Pop singer claims to be Mel Gibson's girlfriend

Russian pop singer claims to be Mel Gibson's mystery girl

A Russian pop singer called Oksana Pochepa has come forward to claim she is the mystery woman in Mel Gibson's life.

The 24-year-old says she has fallen for the 53-year-old actor and hopes their love is 'strong and long-lasting'.

She says she is the woman who was snapped frolicking with the Braveheart actor on a Costa Rican beach earlier this year - even though she is a blonde, and the woman pictured was a brunette.

The photos sparked a flurry of speculation over the state of Mel's marriage – and, just weeks later, his wife of 28 years, Robyn, has filed for divorce.

The singer said: 'This is serious and I hope that our union will be real and strong and long-lasting.

'We are different people, but Mel is a grown man and knows precisely what he wants and me too — I know what I want.'

Reports yesterday suggested that Mel's divorce was spurred on by a 'Russian musician called Oksana', with some suggesting the musician referred to was Russian classical pianist Oksana Kolesnikova

But last night the married piano-player angrily denied claims of any romantic involvement with the actor.

'I have no idea how this mistake has been made. I feel very upset,' she said.

'The only explanation is that the names Oksana have been confused. It is a very popular name in Russia.'

Whether any of the rumours are true or not, Dad-of-seven Mel now faces the prospect of paying out £320 million – half of his fortune – in one of the most expensive divorces in history.