Warwick Davis, the beloved Harry Potter actor, has been pictured with his mystery girlfriend, whom he affectionately nicknames 'Sponge', as it is revealed the couple have been dating for over a year. This new relationship comes following the tragic death of his wife, Samantha Davis, in 2024 at the age of 53.
A Year of Love and Support
Sources close to the couple confirm they have been together for approximately twelve months and are described as 'happier than ever'. Warwick's girlfriend has played a crucial role in helping him rebuild his life after the devastating loss of his wife, who suffered a cardiac arrest following complications from essential surgery.
Public Appearances and Private Support
The 56-year-old actor was photographed with his attractive brunette companion at last month's BAFTA Awards, where he paid tribute to her during his emotional acceptance speech for the BAFTA Fellowship. Warwick publicly thanked 'Sponge' for 'showing me that life can still have meaning and for helping me to laugh and to love again.'
The couple were also seen together backstage at a Madness concert at Cornwall's Eden Project last July, sharing a lighthearted moment. More recently, she accompanied Warwick and his two children, Annabelle, 28, and Harrison, 23, to Windsor Castle where he received his OBE from Prince William for services to drama and charity.
Maintaining Privacy Amid Public Life
Despite attending these high-profile events alongside the actor, Warwick's girlfriend maintains a notably private profile. A source told the Daily Mail: 'She has no interest in being a public figure and although she has accompanied Warwick to events, she does not court the limelight. She is so proud of Warwick and loves to be by his side at events, but she will stand back and allow him to be in the spotlight.'
The source added: 'She is close with his children and they have a lovely life together. All anyone wanted was to see Warwick happy and he has that with his girlfriend.'
Honouring Samantha's Memory
Warwick's relationship with 'Sponge' comes after the profound loss of his wife Samantha, who died in March 2024. An inquest concluded her death resulted from arrhythmic cardiac arrest and complications following left thoracotomies. Samantha had achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism that required multiple spinal surgeries since 2016.
During his BAFTA acceptance speech, Warwick dedicated the award to his late wife, saying: 'Above all I would like to dedicate and thank my wonderful wife Sammy who died almost a year ago. She was always so supportive of my career and encouraged me to grab every opportunity with both hands.'
A Partnership Forged in Film
Warwick and Samantha met during the filming of the 1988 fantasy movie 'Willow', in which Warwick starred as the hero Willow Ufgood. They married in 1991 and had three children together, though tragically lost one child just nine days after birth. The couple co-founded the charity Little People UK in 2012 to support people with dwarfism and their families.
Following Samantha's sepsis battle in 2019, Warwick kept vigil at her hospital bedside as she fought for her life. Her eventual recovery was followed by the tragic events of 2024 that led to her passing.
Looking Forward
Warwick has confirmed he will return to the world of wizardry for the new Harry Potter series reboot, reprising his role as Professor Flitwick. Meanwhile, his relationship with 'Sponge' continues to develop, with the actor describing her as reminding him of Daisy May Cooper's character Kerry Mucklowe from 'This Country'.
When asked about her identity on The Jonathan Ross Show last year, Warwick humorously referenced Harry Potter lore, saying: 'I can reveal, sticking with the Harry Potter theme, Sponge is indeed She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named.'
The actor has spoken openly about the loneliness of an acting career and the importance of having 'a solid foundation at home to support that and make it work.' With his new relationship and continued professional success, Warwick Davis appears to be building that foundation once again while honouring the memory of his late wife.
