Coleen Nolan has been single since late last year and exclusively reveals what she thinks about dating again, and why she doesn’t want anyone’s ‘toothbrush in her bathroom’ again

Coleen hasn’t ruled out online dating – but has a very specific type in mind(Image: REACH PLC / Alex James)

Loose Women legend Coleen Nolan has opened up about getting back on the dating scene after splitting up from her ex, Michael Jones, late last year. The TV legend had been dating her ex since 2001, but the pair decided they “would rather just stay friends,” Coleen said, and they went their separate ways.

After the split, Coleen said: “It’s nothing to do with anyone else, it’s nobody’s fault. But I’m really busy and when I’m not really busy with work I’m busy on the farm and I feel personally that I can’t give time to everything. We still get along great and hopefully we can continue to be friends, who knows?”

Coleen struggles to meet the right men(Image: REACH PLC / Alex James)

While she’s still officially single, Coleen said she’d “probably date again”, but was waiting for the right time – and the right person to come along. “The men I meet are either married or gay, so I’ve no hope in the industry I’m in,” she exclusively told OK!. “And I don’t go out to bars, unless they’re serving me a cup of tea.”

For now, Coleen’s focus is her farm – and 30-odd animals – as well as her new YouTube channel which gives viewers a glimpse of the highs and lows of living on a smallholding. With limited time for dating, Coleen doesn’t rule out signing up to a dating app to find her perfect match.

“Apparently, there’s one that’s aimed at country folk, called Muddy Matches, so that’ll be the one I try when I’m up for it,” she says.

“But whoever I date, I’m not sure I want their toothbrush in my bathroom. I’ve been in relationships my whole life and I’m enjoying having my house to myself, not worrying about anyone else.”

She is now living by herself on a farm – and sharing the experience on YouTube(Image: Instagram/ @coleen_nolan)

Coleen, who was once married to EastEnders actor Shane Richie, followed by musician Ray Fensome, says she doesn’t’ necessarily miss “sex”, but the odd bit physical affection would be welcome.

“I do miss hugging and kissing, but not necessarily sex. That said, if I meet him and I fancy him, he’s getting it! You can’t beat a good snog and there’s only so many times I can kiss my boxer dog’s crinkly face.”

Double dating with her Loose Women colleague Ruth Langsford, who separated from her husband Eamonn Holmes last year, is also not currently an option, she added.

“Ruth’s definitely not going on dates yet. I’m trying to force her into it but she’s not having it. And I think she’d be a terrible wingwoman — she’d be too severe and say, ‘No, you’re not right, get away!’”