"Happier than ever": Tim Healy says he and Denise Welch are best friends despite the split

"Happier than ever": Tim Healy says he and Denise Welch are best friends despite the split

Tim Healy has spoken for the first time since his split from Denise Welch and said they are “happier than ever”.

The Benidorm star said he had no grudges over being ditched for toy boy Lincoln Townley, 40, after 24 years of marriage to Loose Women star Denise.

Tim, 60, said: “There’s no arguing â€" we’re happy.

"Things couldn’t be better and the kids are getting used to it.

“We will always love each other, we’re like best friends and always will be.

"We are getting on better than ever.”

Three months after Denise, 54, revealed their split on TV, he is dating Joan Anderton, 39, who he met in a pub near his Cheshire home.

He said: “Now I’ve got a new young lady and we get on great.

"Denise has got a boyfriend, that’s OK too.”

Tim, who has had surgery to beat a circulatory ­condition that left him unable to walk, is filming a new series called The Manor and is returning to Benidorm next year.