Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has introduced his new partner, Oliver Cole, to the public in a festive Instagram post on Christmas Day. The 63-year-old television writer shared a selfie with the 27-year-old aspiring model, captioning it: 'Merry Christmas! From me & Oliver,' followed by a red heart.
The photograph, taken in a kitchen surrounded by champagne bottles and baking paraphernalia, prompted congratulations from friends and fans. Actor Russell Tovey responded with heart-eye emojis, while It’s A Sin star Nathaniel Curtis wrote: 'Merry Christmas my babies xx'. TV personality Tom Read Wilson added: 'Delicious pair! Oodles of love x.'
According to a source cited by the Daily Mail, Davies and Cole have been quietly dating for several months. The source said the pair are 'on the same wavelength' and that their 35-year age gap 'isn’t an issue'. The source added: 'Oliver has brought a great deal of joy into Russell’s life, and they make each other genuinely happy.'
Cole, who has around 3,800 Instagram followers, was reportedly treated to a visit to the Doctor Who set for his birthday last month. He later shared a short video filmed inside the Tardis, captioning it: 'Another year passes but it’s alright I have a TARDIS x.' He later clarified: 'Not the new Doctor. Promise x.'
Davies was previously married to customs officer Andrew Smith, whom he met in 1999. The couple entered a civil partnership in 2012. Smith died in September 2018 following a long illness caused by a brain tumour. Davies later dedicated his acclaimed BBC drama Years and Years to his late husband, and previously told Radio Times that taking more than two years away from work to care for Smith was 'the greatest work I’ll ever do on this Earth'.
