Russell T Davies has spoken openly about the death of his husband, Andrew Smith, calling it his "greatest loss." The Welsh screenwriter, known for reviving Doctor Who and creating It's a Sin, reflected on Smith's final moments and the care they received during his battle with brain cancer.
A 20-Year Partnership
Davies and Smith were together for 20 years. Smith was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiform, an aggressive brain cancer, and died in September 2018 after an eight-year fight. Davies held his hands as he passed away.
Speaking on the On the Marie Curie Couch podcast with Jason Davidson, Davies said: "My greatest loss was my husband. We'd been together for 20 years. Andrew Smith, bless him."
Choosing Not to Know
Following his diagnosis, Smith decided not to learn his prognosis. Davies recalled asking a nurse whether Smith should know how serious it was. "Because it is a very, very bad diagnosis – I should say that – with a bad prognosis," Davies explained. The nurse replied: "We get this a lot. You'd be surprised. As long as someone close to him knows the truth."
The initial prognosis was around 18 months to a year, but Smith lived for eight years. "It was amazing," Davies said.
Gratitude for Marie Curie Nurses
Davies praised the Marie Curie nurses who supported Smith in his final weeks, saying the experience transformed his understanding of the charity. "I had no experience with a Marie Curie Nurse until these final weeks when Andrew was ill – I finally discovered why we give money for those daffodils for all those years," he said, referring to the charity's Great Daffodil Appeal.
"And my goodness me, it's like a saint visiting the house. Just the night off, just the care, the quietness, the subtlety of those people as they enter into your house."
Marie Curie provides end-of-life care for people with terminal illnesses, supporting patients and families at home and in hospices. The On the Marie Curie Couch podcast is available now. The charity also offers a support line on 0800 090 2309.
