Says Hollyoaks star going out with P etra’s ex... worth £4BILLION

THE new girl on the arm of the billionaire ex of Petra Ecclestone has insisted: “I’m no gold digger.”

Former Hollyoaks star Samantha Rowley, 24, said businessman James Stunt, who is known for his bad-boy persona and fleet of 200 cars, was “misunderstood”.

And speaking about her relationship with him for the first time Sam declared: “James has a big bank account. But he also has a big personality and a big heart.”

James, said to be worth £4billion, has branded former wife Petra a “C-list celebrity’s daughter” and slammed her dad Bernie as a “little dwarf”.

When pictures emerged earlier this month of him enjoying a night out with Sam, many scoffed.

And when she was seen sporting a huge sapphire ring on her engagement finger some reports claimed they were set to marry.

However Sam said it was too early to be talking of tying the knot with anyone – though she confirmed they are very close, despite their vastly different backckgrounds. Stunt owns a £315,000 000 Lamborghini, a bullet- proof oof Rolls- Royce and priceless ess artworks by Monet and Picasso. so. He has questionable family mily connections, including a convicted victed money launderer for a godfather. ther. Sam, the daughter of a retired teacher and fireman, once worked rked as a dancer at a Spearmint t Rhino club to make ends meet. She said: “What’s hat’s the best thing about ut James? He has a sharp p and very eccentric mind. d. Wealth is a blessing and a curse. It’s hard to get the e balance right. “James is a lovely guy, generous and kind. We have both helped each other through emotional times.” Of the term “gold digger” she said: “It is derogatory to women and sadly often comes from other women.” Sam, who has a five-year-old son, added: “As a woman it’s very important to keep your independence and stand on your own feet.” Sam is donating her fee for this interview to Home Start women’s refuge.