Melanie Sykes, 51, cosies up to her gondolier toyboy, 24, in Venice

TV’S Melanie Sykes canaloodles with her gondolier boyfriend Riccardo Simionato.

The presenter, 51, and 24-year-old Riccardo were spotted sharing a snog as she visited Venice for her birthday last week.

BackGridMelanie Sykes soaked up some sun on a glamourous trip to Venice[/caption]

BackGridThe star was spotted with her gondolier boyfriend Riccardo Simionato[/caption]

BackGridThe pair shared a snog before touring the Grand Canal[/caption]

She posted a snap on Instagram of her taking a picture of the Italian city’s Grand Canal and wrote: “Ciao for now beautiful Venice, you & your people have my heart.”

Mel tagged in Riccardo, who she started romancing last October, with “amore”, the Italian for love.

Mel, on holiday with a pal, is now editor-in-chief of online magazine Frank.

She said this month that she has “stepped away from television after it became apparent that I have outgrown it”.

The I’m A Celeb star added: “The decision to step away was very easy for me as after two years of being editor of The Frank Mag I have found my calling creatively.

“Through this I have reconnected with who I am, what I believe in and what I am good at.”

BackGridMel has been enjoying a birthday break with a friend[/caption]

BackGridShe has been seeing toyboy Riccardo since October[/caption]