EastEnders star Jill Halfpenny reveals new relationship five years after tragic death of boyfriend at 43

ok.co.uk:

EastEnders star Jill Halfpenny has been spotted with her new beau for the first time since the heartbreaking loss of her boyfriend.The 49-year-old actress revealed that she's "finally found love and happiness again" with her partner Ian McAllister, following the tragic death of her boyfriend Matt Janes, who passed away from a heart attack in 2017 at just 43.

Jill emotionally confessed that Matt had wanted her to "find someone else and be happy" if anything were to happen to him.The former Strictly Come Dancing star and Ian looked radiant as they made their first public appearance together.

Jill, who once starred in Byker Grove, was chic in a black suit paired with a white shirt and black tie, while marketing executive Ian lovingly wrapped his arm around her.

He sported a smart blue jacket over a striped top and navy trousers. Jill, who played Kate Mitchell on the BBC One soap, took some time before moving on and finding love with Ian. "It sounds so cheesy, but I think Ian and I met at the perfect time", she shared with Prima magazine. "After Matt died, I didn't know if I'd ever meet anyone again, but Ian is my cheerleader - I know I've met somebody who I love and who loves me." The TV star, who was previously married to actor Craig Conway for three years and later had a brief romance with Ant McPartlin, opened up about the impact of Matt's death during a candid chat with Line of Duty star Craig Parkinson on the Two Shot Podcast in 2019.