Lottery Winner Mum Moves On After £1M Scratchcard Controversy and Breakup
A mum who split from her boyfriend just days after winning £1 million on a scratchcard has proudly revealed she is in a new relationship. Charlotte Cox, from Spalding, Lincolnshire, bought the lucky Lotto card at a Nisa store in what was a last-minute decision while picking up a Friday night meal with her then-partner, Michael Cartlidge. Just a week later, the couple split, and a dispute over the winnings erupted, reports the Mirror.
Michael, believing he was entitled to a share of the prize, considered legal action. However, lottery operator Allwyn informed him he had no claim to the jackpot, leaving him empty-handed. Now, Charlotte has taken to social media to announce her new relationship with Kyle East. She shared a romantic sunset beach photo, signaling she has moved on from the turmoil surrounding her windfall, according to the Daily Record.
Previously, Charlotte dismissed accusations that she abandoned Michael after their win. Defending herself, she told The Sun: “I bought the ticket. He didn’t transfer me the money. It is all rubbish. I want nothing to do with it.” Friends close to Charlotte have backed her, maintaining that Michael had “no right” to any of the money since she was the one who paid for the ticket. One source said: “One million pounds has never brought so much misery. It’s ruined the last three months for her and her family.”
Another insider echoed the sentiment: “You can’t believe a word that man says. This has ruined the last three months for her and her family. All over Christmas, it has caused nothing but upset. Mike has no right to this money. He is not a nice person. Charlotte won, she paid for the ticket, and she scratched it. The case is closed.”
Michael, on the other hand, has claimed he was led to believe the winnings would be split. According to him, former lottery operator Camelot launched an investigation into the dispute, reviewing CCTV footage and separately interviewing both parties. However, when Allwyn took over as the new operator, he received a letter confirming that he would not receive a share of the money.
While Michael remains disappointed with the outcome, Charlotte appears to be embracing her newfound wealth and fresh start with Kyle.