Erin OConnor Finds Love Again with Alexander Chappell

has revealed she has found love again with brand designer Alexander Chappell as she opened up about dating on Wednesday. 

The supermodel, 48, split from long-term partner Steve Gibson in 2023 and shares two sons together Albert, 11, and Eddie, seven.

Erin admitted she struggled after the split and didn't rush into another relationship for years as she found the dating world 'quite scary'. 

‘I knew I needed time to get to grips with myself, and that’s quite scary because you don’t know how long that’s going to take', she told Grazia. ‘I wasn’t even flirting. I didn’t know how to date any more.’ 

But Erin has now revealed that she has found love again with slightly younger designer and artist Alexander but it didn't go entirely smoothly the first time they met.

‘I shook his hand,’ she said. ‘That’s how out of practice I was.’ 

But something shifted and Erin gushed that being with Alexander is the 'best feeling in the world' as she gave insight into her relationship. 

She said: ‘I’ve met someone kind. It’s so lovely to be with someone who understands. It’s the best feeling in the world It feels positive. Really positive.’ 

Not much is known about Alexander but other than Erin's ex Steve, who she met on a blind date, Erin previously dated presenter Jamie Theakston and was linked to comedian David Walliams.   

It comes after Erin revealed she was diagnosed with PTSD as a result of the criticism she faced over her slender figure.

The model, from West Midlands, spoke of the devastating impact people's opinions of her size had on her mental health at the height of her modelling career in the 90s.

She said: 'I did a lot of crying and soul‑searching because I was publicly used as a means of getting news and shocking headlines.

'After years of being subjected to daily opinions on my body, it was quite traumatic. I definitely suffered.

'I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress after holding a very public, politicised space.'

The mother-of-two, who is six foot tall, had previously spoken about feeling 'betrayed' by her body.

She shared: 'It was when I outgrew my dad – at the age of 15 – that it became testing for me.

'I don't think I was different to anyone else as a teenager, in that I thought it was important to fit in.'

The West Midlands native was first spotted by a talent scout while on a school trip to the Birmingham Clothes Show.

She added: 'This debate is to do with self-esteem.

'The idea of not feeling accepted is something scary. It really doesn't matter what age, size or shape you are.'