Damon Albarn appears beloved up with innovative girlfriend Rebecca Freckleton throughout cosy stroll as they 'capture their romance to the subsequent standard' – 4 years after his divide from ex Suzi Winstanley

Damon Albarn looked smitten with his new girlfriend Rebecca Freckleton as they enjoyed a cosy stroll together in London’s Notting Hill this week.

The Blur frontman, 58, is said to have been secretly dating the long-time Gorillaz collaborator for almost a year, with the relationship coming four years after his split from partner of 25 years, Suzi Winstanley.

And amid news that Damon and Rebecca have reportedly taken their romance to the next level by moving in together, according to The Sun, the pair appeared smitten as they stepped out in the capital.

Damon, who was casually dressed in a navy T-shirt, blue striped shorts and a navy cap, looked happier than ever with his love while running errands together.

He draped an arm over Rebecca’s shoulder, who in turn slipped her arm around his waist.

At one point, Rebecca affectionately touched Damon’s bottom before he then grabbed her hand to hold.

The Blur frontman, 58, is said to have been secretly dating the long-time Gorillaz collaborator for almost a year

She too cut a casual figure, opting for a red crop top, slouchy jeans, a black cap and sandals for the low-key outing. 

Rebecca also sported a dazzling emerald ring on her engagement finger.  

The two looked happy and relaxed as they chatted while visiting a grocery store, before heading off down the street. 

A source told The Sun of their romance: ‘Damon and Rebecca are in love and their friends couldn’t be happier for them.

‘After his split from Suzi in 2022, Damon took some time to find himself again. It was a few years later he started to grow closer to Rebecca.

‘They’ve been seeing each other for almost a year now. He’s got a place in London and she’s there all the time with him.’

The Daily Mail has contacted Damon’s representatives for comment. 

Backing vocalist Rebecca has worked with Damon for several years, having toured and performed with his virtual band Gorillaz. 

The new relationship comes four years after his split from partner of 25 years, Suzi Winstanley [pictured together in 1999]

Amid news that Damon and Rebecca have reportedly taken their romance to the next level by moving in together, the pair appeared smitten as they stepped out in the capital

Damon, who was casually dressed in a navy T-shirt, blue striped shorts and a navy cap, looked happier than ever with his love while running errands together

He draped an arm over Rebecca’s shoulder, who in turn slipped her arm around his waist

Damon held his lady close as they strolled together

At one point, Rebecca affectionally touched Damon’s bottom before he then grabbed her hand to hold

The pair couldn’t keep their hands off each other

His romance with Rebecca comes following his split with longtime partner Suzi at the end of 2022, with news of the breakup emerging the following year. 

The pair, who began dating in 1998, share daughter Missy together, who was born in 1999.

Back in 2023, The Mail On Sunday revealed that despite trying hard to save their relationship, Suzi ended things with Damon after 25 years together. 

Sources close to the couple said that it was ‘kept a bit secret’ and only those who had to know were told.

It was also revealed that they struggled with the Blur frontman’s travelling schedule and his insistence that he spent much of his time at their Devon home where he has converted some of the space into a recording studio.

One friend told the Daily Mail: ‘Suzi was so heartbroken that she hardly told anyone. She really, really tried but the relationship just could not be saved.

‘It has been so sad for her, I suppose once you share news like that around it makes it all very final.’

Suzi was said to be so heartbroken that she has been unable to listen to Albarn’s latest album, The Ballad of Darren.

She too cut a casual figure, opting for a red crop top, slouchy jeans, a black cap and sandals for the low-key outing

Rebecca added sunglasses t her relaxed look, while her braided hair was styled into a bun

Rebecca also sported a dazzling emerald ring on her engagement finger

She stopped to chat to actress and producer Sarah Hollis outside the grocery store while waiting for Damon

The two looked happy and relaxed as they chatted while visiting a grocery store, before heading off down the street

A source told The Sun of their romance: ‘Damon and Rebecca are in love and their friends couldn’t be happier for them’

‘After his split from Suzi in 2022, Damon took some time to find himself again. It was a few years later he started to grow closer to Rebecca’

‘They’ve been seeing each other for almost a year now. He’s got a place in London and she’s there all the time with him’

Many of the lyrics tell the story of their romance which began in the late 1990s following Albarn’s split from Elastica star Justine Frischmann.

In a song called The Ballad, the lyrics say: ‘I just looked into my life/And all I saw was that you’re not coming back.’

Other lyrics hint that Albarn who is also known for virtual band Gorillaz, placed himself at fault for the breakdown of the relationship. The album’s second track St Charles Square features the opening lines: I f***** up/I’m not the first to do it.’

The pair kept most details of their private life under wraps, but Albarn would reveal snippets on rare occasions.

He disclosed that they would never tie the knot due to a fundamental lack of interest in the institution.

Albarn remarked on one occasion: ‘I don’t think she’d marry me. Suzi doesn’t believe in marriage, and nor do I.

‘It’s been so ruined by everybody who’s got divorced.’