Denise Van Outen has insisted she doesn’t feel like a single mum because she and her ex, Casualty star Lee Mead, are such good friends.

The couple met in 2007 when Lee, 33, was competing and Denise was judging on the TV talent show, Any Dream Will Do. The couple married in 2009 and had four-year-old daughter Betsy a year later, but in 2013 they announced their marriage was over, citing the toll their busy work schedules had taken on their relationship.

Denise said: “It’s been a very lucky break-up story really because we’ve remained really good friends.

Denise and Lee in May 2013 before their split (Jon Furniss/Invision)
Denise and Lee in May 2013 before their split (Jon Furniss/Invision)

“I don’t even feel like a single mother because I have so much support from Lee and both our families. For instance, we spent Christmas Day together with his family and mine, just like we did the previous year. It was lovely and great for Betsy,” said Denise, who divides her time between a base in London and a home in Kent.

“We don’t have any set rules for when Lee sees her or I have her. Filming for Casualty is in Cardiff and so Betsy’s made loads of set visits and knows all the names of the cast, which is very sweet.

Denise with daughter Betsy in 2013 (Suzan/EMPICS)
Denise with daughter Betsy in 2013 (Suzan/EMPICS)

“Our set-up is very relaxed and amicable and we just agree everything between ourselves. It wouldn’t work for everyone, but it works for us. Lee’s a fantastic father and I’m proud of the way we’ve coped with it and made Betsy the priority.”

And despite remaining close to her ex, Denise, 40, has found love again. For the past seven months, she’s been dating stockbroker Eddie Boxshall.

“It’s nice getting to know someone. It’s very relaxed and not really serious. It’s just nice and good to be back on the dating scene,” she said.

“Thankfully, I don’t think there’s really any interest nowadays in whoever I date. At one stage, the media seemed obsessed with my meeting someone and having a kid and literally partnered me off with everyone I was seen with! I’m glad that’s over and my private life goes pretty well unnoticed.”