Jane McDonald issues 'lucky' update as she breaks silence on dating after tragic loss

Former Loose Women panellist Jane McDonald has opened up about the possibility of dating again, three years after the death of her fiance Ed Rothe

Jane McDonald has opened up about the possibility of romance after the loss of her fiance Ed Rothe but has emphasised that it's not at the top of her agenda.

The seasoned presenter, now 61, experienced profound grief when Ed, her partner and a musician, passed away in 2021 following a short battle with lung cancer.

Currently single, Jane is cohabitating with her dearest friend Sue Ravey, who also makes an appearance with her on Celebrity Gogglebox.

When discussing what lies ahead, Jane mentioned that she isn't closing the door on the idea of dating again; however, anyone new would not displace Ed.

She told Heat Magazine: "I'm not saying I'd never date again, but it's way down on my list of things that I want to do.", reports the Express.

"I was very lucky, I had the most amazing relationship with Ed, and not many people get that in life."

"So, if I never have another date in my life, that's fine. If I do, that's also fine."

"I'm not shutting the door, but I have a great life without thinking I need a man in it."

Embracing her current state of being unattached and spending quality time with those close to her, she elaborated: "Singledom can be quite liberating."

Within the same conversation, the TV star, who is busy touring, underscored that bringing a new romantic interest into her life doesn't mean Sue will pack up and leave.

Singing praises for her best friend, she recounted how Sue was like "came in like a superwoman" who swooped in post Ed's death, admitting she's unsure how she would manage without her.

At Jane's residence, they maintain their independence by having "their own sections", which works smoothly for them. The duo comes together primarily in the kitchen to film segments for Gogglebox.

Ed, the cherished former member of The Searchers, had faced a battle with cancer for "a few months" before his passing. He left this world three years subsequent to the death of Jane's mother.

Their love story was one of youthful romance initially, as they became entwined during their teen years, only to go their separate ways. Fate saw fit to reunite them in 2008 within the corridors of ITV studios.

It was while Ed found himself featured on This Morning and Jane held her status as a stalwart panellist on Loose Women that their paths intertwined once more.

Before Ed's sad death, he and Jane had been engaged for a long stretch of 12 years, making plans to exchange vows and enter into matrimony.

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