Melanie Griffith Has ‘Been on Dates’ But Ex-Husband Antonio Banderas Is Still ‘Her Perfect Man’

Melanie Griffith has no interest in dating because no other man has come even close to ex-husband and love of her life, Antonio Banderas, a source tells Examiner.

“It speaks volumes that Melanie hasn’t had a single serious relationship since their divorce,” reveals the source. “She’s been on dates, but nothing has ever developed into anything significant because there just isn’t room in her heart for anyone but Antonio.”

Griffith, 69, and Banderas, 66, were married for nearly two decades before divorcing in 2014 and are parents to 29-year-old daughter Stella. The Mask of Zorro star also helped the actress raise her daughter Dakota Johnson, 36, and son Alexander Bauer, 40, from previous marriages.

“If she were asked to describe her perfect man, it would essentially still be him,” the source admits. “She insists that they can’t be together, that she knows they are better off as good friends but the fact is, even though they are now just friends, they are still very close.”

Though he’s since moved on from Griffith, Banderas, who has been dating longtime girlfriend Nicole Kimpel since 2014, told People that the actress is “if not my best friend, one of my best friends” and said they still “get together” whenever he’s in L.A.

“He’s still a big part of her day-to-day life. When she has a problem, Antonio is still the person she calls, and he’s always happy to be there for her,” the source adds. “There’s almost this sense that she’d rather have this dynamic than cut him off, so she can find someone else.”

At the end of the day, though, “Antonio is loyal to Nicole,” says the source. “But there’s no doubt he’s very protective of his bond with Melanie, so this is by no means a one-sided situation.”