Sceptics have had their thoughts about Alison Hammond’s new age-gap romance with Russian hunk David Putman, but the couple have received Denise Welch’s approval

Alison Hammond’s love life is being scrutinised and judged, prompting Denise Welch to speak out in her favour this week on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The Loose Women panellist took to the social media platform on Wednesday, responding to concerns from Alison’s close circle, members of which believe she could be set for another heartbreak by giving David Putman a chance, due to their 20-year age gap.

One of them notably expressed worry to The Daily Mail, suggesting: “You could say she is fairly vulnerable when looking for love. Those who are close to her fear that she will be taken advantage of.”

They continued: “Obviously alarm bells go off when there’s a 20-year age gap, whether that’s when the man or woman is younger and there is someone involved who is rich. It is surely natural that there would be some concern.” But the couple deemed controversial has received support from Denise Welch.

David and Alison have been scrutinised for their new age-gap romance – and Denise Welch can only understand the impact of the criticism targeting the couple ( 
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The Loose Women panellist shares a 14-year age difference with her own husband Lincoln ( 
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Responding to the worries over Alison’s personal life, Denise – who shares a 14-year difference with her own husband half Lincoln Townley whom she wed in 2013 in Portugal – penned a warm message of encouragement for the This Morning host and her new beau: “It could also work out brilliantly well and be the best thing that ever happened to her!!! Fabulous woman and deserves everything.”

Although she enjoys huge success at the helm of some popular programs on the box, from This Morning to For the Love of Dogs, Alison Hammond has embarked in a number of ill-fated romances off-screen. After welcoming her son Aiden, 18, she notably called off her engagement with the lad’s father, cab driver Noureddine Boufaied, but the pair are said to remain fond of one another.

Alison later explained why she never walked down the aisle, admitting that she didn’t like feeling “tied down”, saying: “I think as soon as I hear the word marriage I get like cold feet. I think I’m just one of those people. (…) I just feel like I’m tied down and I don’t like it, when really and truly, I’m getting to that age now where I just think ‘Alison, let go – it’s okay to settle down’.”

After years of living as a free agent, Alison met Ben Hawkins when she hired him to tend to her garden in the West Midlands. The pair are said to have kept their relationship a secret from the public for several months before eventually making it public and rumours of an engagement quickly emerged – but the romance hit the rocks.

While some may be worried about Alison’s new skinny-dipping beau and his motives, David’s pals have all publicly sang his praises. “David is a very quiet, unassuming and thoughtful person who likes to play the guitar. He’s the strong, silent type, not a pushover, but not chatty like Alison”, one source claimed.

“In that sense they’re perfect for each other and to David, age is just a number. He’s not bothered by fame, he probably didn’t even know who Alison was when they first met.” The insider added: “Alison has never been happier. She has had a turbulent love-life, but is finally confident she has found a trusted companion.”