Truth behind Katie Price & Wayne Lineker’s relationship after THOSE cosy Ibiza snaps… and the surprising bond they share
THEY’VE been soaking up the Ibiza sunshine, while wrapping their arms around one another like two lovesick teenagers at a beach rave.
So it’s only natural that fans have begun asking whether former glamour model Katie Price, 48, and party king Wayne Lineker, 64, could be embarking on a new romance after a trying year for Pricey – who ditched her wedding ring for the Ibiza bash.
Pictured on a sunbed at the O Beach Ibiza last week, with Katie wearing a barely-there bikini, the tactile displays of affection between the two showbiz veterans had everyone asking the same question: what on earth is going on here?
Indeed, one insider told me: “It certainly got everyone talking. Naturally people started to wonder if there could be a romantic spark between the pair.
“While many questions have been raised about Katie’s husband Lee Andrews and the reality of his finances, Wayne is the real deal.
“He’s raking it in with all his Ibiza businesses and he’s not ashamed to show off the rewards of his hard work.”
It’s no secret that Katie’s love life has been a rollercoaster of late.
After a whirlwind romance and shock January wedding to Dubai-based businessman Lee, recent months have brought a storm of drama.
Self-proclaimed “millionaire” Lee is back in a Dubai prison for unpaid debts and Katie has voiced her frustration to The Sun’s Clemmie Moodie over the “ridiculous” drama surrounding him.
Wayne, brother of football legend Gary Lineker, is known as a party boy, and many wondered if the newlywed was seeking comfort in his famously welcoming arms.
After all, he has a taste for models – with his past girlfriends including model Danielle Sandhu and the late Love Island star Sophie Gradon.
But before anyone starts buying a wedding hat for another Pricey trip down the aisle, we can reveal the real truth behind their close connection.
According to those close to Katie, the pair are strictly platonic and the tactile body language is simply the result of two larger-than-life personalities who love letting their hair down together.
“Katie and Wayne are just brilliant mates, plain and simple,” a close insider spilled to us last night.
“People look at the photos of them cuddling up or whispering during the eclipse, and because it’s Katie, they instantly assume there’s a massive romantic scandal brewing.
“But honestly? It’s completely innocent. They just get each other.”
My source continued: “They are both veterans of the showbiz scene and they both love a massive party.
“When Katie is in Ibiza, Wayne is her go-to guy. He treats her like royalty and ensures she has a great time.
“There is zero romantic spark there. She sees him like a fun, cheeky older brother who knows exactly how to throw the best parties.”
Katie’s recent trip to the Mediterranean wasn’t just a wild solo getaway to escape the exhausting Lee Andrews saga back home. It was a fun-filled adventure for her beloved eldest son Harvey, 24, who joined her on the Spanish island.
And it’s actually Wayne’s bond with Harvey that has cemented his status as one of Katie’s most treasured pals.
Harvey, who has Prader-Willi syndrome and is also autistic and blind, was also at the sprawling Ibiza resort dancing away to his favourite tunes.
For protective mum Katie, seeing the entrepreneur go out of his way to ensure her boy had a spectacular time meant the absolute world.
“Wayne is absolutely brilliant with Harvey, and that’s the fastest way to Katie’s heart. Not romantically, but purely as a loyal friend,” my insider revealed.
“Wayne rolled out the red carpet for them and even made sure he had his favourite meal of Spaghetti Carbonara.
“He makes Harvey feel so special, safe, and included in all the fun. Katie is endlessly appreciative of that.”
This supportive dynamic is especially poignant for the mum-of-five, given the well-documented absence of Harvey’s biological father.
Former Premier League footballer Dwight Yorke has played no part in his son’s upbringing, leaving Katie to deal with all of Harvey’s very complex needs on her own.
“It genuinely breaks Katie’s heart that Harvey’s real dad has never done a thing for him, so when she sees men like Wayne stepping up just to be kind, patient and supportive, she is so touched,” the pal explained.
“Wayne doesn’t have to go out of his way for Harvey, but he does it because he has a big heart. That’s why Katie is so loyal to him. She will defend their friendship to the hilt.”
So, while the pictures of them cosying up under the sun might scream new romance to the untrained eye, the reality is far sweeter.
It is clearly a feeling shared by Wayne, who took to Instagram to pay tribute to Katie.
He wrote a “special message” to the businesswoman, writing: “We’ve certainly had our moments over the years, you more than anyone knows that.
“We’ve faced obstacles, made mistakes and sometimes been our own worst enemies.
“But through it all, there’s one thing I believe we’ve always shared: our two hearts and our genuine love of helping other people.”
With the baggage of her recent marital woes weighing heavily on her mind, Katie wanted a place to let off steam with her son.
And the O Beach did not let her down. The club’s waitresses, wearing skimpy outfits, added to the upbeat party vibe, showing off their best moves on the stage and holding up cards spelling ‘Harvey’ as partygoers chanted his name.
Harvey looked over the moon and threw his hands up in the air with joy.
“Katie knows exactly what she’s doing,” our insider laughed. “She knows people will talk when she wraps her arms around Wayne in a tiny bikini. But she doesn’t care anymore.”
Whether her husband Lee, who remains in Al Awir prison, will be equally nonchalant remains to be seen.