Russell T Davies has spoken for the first time about his relationship with his new partner Oliver Cole, who he has been with for a year. The former Doctor Who showrunner debuted his relationship with the 27-year-old Aussie waiter on Christmas Day, much to the surprise of fans.
Davies feels 'very lucky' to have found love again
Davies, 63, has now admitted he feels 'very lucky' to have found love again, after the death of his husband, Andrew Smith, in 2018. Speaking with Gaby Roslin on her podcast, Davies responded to her praise of his 'lovely' boyfriend by saying: 'He's beautiful, isn't he? I'm very lucky.' He added on the latest episode of Reasons To Be Joyful: 'It's a year now – it's been a year since we started saying hello. Amazing. I'm very, very lucky.'
Davies opens up about being widowed
'I was widowed eight years ago, and you kind of think, that's it – genuinely. And at 63 you do think that's it, fine, I've had a lovely time. So for this to happen, it's a great surprise and very lovely,' Davies said.
Couple's public appearances and social media posts
The couple have been posting snaps of one another for months now, including a trip to Venice and a snazzy sojourn on the Orient Express. In the last week, Davies shared a snap of him and Cole alongside David Tennant and his wife Georgia, with the caption: 'A great night out with old friends.'
Age gap not an issue, say friends
It was claimed in December that the Tip Toe writer had swept Cole off his feet, with pictures emerging of the 27-year-old treated to a spin in the Tardis for his birthday. 'Oliver has brought a great deal of joy into Russell's life, and they make each other genuinely happy,' said a close friend. They added to the Daily Mail that their 35-year age difference isn't an issue. 'Despite the age gap, they're very much on the same wavelength – this relationship feels like one for the long haul.'
Davies' previous relationship and husband's death
Davies was in a relationship with his customs officer husband for two decades. They entered a civil partnership in December 2012, walking down the aisle to Mr Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra. Smith was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2011 and given a three per cent chance of recovery. Russell took two and a half years away from work to care for his husband, who died in September 2018, aged 54.
