Kelly Brook relaxes on the beach alone: But friends say Danny's still the apple of her eye

By Neil Sears for the Daily Mail and Jo Clements for MailOnline
Updated:

Stepping  through the Caribbean surf in a blue bikini, Kelly Brook is all smiles. And according to a friend, the never knowingly under-exposed 29-year-old model and TV presenter has every reason to be cheerful.

Contrary to weekend claims, her relationship with England rugby star Danny Cipriani, 21, is still going strong.

Plenty to smile about: Kelly Brook in the Caribbean

Single life: Brook soaks up the sun

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Amazing grin: Kelly smiles as she enjoys a solo frolic in the surf as she holidays without her rugby star boyfriend Cipriani

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Plenty to smile about: Kelly Brook in the Caribbean

Danny Cipriani seen leaving his parents' London home

All by himself: Danny Cipriani seen leaving his parents' London home today

Miss Brook is currently holidaying with her mother and a source suggested that her friendship with Cipriani had cooled.

But a friend said last night: 'Things are fine between Kelly and Danny. 

'She's been away in Los Angeles for some time and is now on holiday. Danny has his rugby duties so he can't just up sticks and go with her.

They've never formally lived together - they still have separate homes - so it's no great shock that Danny's not living at Kelly's house while she's away.

'They might not see each other as much as they'd like to, but they certainly haven't split up.'

The couple were first pictured together just over six months ago, a few weeks after Miss Brook split from her American actor boyfriend Billy Zane, 43.

Some suspected her relationship with Cipriani was a publicity stunt, but the pair have been seen together regularly since then. 

The couple started dating in September, just weeks after Kelly ended her relationship to ex-fiance Billy Zane.

The pair were quickly inseparable and the Wasps player started living at Kelly's Notting Hill apartment.

While Danny has been focused on his rugby career and trying to prove himself to England manager Martin Johnson, Kelly is trying to resurrect her movie career after a string of flops.

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Beach body: Kelly emerges from the sea after a playful dip

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Enlarge   Kelly Brook

Splashing fun: Kelly admitted she was serious about Cipriani in December

In December, Kelly admitted she was serious about Danny and had fallen in love with him.

She said: ''It's actually really refreshing to be with someone who isn't in my business because it's something else that we can talk about.

'And I'm really interested in what he does because it's what he does and I love him.'

Despite Kelly's previous penchant for older men - Billy was 14 years older and Lock, Stock, Two Smoking Barrels actor Jason Statham was eight years older - it appeared she had changed her outlook on younger men.

She said: 'I know more about hip-hop music than I ever did before. He's closer in age to me than anyone I've ever been with.

'That's the reality. If I'd known it was this good I'd have done it years ago.

'Not to be rude, and I don't want to knock my previous relationships, but I couldn't be happier.'

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Kelly gets her feet wet during her Caribbean break

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Just swell: Brook's relationship with Cipriani may have affected his form

Danny's relationship with Kelly attracted negative press from rugby critics, who accused him of being distracted by his celebrity relationship.

The 21-year-old is now bidding for a place on the England's team's tour of South Africa.

On Friday, Lions legend Willie John McBride said Danny wasn't ready for the tour, saying: 'Cipriani has done nothing of note in his career, yet they have tried to make him a celebrity. He hasn't proved anything.

'He is a very talented boy, but you've got to have a track record before you become a celebrity. He has done nothing.'

Kelly Brook and Danny Cipriani

Still together: Kelly and boyfriend Danny Cipriani at the afterparty for her play Fat Pig last November


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