Kate Ritchie, 42, and boyfriend John Bell, 25, get handsy in Byron Bay

Closer each day! Home and Away star Kate Ritchie, 42, holds hands with her boyfriend John Bell, 25, as they enjoy a romantic getaway in Byron Bay

Kate Ritchie has a new man, and she’s not afraid to show him off.

The former Home and Away star, 42, was seen packing on the PDA with her much younger boyfriend John Bell, 25, as they holidayed in Byron Bay earlier this month.

Kate, who quietly separated from her husband Stuart Webb several months ago, held hands with the businessman as they strolled to a local café to purchase take-away breakfast.

Showing off her new man! Kate Ritchie, 42, and her much younger boyfriend John Bell, 25, packed on the PDA as they took a romantic stroll in Byron Bay earlier this month  

As they waited in line, Kate threw her arms around John’s shoulders and squeezed him tightly.

John, who runs a cyber security business, returned Kate’s affections by wrapping his hands around her waist and pressing his body against hers.  

The Sydney-based radio presenter was dressed for comfort in a loose white T-shirt and denim shorts, which showcased her slender pins.

Lovers’ lane: Kate, who quietly separated from her husband Stuart Webb months ago, held hands with the businessman as they strolled to a local café to purchase take-away breakfast

Handsy: As they waited in line, Kate threw her arms around John’s shoulders and squeezed him

Looking cosy: John, who runs a cyber security business, returned Kate’s affections

Clinch: He wrapped his hands around her waist and pressed his body against hers

She went makeup free, and shielded her famous face beneath a woven sunhat. 

John wore a white T-shirt, printed blue shorts and a black baseball cap.  

He also displayed several eye-catching tattoos, including the words ‘Italian Pride’ on his forearm.

Legging it! The Sydney-based radio presenter was dressed for comfort in a loose white T-shirt and denim shorts, which showcased her slender pins

Natural beauty: Kate went makeup free, and shielded her famous face beneath a woven sunhat 

Inked: John displayed several tattoos, including the words ‘Italian Pride’ on his forearm

On the move: After picking up coffees and toasted sandwiches, the smitten couple made their way to a sunny patch of grass at the nearby Main Beach 

After picking up coffees and toasted sandwiches, the smitten couple made their way to a sunny patch of grass at the nearby Main Beach.

Once they arrived at the idyllic enclave, Kate removed her T-shirt to reveal a black swimming costume beneath.

The lovebirds then sat down and enjoyed a romantic picnic under the sun.


Stripping down: Once they arrived at the idyllic enclave, Kate removed her T-shirt to reveal a black swimming costume beneath

Not an inch to pinch! The former actress showed off her slender physique in the form-fitting swimwear and denim shorts 

Hat’s off to her! Kate removed her sun hat and held it between her knees as she removed her T-shirt 

Kate and John reportedly stayed at an Airbnb and spent most of their time on holiday relaxing by their private mineral salt pool and visiting Byron Bay’s top restaurants.

While little is known about John, resurfaced court records show he has had a minor brush with the law.

Court extracts reveal John was charged with careless driving in March 2015, but was not convicted.

Relaxing: The couple sat on the grass and enjoyed a romantic picnic under the sun 

Paradise: Kate and John reportedly stayed at an Airbnb and spent most of their time on holiday relaxing by their private mineral salt pool and visiting Byron Bay’s top restaurants

Background: While little is known about John, resurfaced court records show he has had a minor brush with the law

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, John was described as a ‘messed up teenager from little old Portland [Victoria]’ in an Instagram post by a friend last year.

John started security solutions business VIREOSS in September 2019.

He runs the company from the small town of Seymour, an hour and a half from Melbourne.

Past: According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Bell was described as a ‘messed up teenager from little old Portland [Victoria]’ in an Instagram post by a friend last year

Business-minded: John started security solutions business VIREOSS in September 2019

Meanwhile, Kate has been keeping low-key since splitting from her husband Stuart Webb, after 10 years of marriage.

While it’s unclear when exactly Kate and Stuart split, she hasn’t worn her wedding ring in a year and moved out of their marital home in Sydney’s Randwick in late 2019.

Kate moved out after police took out an interim AVO on her behalf against the former NRL star following an incident at the property.

In December 2019, Stuart’s five-time drink driving history was revealed in a police fact sheet as he faced court for blowing 0.083 when he was pulled over by highway patrolmen in the city’s east in March of that year. 

The former couple were last spotted together in February 2020, when they celebrated their six-year-old daughter Mae’s first day of school.

Under the radar: Meanwhile, Kate has been keeping low-key since splitting from her husband Stuart Webb, after 10 years of marriage

Case of the ex: While it’s unclear when exactly Kate and Stuart split, she hasn’t worn her wedding ring in a year and moved out of their marital home in Sydney’s Randwick in late 2019

In happier times: Kate and Stuart are pictured here on April 27, 2014, in Melbourne

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