Wife of Fearne Cotton's man found out about them after 'seeing PHOTOS'

The wife of Fearne Cotton's new boyfriend only discovered they were dating after seeing pictures of them passionately kissing and embracing, friends have told MailOnline.

Fearne, 43 was photographed locking lips with TV director Elliot Hegarty, 53, who worked on Disney+ hit Rivals, during a fun night out with friends on Thursday.

The mum-of-two and the director looked in great spirits as they embraced and walked hand-in-hand down Charlotte Street in Soho, just 11 weeks after she confirmed her separation from Jesse, son of Rolling Stone legend Ronnie Wood.

Elliot split from his wife Laura, 51, on Boxing Day. They previously lived together in a stylish home in north London with their three children.

A family friend told MailOnline: 'Laura is totally shocked and devastated because she only knew about Elliot being with Fearne when she saw the pictures all over the media. Imagine finding out that your husband's moved on so quickly like that?

'She's already going through a difficult time, and this has just added to her heartbreak. It wasn't an easy split because there are also children involved. These pictures have not helped matters.'

Another friend added: 'Pictures of Elliot and Fearne kissing have been plastered all over the media and that's the first Laura or any of us knew about it. It's an awful way for her to find out and it has been quite ghastly for her.

'They've tried to keep good relations for the sake of the kids, but I fear that things could now get a bit awkward between them.'

Elliot and Laura, who works as a TV producer, married in 2004 with friends claiming that on the face of it, they appeared to be 'very happy.'

One said: 'But you just don't know what's really going on. They don't have any money worries, live in a beautiful house and have three lovely children. It came as quite a shock when we heard they'd split and it's desperately sad for everyone involved.

'I just wish Elliot's involvement with Fearne hadn't become so public and that Laura hadn't found out about it courtesy of the national media.'

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Fearne Cotton passionately kisses TV director Elliot Hegarty 11 weeks after revealing marriage split

Fearne's ex Jesse is also said to be devastated about the public display during the night out in which the couple were joined by Fearne's pal Gok Wan.

A source told The Sun: 'Jesse was so upset when they split. He knew Fearne had started a relationship with Elliot and that has been tough.

'But to see them kissing in the street and laughing with her friends is a bitter pill to swallow. He was married to Fearne for ten years and he loved every inch of her.'

According to reports, Fearne and Elliot started seeing each other in January but were previously friends who have known each other for 'quite a while.'

A source said: 'When their marriages ended their friendship developed into romance.

'Her split with Jesse was incredibly difficult but Elliot seems to make her incredibly happy. Fearne is now introducing Elliot to friends, and they're pleased to see her smiling again.'