Kellie: “My new boyfriend has made me feel attractive again”
After years of heartache, Kellie Maloney has finally found happiness with new boyfriend Jason
It was only a year ago that I she confided to Closer about her struggles in the dating world, revealing that her attempts at finding love had left her lacking confidence and feeling lonely.
But after revealing she was in a relationship on social media last week, Kellie Maloney now exclusively opens up to Closer about finding her Prince Charming in boyfriend Jason Shaw, 39.
Kellie, 64, says, “I met Jason about a year ago, while he was working in security at a function. We got on so well and stayed in touch over the next few months. Then, earlier this summer, I busted my ankle, so needed someone to come and help look after my dogs in Portugal (Kellie splits her time between the UK and Portugal). He dropped everything and met me at the airport the next day!
“It’s happened naturally. He makes me feel so comfortable and safe. He compliments me all the time and has made me feel attractive again. He makes a great cup of tea, too!”
DATING STRUGGLES
‘He compliments me all the time’
Four years ago, Kellie bravely revealed she was transitioning from famed boxing promoter Frank Maloney into Kellie, undergoing a sex change operation a year later in 2015.
But while Kellie was happy to finally be herself, she told Closer she was struggling in the dating world, saying, “Dating has been a sad topic for me. I’ve been on a few dates, but when they realise who I am, they make up an excuse and leave.” She also revealed she hadn’t had sex since her transition, describing herself as a “reincarnated virgin”.
Now Kellie – who was previously married
to wives Jackie and Tracey, and has daughters Emma, 40, Sophie, 22, and Libby, 16 – says that she doesn’t want to comment on her sex life out of respect for her family, but does reveal that her new romance with Jason has quashed her previous fears.
“All the worries I had about dating before – that they wouldn’t like me for me – aren’t relevant. Jason knows everything about my past, and likes me. I never thought I’d find someone. I put up a wall around me for so long,
but now there’s a big chink in it, thanks to Jason.”
Although she isn’t completely without worries, she is relieved her daughters are pleased that she’s found love – and that Jason’s family and friends have been supportive too.
YOUNG AT HEART
She says, “Our age gap does concern me – he’s 39 and I’m 64. But that’s me being old-fashioned and thinking the man should be older. I’m young at heart, and that’s what counts. I don’t know about Jason’s exes, and it’s not relevant. I think he’s bisexual, though. My children were wary at first, saying, ‘How do you know him? ’ But they’re happy for me now. My eldest daughter has met him, and they got on really well. My friends adore him, too. I’ve had lovely messages from Jason’s friends and family on social media, and next month, when I’m in London, I’m going to grab coffee with his brother.”
Since she began living as a woman in 2014, Kellie has undergone a boob job, hair transplant, electrolysis, lipo and facial surgery, as well as her gender reassignment op in 2015.
And Kellie says that while she wouldn’t rule out additional liposuction, she’s the happiest and most confident she’s ever been in her body, and is looking to the future.
RETIRING TO PORTUGAL
She says, “I’m happy in myself, and it feels great. I’d have lipo, maybe, as I’ve put on weight around my belly due to the hormones, but I’m taking a break from all that. I’m focusing on the next few years – I want to buy a farm in Portugal and retire there. Jason and I have been looking at farms. Marriage is a bit of a stretch – but if it works out for us, having Jason with me in Portugal would be a real plus.”
‘My children are happy for me’