Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster only had eyes for each other as they strolled around stunning Portofino during a romantic mini break in Italy. Model and mum-of-two Penny showed off her seemingly endless pins in an embellished miniskirt, green top and nude cardigan. The 42-year-old embraced the relaxed seaside vibe by wearing a pair of flip flops, her hair tied back and minimal makeup. Rod looked every inch the rock and roll star in a white suit, patterned shirt and white brogues with orange soles and laces.
The couple, who have been married for six years, walked arm in arm to a dinner date on one of the marina's ritziest yachts. They no doubt toasted 68-year-old singer Rod's recent chart success. His new self-penned album Time shot to the top of the charts making it his first number one album in 34 years. It is the first collection of original songs that the Maggie May hitmaker has released in more than 20 years.
As well as enjoying a romantic meal a deux on board the luxury vessel, the pair have also been spotted in the gorgeous town's cafes and boutique shops. There was no sign of their two children Alastair, seven, and three-year-old Aiden. The trip will have brought back memories for the pair who married nearby in 2007. After an eight year courtship, the pair tied the knot in a quintessential Italian Riviera village just along the coast from A-list favourite Portofino. HELLO! magazine exclusively featured the intimate nuptials which took place in a medieval former monastery built on a cliff top overlooking spectacular views of the coastline. Rod's new album features 11 original tracks penned by the star, as well as a cover of Tom Waits' Picture In A Frame.
Rod said he chose to include the song because it reminded him of the brief time he separated from photographer Penny. "Penny and I broke up for two weeks and the song is about that time," said the Do Ya Think I'm Sexy chart topper. "I asked her for a photo of herself in a frame so that I could see her when I went to bed and when I woke up." Reflecting on his musical legacy Rod added, "There was a point in my career where I'd given up on song writing because I didn't think I had anything to say and I was getting lazy... then I realised I had a lot to write about." The LP is also produced by the star. HELLO! had the pleasure of Rod and Penny's company at their 25th anniversary party last week where Rod performed his version of Happy Birthday in honour of the magazine. "The thing I love about HELLO! is that it is a class act in every respect," said Penny at the party. "It's great to be treated with dignity and respect and that's why HELLO! has been going for 25 years," added rocker Rod.