Dame Sheila Hancock has spoken candidly about the 'overwhelming loneliness' she has experienced since the death of her husband, actor John Thaw, more than 24 years ago. The 93-year-old actress, known for roles in Great Canal Journeys, EastEnders, and Home to Roost, described the 'gaping loss' left by the Inspector Morse star.
Writing in Prospect magazine last year, Hancock explained that while friends and family have been a 'great comfort', the loneliness can be 'terribly difficult'. She admitted feeling 'overwhelmed' at the prospect of facing the day alone, adding: 'The easiest thing is to turn over and stay in bed, but an effort must be made when one least feels like it, to get up and be active, or one descends even deeper into the Slough of Despond.'
Hancock, who married Thaw in 1973, revealed she still speaks to him while watching the news, imagining how they would rant about politicians and world events. Thaw died from oesophageal cancer in February 2002, years after Hancock herself was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1988.
In a separate interview on Katherine Ryan's What's My Age Again? podcast, Hancock reflected on ageing, noting that turning 90 changed how people treat her. She quipped that being perceived as old can be 'a wonderful excuse for bad behaviour', allowing her to leave boring situations without judgement.
