Grape expectations Holly Carpenter met wine salesman boyfriend Jamie Hunt online in lockdown

"I won't be giving anything away about him, I'm very happy though," said Holly, speaking for the first time publicly about her new beau.

Holly Carpenter and her boyfriend Jamie

Exclusive by Eugene Masterson

February 07 2021 02:30 AM

Holly Carpenter's new boyfriend is a dishy wine salesman who used to date her fellow model pal Roz Purcell.

And it appears Holly fell for hunky Corkonian Jamie Hunt online during lockdown.

The former Miss Ireland confirmed to the Sunday World last night that she was in a new relationship.

"I won't be giving anything away about him, I'm very happy though," said Holly, speaking for the first time publicly about her new beau.

Holly’s new beau Jamie Hunt from Kinsale in Co Cork

But what can be revealed is Jamie (31) is from a sailing family from Kinsale in Co Cork.

He grew up playing rugby, primarily at Glenstal Abbey and Wanderers FC, did a Commerce degree in UCD before going to New York for a couple of years to work as a barman.

Jamie then went into event management and has lately been work for Tindal Wines in Dublin.

"He has the drinks industry steeped in his blood as his father Keith was a rep for Guinness, while his mother Poppy is an artist," reveals an insider. "Keith, who is aged 86, is a great yachtsman and has competed in about 18 Fastnet races. His other son Sam is also an accomplished sailor."

Holly’s new beau Jamie Hunt from Kinsale in Co Cork

Jamie dated former Miss Universe Ireland Roz Purcell when they were both in their late teens but broke up in 2000 after a year and a half together.

Roz, who also dated Niall 'Bressie' Breslin, is now in a relationship with Zach Desmond, son of MCD promoters Denis Desmond and Caroline Downey.

Holly (29), from Raheny, Dublin, was in previous relationships with among others, Ireland rugby player Cian Healy, singer Danny O'Reilly from The Coronas and former Irish soccer player Richie Sadlier.

Jamie went home to Cork for Christmas but he and Holly rang in the New Year together.

Two years ago Holly, a granddaughter of the late gossip columnist Terry Keane, took part in Dancing With The Stars but was eliminated in week four. The beauty recently admitted she used dating apps like Bumble during lockdown.

Holly Carpenter has revealed she has a new wine salesman boyfriend

"Despite everything going on I think in this day and age we are really lucky with dating apps and technology that we can actually meet new people and connect without ever leaving our house, so that's really positive," she beamed.

"When it comes to dating, even if you have been single for years, I think it's really important to stay positive."