Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has taken his relationship with boyfriend Oliver Cole to the next level with a romantic holiday in New York City. The couple, who have a 35-year age gap, looked more loved-up than ever as they explored the Big Apple together.
A Loved-Up New York Getaway
The 62-year-old television writer and producer, who went Instagram-official with the 27-year-old Australian model and waiter over Christmas, shared glimpses of their trip on social media. The pair immersed themselves in the city's iconic sights and entertainment.
Their itinerary included taking in the bright lights of Times Square, watching Death Becomes Her The Musical on Broadway, and dining at the fashionable French restaurant Balthazar. Davies also introduced Cole to some of his famous friends, including actor Alan Cumming and his producing partner Julie Gardner. The couple visited Cumming's cabaret venue, Club Cumming.
On Instagram, Davies simply captioned a post "Time Square", to which Cole replied with a red love heart emoji. Fellow Doctor Who writer Stephen Moffat humorously commented: "Ah you found it then!".
Social Media Sparks and a New Chapter
Oliver Cole shared several selfies to his Instagram Stories during the trip, including one shirtless photo showcasing his gym-toned physique. The couple's romance first became public knowledge over the festive period when Davies shared a selfie of them with the caption "Merry Christmas! From me & Oliver".
This relationship marks a significant new chapter for Russell T Davies, being his first serious partnership since the death of his husband, Andrew Smith, from a brain tumour in 2018. The couple had been together for more than 20 years, and Davies took two-and-a-half years away from work to care for Smith during his illness.
A close friend of the couple told The Daily Mail: "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."
From TARDIS Teasers to a Blossoming Bond
Davies had subtly hinted at the romance over a month before the New York trip. In November, Oliver Cole posted a video on social media frolicking on the iconic TARDIS set, which sparked immediate speculation among Doctor Who fans that he might be the next Time Lord.
Cole captioned the video: "27- Another Year Passes. But it's alright I have a TARDIS x". He later reassured fans, writing "Not the new Doctor Promise x". Russell Davies also wished him a happy birthday in the comments section, offering an early public clue to their connection.
Reflecting on his late husband in a 2019 interview with the Radio Times, Davies described caring for him as "the greatest work I’ll ever do on this Earth." He poignantly added that while he expected to miss loving Andrew, he didn't anticipate missing being loved. The New York trip with Oliver Cole suggests the celebrated writer is opening his heart to love once again.
