Nick Knowles' girlfriend Katie Dadzie has opened up about the first time she met the TV star, admitting that it certainly wasn't love at first sight.
Despite their 27-year age gap, the couple look happier and stronger than ever after two years of dating.
Businesswoman and mum-of-two Katie, 33, has opened up for the first time about their relationship, citing their independence from one another as a vital strength in the relationship.
Yet, their contrasting personalities meant that it took Katie some time to warm up to him after they first met when their children struck up a friendship.
“I actually didn't like him very much. We just knew each other as our kids were friends," she told The Sun.
“I'm very shy and quiet, while Nick is quite extroverted and a complete chatterbox. He didn't give me a lot of opportunity to talk. I didn't know a lot about him.
“But when we were both single we went for coffee and he let me talk, eventually, and we had a lot in common. We both love cooking and have an interest in history.
“During lockdown we spent a lot of time chatting over the phone, which meant we could really get to know each other.
“The more we went out the more I realised what a nice guy he is as he's constantly bombarded by fans and always has time for a picture.”
Katie, who is mum to daughters Savannah, eight, and Alex, five, from a previous relationship, described Nick as having a "Peter Pan complex" and said that he doesn't act his age.
Explaining he's like a "teenage boy" with so much energy, Katie said that she acts older than her age so it works out.
“We're really happy and support each other with kids and our work lives. He's a really lovely person. We have separate homes, which I think works for our relationship," she added.
While Katie and Nick sparked engagement rumours on Valentine's Day after he gifted her an aquamarine diamond ring, she said that it was a commitment ring and that she doesn't know about the future or marriage yet.
She also confirmed that they aren't planning to have any more children.
Katie added: "I'm focused on running my businesses now too and love the ages my kids are. Nick likes to spend time with his youngest son, so it's hard enough to juggle work and childcare without adding to it. We're both happy with our broods."
