Dawn Ward’s daughter Taylor has finally gone Instagram official with Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez, after eight months of speculation.
The influencer, 22, and footballer, 29, were first reported to be dating in February after the sportsman ended his marriage to ex-model Rita Johal.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Taylor shared a loved-up snap with Riyad at dinner as they beamed to the camera.
Official! Dawn Ward’s daughter Taylor has finally gone Instagram official with Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez after months of speculation
She sweetly captioned the snap with ‘Me & U ❤️,’ while he also shared the photo to his Instagram Story.
Taylor’s 624K followers and celebrity pals were quick to share their support, with her famous mother Dawn giving her approval.
Real Housewives of Cheshire star Dawn, 47, posted a series of red heart emojis.
Former TOWIE star Olivia Attwood put three heart emojis.
Confirmed: The influencer, 22, and footballer, 29, were first reported to be dating in February after ending his marriage to ex-model Rita Johal
Love: Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Taylor confirmed the reports and shared a loved-up snap with Riyad out at dinner as they beamed to the camera, he also shared the snap to his Instagram Story
While Love Island beauty Joanna Chimonides added: ‘You twoooooo!!!!’ followed by a fire and heart eye emojis.
It was claimed earlier this year that Riyad had been on a string of dates with Taylor after ending his marriage to ex-model Rita.
The source also claimed that Taylor – who has been linked to Riyad’s teammate Sergio Ageuro – refused to pursue a romance until she knew his marriage was over, and she even supported him at Man City’s EFL semi-final match earlier this year.
Mother’s approval: Taylor’s 624K followers and celebrity pals were quick to share their support, with her famous mother Dawn giving her approval
‘Riyad and Taylor get on brilliantly, and initially started hanging out as mates. He thinks she’s gorgeous, and has joined her and her pals for a few group dates,’ the source told The Sun On Sunday.
‘They’ve been friends for a while but Taylor refused to go there romantically until she knew his marriage was over. She is very much a girls’ girl and would never break that code.
‘Taylor is stunning and Riyad’s team-mates have been ribbing him about how he’s been punching above his weight.’
MailOnline contacted representatives for Riyad Mahrez, Rita Johal and Taylor Ward for comment at the time.
Over: It was claimed earlier this year that Riyad had been on a string of dates with Taylor after ending his marriage to ex-model Rita (pictured in 2017)
Last year it was reported that Taylor had been dating Riyad’s teammate Aguero, after he split from wife Gianna in 2012.
A source told The Sun at the time: ‘About two weeks ago they went for a spa day together. And they were on a pal’s Instagram too before Christmas.’
Taylor’s dad Ashley, 49, is also a former footballer who retired from the sport in 2005.
Riyad tied the knot with wife Rita in 2015 and they share two daughters.
Romance: The source also claimed that Taylor – who has been linked to Riyad’s teammate Sergio Ageuro – refused to pursue a romance until she knew his marriage was over, and she even supported him at Man City’s EFL semi-final match earlier this year
In November 2019 it was reportedly that the Premier League champion was furious when heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder flirted with his ex-model wife in a nightclub.
Friends say the pair were ‘chatting intently’ at Wilder’s VIP table in the trendy Manchester nightspot, popular among big-spending footballers and WAGS.
A source told The Sun: ‘They were chatting intently, laughing and joking. You could see there was chemistry there and a real connection. But because of where it was, a lot of people noticed how well they seemed to be getting along.
‘It’s a club full of footballers and Wags, which even some of Riyad’s team-mates go to. Rita was actually on a night out with Riyad’s sisters who she really gets on with.
‘And they did not appear to be happy with what was going on. One even seemed to go and get Rita, to take her away from Deontay, who was of course trying to keep her with him.’
Drama: In November 2019 it was reported that Riyad was furious when heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder flirted with his ex-model wife Rita in a nightclub (pictured 2017)