Una Healy steps out with new Cheltenham-winning jockey boyfriend

Retired jockey Aidan Coleman has said he won't sign up for reality TV like his girlfriend UIna Healy - as the couple confirmed their relationship after months of speculation.

We first revealed the former Cheltenham winning jockey and The Saturdays singer were enjoying a string of dates earlier this year before Una invited him to a family wedding.

But Una and Aidan both declined to confirm their relationship status - until Thursday night when they stepped out together in London at the Irish Post Awards.

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The singer showed off her new man at the awards alongside a guest list including Ryan Tubridy, who attended with his girlfriend Clare, and received the award for Outstanding Contribution To Broadcasting Award on the night, which was presented by Una.

The mother-of-two looked stunning in a beaded gown by Karen Millen with a plunging neckline, while Aidan looked dapper in a tuxedo.

It comes in the wake of Coleman opening up about how he is finding retirement "tricky" but won't be following his girlfriend's footsteps and stepping into reality TV.

At the height of his career, Aidan won the 2021 Champion Chase at Cheltenham Festival and has more than 1,200 wins under his belt.

Aidan was considered one of the top riders in the industry when his career came to a devastating halt following an injury.

The jockey suffered a bad fall that shattered his tibia and meant he could never ride professionally again.

Speaking to Boylesports, he said: "After my injury, I can't do normal activities anymore - I'll need a knee replacement at some stage.

"It is frustrating. It was almost 18 months ago. I just had my third operation and another to be done.

"Then a knee replacement to have at some stage. I can’t do normal activities like running or kicking a football or any sport.

"I can get round and ride out a little bit. It is not like a disability.

"But the little things, like if I see a football I’d normally just kick it, but I can’t now. I like football but I'm no good at it.

"It is hard to adjust to retirement - I haven't had time to prepare for it as I thought I would make a comeback.

"I haven’t had time to prepare for it [retirement]. Even though the injury was very bad and the prognosis was never great, in my head I was always going to get back. Up until March this year, I was certain I would come back even if it took a little longer."

Aidan Coleman posts birthday tribute to Una Healy
(Image: Instagram: Aidan Coleman)

Asked if he would sign up to a new career in reality TV, he said: "No! I can’t dance and especially with my knee now. That’s the perfect excuse.

"My brother trains Flat horses in Ireland so I’ve relocated back there. I’m there a lot in the mornings and I enjoy that.

"He’s doing pretty well, but that’s a base. After that, I don’t actually know.

"I am still searching, which is frustrating. Retirement is tricky.

"If I had had time to set something up or wanted to do and get my teeth into whilst I was still riding, I would have adapted to life outside the saddle pretty well.

"The fact is that I don’t. I would love to have something I’d really love to do.

"I don't have dark moments - in the grand scheme of things, I don't want to be a victim about my injury."

But the sportsman said he can eat what he likes now.

"I can eat what I like now - and Pizza is my guilty pleasure as I don't have to worry about my riding weight anymore.

"Pizza! I eat when I want to now. I got to about 12st and now about 11st 7lbs which is my natural body weight.

"I was riding at about 10st 2lbs. I didn’t have a weight problem when I was riding but you always had to watch what you ate.

"I was fortunate I never had to starve myself," he added.

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