Denise Van Outen opens up on first cosy Christmas with new man Jimmy Barba

DENISE Van Outen has set slip her plans for her first Christmas with new boyfriend Jimmy Barba.

The telly star, 48, is looking forward to 'chilling' this festive season with Jimmy and their two daughters from previous relationships.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun Online, Denise has described new man as "lovely" and says she is "good hands", as they prepare for a quiet Christmas together.

Denise said of her relationship: "I’m enjoying it. I always just think you’ve got to enjoy the moment haven’t you? And he’s lovely."

The mum-of-one, who shares daughter Betsy with her actor ex Lee Mead, added: "We’re going to chill at home for Christmas.

"[Jimmy's] great and I’m pleased that he has a little daughter. She’s only three, so we get to do all the Christmas magic like Elf On The Shelf."

Denise first went public with 55-year-old Jimmy at the Grand Prix Ball in June.

Their relationship came after her bitter split with her fiancé and Celebrity Gogglebox co-star Eddie Boxhall.

The Sun revealed in January that heartbroken Denise had dumped Eddie after discovering he had been having phone sex and dates with other women.

They had been in a relationship for seven years and were planning to tie the knot this year prior to their shock split.

In the wake of her break-up with Eddie, Denise told Radio 2 listeners: "The one thing I’m really proud of myself for is I do know when to walk away and I don’t like to be taken advantage of.

"Sometimes it’s been to the detriment of my own career or in my own relationships, but I just feel like it’s really important as a woman to have self-worth and self-respect."

Speaking to The Sun Online at Monday night's TV Choice Awards, Denise said new man Jimmy is familiar with the showbiz world.

She explained that he is a pal of her close friend, Blue star Duncan James, and - although now a property developer - he used to work as a professional dancer.

"He’s been in the business before and Duncan’s friends all know him," Denise said.

"He used to be a dancer. I feel like I’m in good hands at the moment. He’s a nice guy."