Whether you're separated, divorced or bereaved, it's never too late to find love - not matter how old you are. A 57-year-old woman, who hated online dating and struggled with her self-confidence, took a leap of faith and it paid off. Isabella Arpino, from Eastcote, northwest London, was unhappy being single after her 23-year marriage broke down.
Then she spotted Australian relationship coach Jake Maddock on TikTok and paid him £2,000 on a whim to help her find love. Slowly but surely, he built her confidence back up and got her out into the world of dating again. After dozens of group counselling sessions, 12 failed dates and three dating apps, Isabella found Ian Clegg, 60, and he moved 250 miles to be with her.
Isabella told the Mirror : "It was so strange to find this straight-talking young Australian man and let him turn my life around. But it really worked. I could not be more happy."
The mum-of-three was in a place she never expected to be in her late fifties - divorced, lonely and longing for a healthy and happy relationship.
After four years of being single, Isabella was finally swayed by her 24-year-old daughter to sign up to online dating apps, Match.com, Zoosk and Bumble.
"I started looking for love but I felt really sad. It's not easy dating later on in life, especially when you've had a long relationship," Isabella said.
"I had some awful comments from men, they'd lie on their profiles or suddenly stop replying to me and it would put me off."
Isabella, who works for a luxury property developer, went on a date with a guy she'd been speaking to online - then he got up and left halfway through.
"I told my daughter that I wasn't going to take my chances anymore. I didn't want to do it," she said.
"Dating felt like a full-time job and it was impacting my every waking moment.
"Then I saw Jake on TikTok and I liked his approach. It was direct and straightforward. I decided to give it one last chance."
The grandmother-of-two reached out to relationship counsellor Jake and he offered to mentor her about dating, sex and finding self-confidence.
"I was apprehensive about paying the £2k upfront so I paid in monthly instalments. I was worried I'd regret it and my son told me it was a scam," Isabella said.
"But I was broken and I had no confidence. I didn't think I'd ever find anyone or fall in love again."
Isabella had assignments to fill out online about relationships and attended group counselling sessions three times a week.
Due to the time difference, she would often be up at midnight to chat with Jake and her fellow singletons.
"Dating sites are brutal and you need to be emotionally prepared for the rejection," Isabella explained.
"Jake reminded me that I was in control and it's just a bit of fun. That changed the whole game."
Isabella regularly caught up with Jake and his team to talk about what she was looking for in a relationship.
"When you're 60 with children and grandchildren, dating is difficult as everyone has a history," Isabella said.
Isabella was stuck on a very specific type of man, so when Ian came along, she instantly shut him down.
"I was looking for someone that had a good job, independence, could drive and owned a property. I always went for Mediterranean-looking guys with darker hair," she explained.
"Ian has a cracking smile and lovely eyes, but he's totally different from what I'd usually go for. We're polar opposites."
The postman from Bristol called her for a morning chat and then asked for a second the following day, but Isabella was hesitant.
"He won me over and then we started dating. He'd come up from Bristol at the weekend or I'd go there," she explained.
Ian, who was married for 14 years and has no children, eventually got a job in London and moved in with her.
"We don't go to fancy restaurants or on expensive holidays, but he's given me more than anyone else ever has," she said.
"Ian has taught me that you don't need money to be happy. He gives me emotional support and love."
The pair celebrated their one year anniversary on holiday in Tenerife, and hope to buy a new home together along the coast in Devon.
They enjoy walking, travelling, cooking, dancing and watching films together, and Ian regularly reminds her how "special" she is.
Isabella hopes to paint in front of the sea one day and Ian would like to collect fossils and go on archaeological digs.
"Having him move in was a very big step for both of us. He is extremely caring and loving which took some getting used to - but in such a good way," Isabella said.
The pair have spoken about possibly remarrying but nothing is on the cards at the moment - they are happy as they are.
"I'd encourage everyone to look for love later in life and to not give up. My friends thought I was crazy at first but I couldn't be happier I did it," Isabella said.
Isabella is still "part of the Maddock's family" and is invited to join their weekly meetings whenever she wants a rant or advice - or if she just wants to thank them for helping to bring Ian into her life.
Do you have a dating story to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
