Melanie Sykes, 50, seen kissing 23-year-old gondolier in Venice says she doesn't care about age gap

MELANIE Sykes was seen passionately kissing her gondolier lover in romantic pictures from Venice.

The 50-year-old defiantly said she's "too happy to care" about their 27-year age gap after speaking out about the saucy snaps.

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Mel enjoyed a six-day fling with Riccardo Simionato, 23 after jetting out to Italy last Thursday.

Writing on Instagram, she said: "Morning strumpets. I knew I was being stalked on my holiday but I managed to ignore it.

"Partly because it's just what happens but mostly because I was experiencing so much joy, it was difficult to actually care.

"May you also recognise, appreciate and take those happy moments in this crazy world. love Melanie x #livethatlife."

Riccardo, when questioned about the fling by the Mail on Sunday, said: “I don’t remember. I meet a lot of people.”

Melanie is twice-divorced and has two sons aged 18 and 16.

She was spotted throwing her arms around Riccardo while they kissed in the street.

Later they laughed over drinks in Campo San Toma Square where they couldn't keep their hands off of each other.

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