Valerie Bertinelli used a recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show to discuss her private life, dating and whether she remains open to romance.
The conversation aired October 1, 2026, as part of a dating roundtable featuring Bertinelli, Drew Barrymore, Chelsea Handler, Yamaneika Saunders and Jared Freid.
Bertinelli said she had recently met someone, but stopped short of describing the encounter as a conventional date.
“It was a, well, a date, not a date,” she said during the discussion.
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Valerie Bertinelli explains where dating stands
When Barrymore asked about the meeting, Bertinelli acknowledged that it had taken place on the Monday before the programme aired.
She also made clear that she did not want to provide personal details about the person involved.
The exchange reflected the cautious approach Bertinelli has taken when discussing relationships since a difficult period in her personal life.
During the same roundtable, Bertinelli and Barrymore were described as celebrities who had spoken publicly about being celibate.
Bertinelli said the subject had grown out of a conversation with actress Mackenzie Phillips on her podcast, where Phillips discussed having been celibate for 15 years.
She added that she had been out of a sexual relationship for years and questioned whether she still had a sex drive.
Barrymore responded that meeting the right person could still reignite romantic feelings, while Handler said people should remain open to unexpected connections.
Bertinelli did not announce a new relationship, identify the person she met or suggest that she was entering an exclusive partnership.
A busy year for Valerie Bertinelli
The dating discussion comes during a year in which Bertinelli has expanded her work across television, publishing, film and digital media.
Her memoir, Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect, was released in March 2026.
The book examines aging, body image, family history, trauma, grief and Bertinelli’s efforts to develop a more accepting relationship with herself.
Bertinelli has also continued building Valerie’s Place, a digital platform that brings together cooking content, original programming, live events and conversations with fans.
The platform gives her a direct way to distribute new material after years of working primarily through conventional television outlets.
Earlier in the year, Bertinelli appeared on the programme to discuss her memoir and the personal experiences that shaped it.
She has also promoted Love, Again, a Lifetime film in which she plays a woman confronting the impact of early-onset Alzheimer’s on a long-term relationship.
Why the conversation matters
Bertinelli’s latest comments are notable because they present dating as an open question rather than a major celebrity announcement.
She has previously said that she was not actively dating and felt cautious about entering another relationship.
Her remarks on the October programme suggest that caution remains, but they also leave room for personal change.
That balance has become a recurring theme in Bertinelli’s public work, particularly as she discusses aging, independence and the difference between being alone and feeling isolated.
Instead of presenting romance as a required part of a successful life, Bertinelli has emphasized healing, personal boundaries and the freedom to decide what comes next.
Her comments also fit with the broader message of her memoir, which encourages readers to challenge shame and rethink expectations surrounding appearance, relationships and aging.
What comes next for Bertinelli
For now, Bertinelli’s recent appearance points to continued television work rather than a confirmed romantic development.
She remains associated with lifestyle and cooking segments on The Drew Barrymore Show, including a September 30 appearance centred on food and zucchini chips.
Her digital platform is also expected to remain an important part of her connection with viewers and fans.
Any future relationship announcement would be separate from the comments she made on the programme, which stopped at acknowledging a recent meeting and discussing her broader feelings about intimacy.
For viewers following Bertinelli’s next chapter, the latest update is less about a new partner than about her willingness to speak honestly about uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Valerie Bertinelli say about dating?
She said she recently met someone but described the encounter as a date that was not quite a traditional date.
Did Valerie Bertinelli announce a new relationship?
No. She did not identify the person or announce that she was in an exclusive relationship.
When did Valerie Bertinelli discuss dating on television?
The discussion aired October 1, 2026, during a dating roundtable on The Drew Barrymore Show.
What is Valerie Bertinelli’s new memoir called?
Her 2026 memoir is titled Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect.
What is Valerie’s Place?
Valerie’s Place is Bertinelli’s digital platform featuring cooking content, original programming, live experiences and fan interaction.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against official programme information and first-party materials from The Drew Barrymore Show and its distributor.
Disclaimer: This article reports Bertinelli’s public comments and does not infer a private relationship beyond what she chose to disclose.