Joey Lawrence's new romance triggers divorce drama

Joey Lawrence's marriage to Samantha Cope ended amid rumors of a new romance with his co-star Melina Alves

In a dramatic twist, sources close to the former couple revealed to PEOPLE that Lawrence and Cope's split was fueled by Lawrence's alleged new romance with Melina Alves, an author and co-star in his upcoming Christmas film “Socked in for Christmas.”

“Joey met Melina Alves on set, where she was a producer,” the insider revealed. “He showered her with declarations of love, just as he did with Samantha. Even after Samantha discovered the affair and confronted him, Joey continued to date Melina.”

The source further told PEOPLE: “He was at the end of his rope defending his children, his mother and his family to Samantha. Joey is relieved that the marriage is over because he can finally breathe a sigh of relief.”

“Now he can be himself,” the source added. “He's taking the time to make up for all the lost moments with his kids.”

In a shocking turn of events, Joey Lawrence's marriage to Samantha Cope has ended, and the reason why is causing quite a stir. According to sources close to the former couple, Lawrence's rumored new romance with Melina Alves, an author and co-star in his upcoming Christmas film “Socked in for Christmas,” played a significant role in the split.

“Joey met Melina Alves on set, where she was a producer,” the insider revealed. “He showered her with declarations of love, just as he did with Samantha. Even after Samantha discovered the affair and confronted him, Joey continued to date Melina.”

The source further claimed, “He was at the end of his rope defending his children, his mother and his family to Samantha. Joey is relieved that the marriage is over because he can finally breathe a sigh of relief.”

“Now he can be himself,” the source added. “He's taking the time to make up for all the lost moments with his kids.”

This revelation has added a new dramatic layer to Lawrence and Cope's already tumultuous relationship. The couple, who married in May 2022 after meeting on the set of Lifetime's “My Husband's Secret Brother,” seemed to be living a fairytale romance. However, the reality behind the scenes was far from perfect.

As Lawrence begins this new chapter of his life, he is reportedly focused on rebuilding his relationship with his children and finding a sense of normalcy. The actor's journey through this personal upheaval is a reminder that even in Hollywood, real-life dramas can be just as compelling as the stories on the screen..