Kym Marsh's new boyfriend Samuel Thomas, 29, seen for first time since pair confirmed romance – and hit back at critics

Kym Marsh shocked fans when she revealed she'd met the "most amazing man ever" in a heartwarming Instagram post on Sunday, 7 July.

The 48 year old actress shared a loved-up snap of herself and her mystery man, who was soon uncovered as her 101 Dalmatians - The Musical co-star Samuel Thomas. And Corrie star Kym shared a picture of herself kissing him as she gushed over her 29 year old beau.

Captioning the upload, the star wrote: "Met the most amazing man ever! Sometimes the most unexpected things happen at the most unexpected times. @samuelthomasuk I love you #beautiful #soulmate #loveyou".

In the social media snaps, Samuel's face was a tad difficult to see, however, the actor has now been spotted out and about for the first time since the couple's relationship was confirmed.

While appearing to be running some errands in Norwich - where is he set to star in the latest tour stop for 101 Dalmatians - Samuel sported a casual look with a sports top, joggers and trainers.

The singer and vocal coach from Surrey also wore headphones as he carried his phone in his hand with a rather serious look on his face.

Kym's first snap of Samuel wasn't the only one the couple shared as he also posted on his own Instagram account. Showing his love for his new girlfriend as he shared a black and white snap of them pressing their foreheads together, Samuel said: "I didn't expect you, but here you are. I love you," he wrote alongside a red heart emoji.

Sending the love back to her beau, former Hear'Say singer Kym replied: "Ditto. The best things happen unexpectedly. Love you too."

The couple are currently starring in the UK and Ireland tour of smash hit musical 101 Dalmatians, which kicked off in Wimbledon last month. As part of the tour, former soap star Kym is appearing as Cruella de Vil while Samuel has a role as Tom Dearly.

However, things weren't plain sailing for Samuel and Kym - who is just one year on from her split from Army Major Scott Ratcliff - as the couple faced backlash on social media, with some leaving negative comments. On Monday, Kym turned off the comments on her Instagram post, having previously told trolls to "do one" after one wrote: "Jesus, another amazing man. 5 minute wonder. He looks like your son."

Another added: "You said that about the last bloke the other year," to which she responded: "Why don't you go do one."

Samuel also posted a cryptic quote on his own Instagram story that was seemingly directed at the critics. "Opinions are like a*******s...everyone's got one, but they're still a*******s," he wrote.

While some comments on Kym's post were negative, many fans jumped to her defence and were delighted about her new romance. One person wrote: "I cannot believe the amount of people who have jumped on this post straightaway, to just post negative s**t. This is a human being sharing their good news, this is a woman who has lost her father not long ago and has found happiness by the looks of it."

They continued: "Most of these comments are from women as well, which somehow always makes it worse when it comes to another woman being content and happy. I can only think it’s jealousy or just being completely miserable in your own lives."

Kym and her ex-husband Scott tied the knot in October 2021 in front of 150 guests but back in May 2023, it was reported that the pair had called time on their relationship 19 months after saying their 'I dos', with Kym later appearing to break her silence on the matter.

But, arguably most importantly, Kym and Samuel appear to be very much in love, despite what their followers may think of their relationship, with Samuel posting his own black and white photo of the two to his Instagram page with the caption: “I didn’t expect you, but here you are. I love you.”

The comments are still on for that post and are largely positive. One fan said: “Oh well this is just lovely! Really pleased for you, lovely man - hope the tour is going well Xx.” Another said: “So cute am happy for you both.” And one more said: “Beautiful. I’m so happy for the both of you. Finding love is the best thing ever. Take care of each other best wishes.”