Gavin & Stacey actor Mathew Horne has shared a heartbreaking personal story, revealing his former girlfriend died from leukaemia nearly two decades ago. The 47-year-old star discussed the loss during a candid appearance on Gyles Brandreth's podcast this week, describing it as a 'very difficult time'.
A Tragic Loss from Leukaemia
Horne reflected on his relationship with an 'amazing girl', explaining they were close friends before romance blossomed. 'She was a very very dear friend,' Horne stated. 'It wasn't like a sort of lustful passionate union... We were really close friends and everybody thought that we should be together, and eventually we did.'
The actor then revealed the tragic turn of events. His ex-partner was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2003 and sadly passed away by January 2004. 'Very very sad,' Horne said. 'We weren't strictly together at that time. We had gone our separate ways for about a year, but obviously the connection was still there.'
Finding Love and Support with Wife Celina
Mathew Horne is now happily married to set designer Celina Bassili. The couple began dating in 2019 and tied the knot in a secret wedding at a 1930s mansion in Norway, Celina's home country, in 2021.
Speaking glowingly of his wife on the podcast, Horne said: 'We met seven years ago... I was rather taken by her.' He described how Celina's support was crucial after his mother's passing. 'I lost my mum, and Celina stood by my side throughout what was a really wretched time. Our relationship grew and grew, and my love for her grew and grew.'
Horne credits his wife with helping him through dark times, praising her 'incredible lust for life' and curiosity. 'She helped open my mind at a time when it was closing off,' he admitted. The couple share a three-year-old son and are known for keeping their family life private.
Life After Gavin & Stacey
Following the beloved BBC show's conclusion with the 2024 Christmas special, Horne has been embracing change. He was recently spotted at Wimbledon with Celina, sporting a new, longer hairstyle—a departure from his character Gavin Shipman's signature short cut.
For their day out at the tennis, Horne looked dapper in a dark suit and white shirt, while Celina opted for a chic beige linen dress. The actor was previously engaged to Evelyn Hoskins, who stars in BBC medical drama Casualty.
Horne's emotional podcast revelation offers a rare glimpse into the personal grief behind his public persona, highlighting both profound loss and the redemptive power of love and family in his life today.
