmatians: The Musical.

“Met the most amazing man ever! Sometimes the most unexpected things happen at the most unexpected times. @samuelthomasuk I love you #beautiful #soulmate #loveyou,” she wrote alongside the loved-up photo shared with her followers.

Many fans were quick to congratulate Kym on her new relationship. One fan wrote: “So pleased for you.”

Another added: “I’m so happy for you Kym! You deserve all the happiness.”

However, not everyone was as thrilled for the former Corrie actress and her new partner. One troll harshly commented: “Jesus… another amazing man… 5 minute wonder… he looks like your son.”

Kym Marsh attends the Royal Television Society Programme Awards (Image: Getty Images)

To which Kym retorted: “Do one.”

Another troll asked: “Did she just get married? Literally can’t keep up.”

While a third remarked: “You said that about the last bloke the other year.”

A fourth troll commented: “He looks like your son! Kym I like you but keep it private ffs.”

Kym Marsh’s went public with her new beau Samuel Thomas (Image: Kym Marsh Instagram)

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

In response to the trolling, Kym shot back with the words “do one” at her critics, while her boyfriend Samuel also stepped in, questioning: “I wonder what’s missing from your life that you need to comment on others. Sad really.”

The mother-of-three, 48, had previously confirmed her romance with fellow actor Samuel, a co-star in her touring production of 101 Dalmatians, in a social media post. Kym portrays the notorious Cruella de Vil in the show, while he performs as Tom Dearly.

At 29, Scott – who she refers to as “the most amazing man ever” – is the same age as her eldest child, David Cunliffe.

On his personal Instagram page, Samuel shared a touching monochrome image of him and his new love interest, captioning the photograph: “I didn’t expect you, but here you are. I love you,” accompanied by a heart emoji. In response, Kym commented: “Ditto. The best things happen unexpectedly. Love you too.”

Actor Samuel Thomas is starring in a musical alongside Kym Marsh (Image: Instagram Samuel Thomas)

Kym is a parent to son David, 29, and daughter Emilie, 27, from a former relationship with builder David Cunliffe.

The couple, who met in a Lancashire pub, separated in 1999, shortly after she found fame on TV talent show Popstars.

Two years later Kym met Jack Ryder, a household name at the time thanks to his role as Jamie Mitchell in EastEnders. They wed in 2002 but divorced seven years later.

The Weatherfield actress dated actor Jamie Lomas four months after her separation from Jack

Kym Marsh and her new man are slamming harsh critics (Image: Getty Images)

They went on to welcome their daughter Polly in 2011 and the following year tied the knot. The couple divorced in 2014.

She remarried for a third time to Scott Ratcliff back in 2021 but the pair split 13 months following their wedding.