West End Star Lee Mead Recalls 'Lightbulb' Moment Meeting Fiancée in Coffee Shop
West End performer Lee Mead has revealed the charming story of how he met his fiancée Issy Szumniak, describing it as a genuine 'lightbulb' moment that occurred in a coffee shop eight years ago. The 44-year-old theatre star, best known for winning BBC's Any Dream Will Do in 2007, has opened up about their immediate 'unspoken connection' and their current wedding preparations.
The Fateful Cafe Encounter
Lee Mead encountered makeup artist Issy Szumniak while he was in a cafe during the school run, an ordinary moment that would change both their lives. 'It was a lightbulb moment,' Lee told The Mirror. 'I walked in and caught Issy's eye. Alfie was with her and it was a really lovely natural moment. I walked over and said 'hi I'm Lee who's this?''
The attraction was mutual and immediate, with both parties independently inquiring about each other's availability through the cafe owner that same day. 'After they left I said to the cafe owner 'is she single by any chance?' And that evening she messaged him and said 'Do you know if Lee is with anyone?'' Lee recalled, highlighting the spontaneous nature of their meeting.
An 'Unspoken Connection' and Future Plans
Reflecting on their instant bond, Lee Mead emphasized the natural ease of their relationship from the very beginning. 'We instantly knew we had that unspoken connection. It felt easy and relaxed and I felt completely safe and happy,' he explained. This connection has endured, with the couple currently in the process of purchasing a house together in Kent and planning their wedding for after they are settled in their new home.
The couple publicly announced their engagement in February 2023, with both taking to Instagram to share their joy. Lee posted a loved-up photograph with Issy showing off her dazzling diamond ring, captioning it: 'So this happened today, and my beautiful Issy said yes. We're both so happy and can't wait to spend forever together.' Issy shared her own post marking their six-year relationship with the words: '6 years & forever with you 05/02/23.'
Family Dynamics and Co-Parenting
Lee Mead shares a 15-year-old daughter, Betsy, with his ex-wife Denise van Outen, to whom he was married from 2009 to 2013. Despite their divorce being finalized in just 90 seconds at the Central Family Court in 2015 on grounds of irretrievable breakdown, Lee maintains a healthy and supportive relationship with Denise. 'I've no regrets about getting married to Lee at all. He's such a lovely person,' Denise previously told The Sun's Fabulous magazine. 'There was no big fall out and we got each other through really. We're friends so we supported each other.'
Lee confirmed that they remain 'good friends' as they co-parent their daughter Betsy, demonstrating a mature and amicable approach to their post-marital relationship. Meanwhile, Issy Szumniak has a son named Alfie from a previous relationship, creating a blended family dynamic for the engaged couple.
From Competition to Romance
Lee Mead's romantic history has been intertwined with his theatrical career. He was previously married to Denise van Outen after meeting on Any Dream Will Do, where she served as a judge while he competed as a contestant. The former couple exchanged vows in the Seychelles in 2009 and welcomed daughter Betsy in 2010 before confirming their separation in June 2013.
Lee confirmed his romance with mother-of-one Issy Szumniak in 2018, and their relationship has continued to flourish, culminating in their recent engagement and ongoing wedding preparations. The West End star's journey from television competition winner to established performer now includes this heartwarming chapter of personal happiness and family harmony.
