20.03
Radithya
By Richard Simpson
They are married, but not to each other. So it's a little surprising to see Ultimo boss Michelle Mone and actor Shane Richie walking along arm in arm.
But there is apparently a simple, and innocent, explanation - Richie is 'tactile'.
That's what a spokesman for the EastEnders actor said last night when asked about the pair's cosy stroll in London's Soho.
Richie, 46, and Mrs Mone, 38, hugged and clasped hands as they left the Hix restaurant and then linked arms as they made their way with friends to a karaoke bar, where they partied until 1am.
Lingerie tycoon Mrs Mone met Richie during the filming of new ITV show 71 Degrees North, a celebrity reality show based on a North Pole expedition.
The participants spent a month trekking 2,000 miles in freezing conditions.
A group from the show, including Mrs Mone, Richie, ex-Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, Footballers' Wives actress Suzy Amy and rugby player Gavin Henson dined at Hix on Wednesday evening.
Show insiders said yesterday that participants will be seen on the series huddling together to keep warm.
Days before setting out on the expedition, Mrs Mone said the greatest challenge would be spending time away from her husband Michael, who is a director of her bra empire, son Declan, 13, and daughters Rebecca, 17, and Bethany, ten.
Richie, who returns to EastEnders next month as Alfie Moon, married Coleen Nolan in 1990, but they divorced in 1999 due to his infidelity.
They have two sons. He married Christie Goddard, 30, in 2007 and they have two young children.
When approached by the Mail last night, both Mrs Mone and Richie denied they were anything more than friends.
Mrs Mone declined to comment, with her spokesman saying she took her privacy very seriously.
Richie's spokesman Phil Dale said: 'Shane Richie and Michelle Mone are simply friends. Wednesday night was the first get-together of the celebrities since returning from filming.
'Shane is tactile generally as, of course, is not unusual within the entertainment industry. We are dealing here with artistes and not accountants.'
They are married, but not to each other. So it's a little surprising to see Ultimo boss Michelle Mone and actor Shane Richie walking along arm in arm.
But there is apparently a simple, and innocent, explanation - Richie is 'tactile'.
That's what a spokesman for the EastEnders actor said last night when asked about the pair's cosy stroll in London's Soho.
Keeping close: Michelle Mone and Shane Richie take a stroll in Soho on Wednesday night
Lingerie tycoon Mrs Mone met Richie during the filming of new ITV show 71 Degrees North, a celebrity reality show based on a North Pole expedition.
The participants spent a month trekking 2,000 miles in freezing conditions.
A group from the show, including Mrs Mone, Richie, ex-Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, Footballers' Wives actress Suzy Amy and rugby player Gavin Henson dined at Hix on Wednesday evening.
Other halves: Richie and wife Christie, left, and Mr and Mrs Mone, right
Days before setting out on the expedition, Mrs Mone said the greatest challenge would be spending time away from her husband Michael, who is a director of her bra empire, son Declan, 13, and daughters Rebecca, 17, and Bethany, ten.
Richie, who returns to EastEnders next month as Alfie Moon, married Coleen Nolan in 1990, but they divorced in 1999 due to his infidelity.
They have two sons. He married Christie Goddard, 30, in 2007 and they have two young children.
Lady of lingerie: Michelle Mone launches a range of Ultimo bras 'for real women' in April with Katie Green and Lucy Clarkson
Mrs Mone declined to comment, with her spokesman saying she took her privacy very seriously.
Richie's spokesman Phil Dale said: 'Shane Richie and Michelle Mone are simply friends. Wednesday night was the first get-together of the celebrities since returning from filming.
'Shane is tactile generally as, of course, is not unusual within the entertainment industry. We are dealing here with artistes and not accountants.'
