The former husband of a £61 million EuroMillions winner has sent a light-hearted message to his ex-wife after spotting her life-changing news on television for the first time in three decades.
A Familiar Face on the News
Paul Ridge, 67, from Colne, Lancashire, had not seen his ex-wife Debbie Nuttall for 30 years until a woman who "looked familiar" appeared on the news brandishing a colossal cheque. The couple had married in a registry office back in 1992, but Paul alleges they parted ways within mere weeks.
Recalling the moment he saw the report, Paul said: "It mentioned Colne. I looked at the photo and said, 'She looks slightly familiar'. She looked a lot different but she did look slightly familiar." The woman on screen was indeed Debbie, who had just won the multi-million pound EuroMillions jackpot with her husband of 30 years, Richard.
No Hard Feelings, Just Best Wishes
Paul, now a delivery driver, and his current wife Paula, 57, have extended their congratulations to the lucky couple. Insisting there are "no hard feelings," Paul joked: "She can donate some of her winnings to me, if she likes. I'd be very grateful!"
Reflecting on their brief marriage, the father-of-two added: "I have no hard feelings. It's life, we all make mistakes. I wish her all the best. Nobody died, it was no big deal, really. Good luck to them. I'm sure they will enjoy themselves spending it." Paula echoed the sentiment, simply stating: "Congratulations. All the best to them."
A New Life for the Jackpot Winners
Debbie and accountant Richard Nuttall were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary in the Canary Islands when they discovered their monumental win. They promptly flew back home to verify it before treating their whole family to a celebratory full English breakfast.
The couple, who plan to retire early, are already enjoying their newfound wealth. They have purchased a new BMW X5 and are looking to buy a second home in Portugal to be closer to their two daughters and three granddaughters.
Debbie's father, John, revealed she broke the astonishing news to him in person, telling him to sit down first. He said he was "dumbfounded" but added "it couldn't happen to a nicer couple." He also suggested it was "more than likely" Debbie would do something charitable in memory of her cousin, Ben King, who tragically died at 27 from a rare auto-immune disease.
