Following the loss of her fiancé Ed Rothe, Jane McDonald has shared her thoughts on the prospect of finding love again, while clarifying that it isn’t a priority for her right now. The 61-year-old presenter endured significant sorrow after the passing of Ed, a musician, who died in 2021 after a brief struggle with lung cancer.
Currently, Jane lives with her close friend Sue Ravey, who also appears alongside her on Celebrity Gogglebox. While contemplating her future, Jane expressed that she’s not entirely dismissing the idea of dating again; however, she made it clear that anyone new would not take Ed’s place in her life. In an interview with Heat Magazine, she stated, “I’m not saying I’d never date again, but it’s way down on my list of things that I want to do,” as reported by the Express.
Reflecting on her past, she said, “I was very lucky; I had the most amazing relationship with Ed, and not many people get that in life.” She added, “So, if I never have another date in my life, that’s fine. If I do, that’s also fine.”
Emphasizing her satisfaction with her current lifestyle, Jane noted, “I’m not shutting the door, but I have a great life without thinking I need a man in it.” She appreciates her independence and the quality time she spends with loved ones, remarking, “Singledom can be quite liberating.”
During the same discussion, the busy touring TV star highlighted that introducing a new romantic partner wouldn’t mean Sue would have to leave her home. Jane praised her best friend, recalling how Sue “came in like a superwoman” after Ed’s passing and admitting that she isn’t sure how she would cope without her support.
In their home, the two maintain their independence by having “their own sections,” which creates a harmonious living arrangement. They primarily come together in the kitchen to film segments for Gogglebox.
Ed, who was a beloved former member of The Searchers, battled cancer for just “a few months” before he passed away, three years after Jane’s mother died.