Patsy Kensit Reveals How Elton John Saved Her from Media 'Destruction' During Liam Gallagher Marriage
EastEnders, Holby City, and Death in Paradise star Patsy Kensit has opened up about how a pivotal piece of advice from music legend Elton John rescued her sanity during her high-profile marriage to Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher in the 1990s. The actress, now 55, described the relentless media attention as "all-consuming and totally awful," crediting John with stopping her from being "destroyed" by the paparazzi frenzy.
The Britpop 'It Couple' and Media Frenzy
Patsy Kensit and Liam Gallagher were iconic figures of the Britpop era, famously photographed in bed together for a Vanity Fair cover that epitomised the "Cool Britannia" movement. However, their status as the "it couple" came with intense public scrutiny and often toxic media coverage. Kensit recalled to The Telegraph that her public image was distorted, with the press portraying her as a "fragile, needy person" that bore little resemblance to reality.
The media circus reached absurd heights shortly before their planned wedding, when Channel 4's The Big Breakfast hired models to parade in wedding dresses outside their home, broadcasting live speculation about Kensit's attire. To avoid this spectacle, the couple secretly married at 7 a.m. at Marylebone Town Hall, two months earlier than announced.
Elton John's Life-Changing Advice
The turning point came during a meal at fashion designer Donatella Versace's house, where Elton John sat next to Kensit and asked how she was coping. "I told him it was all-consuming and totally awful," she said. "'Stop looking,' he said, 'or it'll destroy you.' From that moment on, I simply didn't." This straightforward counsel allowed Kensit to disengage from the negative press and protect her mental well-being.
Turbulent Marriage and Tabloid Obsession
Kensit and Gallagher's marriage was notoriously stormy, lasting less than three years. The Manchester-born singer fathered a child with another woman just two months into their union, and their frequent public arguments fuelled tabloid fascination. Kensit lamented that the gossip-heavy UK media overshadowed her acting career, which she noted was more respected in America, Italy, and France.
Despite their wild reputation, Kensit revealed a quieter side to their relationship, with evenings spent at home watching television and eating bowls of spaghetti hoops. She has had no contact with Gallagher for 26 years but reflects fondly on the era, calling it a "magical time" and an "epic era."
Family and Recent Projects
Kensit expressed happiness that their son, Lennon, recently saw his father during Oasis's comeback tour, stating, "I think it's wonderful. I'm so happy for Lennon that he's had that experience." She did, however, miss Lennon's 26th birthday while filming the BBC reality show Pilgrimage: The Road to Holy Island, describing it as a tough moment.
Reflecting on her Pilgrimage experience with co-stars like Ashley Banjo and Hermione Norris, Kensit called it "incredible," adding, "We found out so much about each other during the process. Everybody did seem to really vibe." The show challenged her physically, but she embraced the journey, highlighting the personal growth it fostered.
