'My break-up LEFT A SCAR'

Singer Paloma Faith on life in her 40s and co-parenting with her ex

- WORDS: JULIE ANN TRAINOR. PHOTOS: X @PALOMAFAITH, GETTY, INSTAGRAM @PALOMAFAITH, SHUTTERSTOCK

She endured a painful split from the father of her two daughters, French artist Leyman Lahcine, in 2022, but since then Paloma Faith has found romance once more. The singer, 44, went public with her new man, music venue director Stevie Thomas, at a swanky BRIT Awards after-party in March, yet the pair are believed to have been secretly dating for a year. However, it hasn't been smooth sailing for Paloma, who previously poked fun at her time on dating apps and once labelled them a 'cesspit'. Formerly a judge on The Voice UK, here she reveals to Woman the challenges she faces as a single mum, and why her last breakup has left a scar.

What have you learnt since turning 40?

One of the things that I think I've learned is that what is for you, will be for you. I've had moments in my life with everything – work, relationships, just life – and I'm very urgent, everything is urgent and I've got to do it now! And, actually, the reality is you can just relax and things will happen.

I hope across the board that my kids feel that way, because I'm just starting to learn that now after a lot of doing the opposite. I also don't want to give them massive advice on men in case they're both lesbians, because then it would be futile.

Why did you initially keep your baby's gender a secret?