Mother-of-nine, 44, ditches her partner of 23 years and their children for a life with African toyboy, 30, she met on Facebook

A husband has spoken of his heartache of finding out his partner of 23 years has run away with an African toyboy she met on Facebook. Heidi Hepworth, 44, ditched husband Andy (pictured together right on their wedding day) for 30-year-old Mamadou Jallow from Gambia after she started talking to strangers online. Andy, from East Boldon in South Tyneside, is convinced his wife's lover brainwashed her, saying it was like an alien had possessed her body. After getting tattoos, booking sunbeds and giving herself a makeover, she flew to Gambia last month - her first ever trip out of the UK - abandoning her nine children and starting a new life with Mamadou. On October 20, Heidi (left with Mamadou), changed her profile picture on Facebook to this cryptic picture of an interracial couple kissing (inset).