Thom Yorke finds love for first time since former partner died of cancer with Italian star Dajana Roncione
Dajana is Thom's first girlfriend since his ex-partner Rachel Owen died of cancer
IF RADIOHEAD win Best British Group at the Brits tonight, frontman THOM YORKE will have more than just his bandmates to celebrate with.
I can reveal he has found love with Italian movie actress DAJANA RONCIONE — his first girlfriend since his ex-partner Rachel Owen died of cancer in December.
Thom and Oxford University lecturer Rachel split in 2015 after 23 years. They had two children together.
But Thom had Dajana by his side to support him when Rachel passed away. I’m told they have been dating for several months.
A source said: “Thom and Dajana are very happy but they have been keeping their relationship on the down-low.
“Dajana joined him for some of Radiohead’s tour dates in America last summer and kept a low profile. Moving on after Rachel can’t have been easy for Thom.”
The couple have recently started to attend more events.
They posed for pictures at a New York Fashion Week party last week before Thom took to the decks.
The week before they were spotted on a theatre date in London’s West End.
One onlooker said: “Thom and Dajana looked very cosy. They kissed as the lights went down and chatted to pals after the show, before leaving together.
“For someone normally so guarded, Thom didn’t seem to care who saw him all loved up. They looked smitten.”
Dajana is a rising star of Italian cinema and has appeared in a number of TV shows and films in her home country.
She now lives much closer to Oxfordshire-based Thom after moving to London.
Radiohead face competition from BIFFY CLYRO, BASTILLE, THE 1975 and my favourites LITTLE MIX in the groups category at this evening’s bash at London’s O2.
I doubt Thom’s as big a fan of them as me.
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HAN NOT SO SOLO
HAN SOLO is back – but it’s not HARRISON FORD in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon.
In this first snap from the next Star Wars spin-off – about Han’s early life and called Han Solo: A Star Wars Story – it is ALDEN EHRENREICH at the controls.
The young Han is flanked, from left, by WOODY HARRELSON, co-director CHRIS MILLER, PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE, EMILIA CLARKE, co- director PHIL LORD and DONALD GLOVER.
Top Finnish basketball player Joonas Suotamo is there too.
You’ve guessed it, he’s in the Wookiee costume.
KEEPING THE BRITS IN CHECK
LOCAL firefighters can rest easy with DERMOT O’LEARY and EMMA WILLIS in charge at the Brits.
When asked if they considered repeating 2014 host JAMES CORDEN’s stunt of setting his arm on fire, Emma said: “When you know in advance you are going to do this gig you have plenty of time to plan the perfect opener.
“We’ve had four weeks. If you’re going to do something like that you have got to do it really well, or there’s no point in doing it.” But they will “embrace the carnage”.
Dermot, who will also DJ at Warner Music’s Brits after-party, added: “You don’t want to tell people to stop being rowdy.
“That’s why they’re here. It’s their night.” I’m sure they’ll still keep everyone in order.
JUST GOULD FRIENDS
IT seems ELLIE GOULDING is yet to go out of fashion for her former flame, McFLY bassist DOUGIE POYNTER.
The two were getting the pre-Brits celebrations started on Monday, proving they’re still as close as ever following their split last March.
Ellie and Dougie joined CHARLI XCX and PAMELA ANDERSON at DAME VIVIENNE WESTWOOD and JAMES JAGGER’s London Fashion Week Mad Max Party at Fabric nightclub before they made their way to Burberry’s bash at Annabel’s.Ellie will battle ANHONI, EMELI SANDE, LIANNE LA HAVAS and NAO for Best British Female.
I know who Dougie would be giving that trophy to.
BRITZ METER: BY NUMBERS
100: people in THE 1975’s backing choir tonight. Surely DENISE WELCH, mum of frontman MATT HEALY, can sneak in.
40: backstage make-up artists will be on hand for the stars, armed with 300 litres of foundation.
75: LITTLE MIX backing dancers will hope not to do a MADONNA. Leave those capes at home.
5,500: kilograms of ice in the event’s freezers – so no one ought to complain about a warm drink.
50: top chefs have worked a total 2,000 hours on food for guests – who will not expect chicken nuggets and chips.
40: personal bodyguards will ensure the talent is kept nice and safe – and away from mischief.
2,000: people will put the Brit Awards together this year, using more than 25 tonnes of equipment.