The real world has delivered a devastating blow to businessman Jeremy Rainbird, whose own whirlwind romance once inspired the hit Channel 4 comedy Catastrophe. His new partner, the celebrated equine artist Caroline Towning, has died at the age of 42.
A Life Cut Short in Mexico
Caroline Towning passed away while in hospital in Mexico, where she had been living with Rainbird, who is 52. The businessman, known to friends as Jez, confirmed the tragic news with a heartfelt social media tribute to the Yorkshire-born artist, whom he affectionately called 'Pony', a nickname stemming from her lifelong passion for horses.
He posted, 'Beautiful Pony, the brightest shining light. Forever in my heart.' The couple were co-directors of the fashion label Maison Rockman, which specialises in black faux-leather designs and is scheduled to launch next spring.
A Tumultuous Romance and Artistic Struggle
Their relationship was described by friends as 'tumultuous', despite the pair having recently shared affectionate photographs from holidays in destinations including Los Angeles, Nevada, and the Greek island of Mykonos.
In recent months, Towning had been open about her personal struggles online. The amateur showjumper wrote of an inner 'darkness' and stated that she 'would rather sit in pain and create [art] than choose happiness'.
The Legacy of a 'Catastrophe'
Rainbird's previous relationship with actress and writer Sharon Horgan was the direct inspiration for her award-winning sitcom, Catastrophe, which explored the chaos of modern relationships. The couple were together for 14 years and have two teenage daughters.
Rainbird was chairman of the Merman Group, the production company behind Horgan's hits like the BBC's Motherland. Horgan, who is now dating her Bad Sisters co-star Barry Ward, has since reflected on their marriage, saying she regretted not ending it sooner. 'There came a point where it was so clear it wasn't right for either of us,' she said earlier this year.
Caroline Towning, a former managing director of the Blacks private members' club in London's Soho, is remembered as a bright and talented artist, whose life ended in a real-life tragedy far removed from the comedies her partner helped create.
