Kelsey Parker, the wife of the late singer Tom Parker, has opened up about the criticism she's received from the public since confirming the news of a new relationship.
Kelsey lost her husband of three years in March 2022, just two years after he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.
The pair shared two children together; daughter Aurelia, four, and son Bodhi, two, and Kelsey has shared how she experienced loneliness in the evenings, when the children went to bed, as she struggled to adjust after Tom's passing.
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Last summer, Kelsey was at a wedding when she met Sean Boggan, a man who was previously found guilty of manslaughter - a charge he denied - and spent time behind bars after a fight in which another man passed away.
The pair struck up a relationship, though the rumours of a romance just months after Tom's death sparked criticism from some members of the public.
Kelsey remained quiet about the relationship at first, but she's since spoken out and made clear she's trying to ignore the judgement that members of the public are throwing her way.
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Speaking to OK!, Kelsey said: "I’ve sort of put myself in a position where people are entitled to opinions. I just think 'Let people have their opinions'.
"There’s no handbook on grief or how to be a widow. It’s just ridiculous. Everybody is different and we were taught that throughout Tom’s treatment."
Speculation emerged in April that Sean and Kelsey had split up, but the mum-of-two has said they're 'still on really good terms' and 'see each other a lot'.
She's previously addressed the incident that led to Sean's jail time, saying: " Everyone has a past and Sean has a lot of remorse for what happened. That’s his journey. Sean has kids now, his life has moved forward. It was the biggest mistake he’s made and he’s paid the price.”
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Having got to know him, Kelsey told OK: "Sean’s been amazing in this whole situation because he comes from a different place. We’re still seeing each other.”
As for whether she and Sean are romantically involved at the moment, Kelsey said: "I don't know. It’s a progression really. Who knows where it will lead…
"Sean’s been there for me when other people can’t be there for me," Kelsey continued. "He’s been absolutely amazing. He doesn’t treat me like a widow – he treats me like a normal person and I’m grateful for that."
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However, Kelsey has made one thing clear: no matter who comes into her life in the future, she will never forget Tom.
"Tom is irreplaceable. There will never be another Tom Parker in my life," she said.
Topics: Celebrity, Sex and Relationships, Parenting, Health
Emily Brown