Russell T Davies, the acclaimed television writer who famously revived Doctor Who, has embarked on a new romantic chapter with a partner nearly four decades his junior. The 62-year-old screenwriter is now in a relationship with Australian waiter and aspiring model Oliver Cole, who is 27.
A Birthday Trip in the Tardis
To mark Cole's 27th birthday last month, Davies arranged a special treat: a spin in the iconic Tardis on the set of Doctor Who. This gesture ignited unfounded speculation among the show's dedicated fanbase that Cole might be in line to become the next Time Lord. The couple also shared a festive selfie online during the Christmas period, offering followers seasonal greetings.
A close friend of the pair provided insight into their bond, stating: 'Oliver has brought a great deal of joy into Russell’s life and they make each other genuinely happy. Despite the age gap, they’re very much on the same wavelength – this relationship feels like one for the long haul.'
First Serious Relationship Since Bereavement
This new partnership marks Davies's first serious relationship since the death of his husband, Andrew Smith, from a brain tumour in 2018. Davies and Smith had been together for over two decades. Following Smith's diagnosis, Davies took a two-and-a-half year hiatus from his work to care for the former customs officer during his illness.
Davies has often spoken emotionally about his late husband, once revealing that if he had access to a time machine like the Tardis, he would return to the night they met in Manchester on April 12, 1998.
Other Royal and Celebrity Updates
In other news, Buckingham Palace is recruiting a senior correspondence officer on a two-year contract, starting at £32,000 per year, to help King Charles respond to the thousands of letters he receives annually.
Meanwhile, television personalities Alan Carr and Amanda Holden are planning a 'raucous' Traitors-themed New Year's Eve celebration at a Scottish castle, following Carr's win on Celebrity Traitors. The guest list will include Holden's daughters and a select group of friends.
Elsewhere, Strictly Come Dancing professional Aljaz Skorjanec has expressed his hope to dance with the Princess of Wales, Catherine, noting she was remarkably knowledgeable about the show when they met in 2018.
Finally, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing conservationist objections over plans to replace leaky historic windows at his Grade II listed North Yorkshire manor, with council officers arguing the 18th-century glass is a 'finite resource'.
