Veteran actor Nigel Havers has revealed the domestic storm that erupted after he accepted an offer to appear on Piers Morgan's intimate talk show, leading to an unusual compromise with his wife.
The explosive reaction to a TV deal
In a candid reflection, the 74-year-old star admitted that his decision to appear on Piers Morgan's Life Stories in 2017 sparked a major row with his third wife, Georgiana Bronfman. Havers confessed he kept the booking secret until the day before recording, a move that provoked a fierce reaction.
"George always said that I mustn't do Piers Morgan's Life Stories, but they offered me so much money, it was impossible to say no," Havers explained in an interview with Saga Magazine. "I didn't tell her I was doing it until the day before recording, and she flew into a rage."
The canine compromise that saved the day
After what Havers described as his wife disappearing for a short while, she returned with a clear ultimatum. "She came back and said, 'You can do the show, but we're getting a dog'," he recalled. The actor quickly agreed, though his suggestion for the pet's name nearly reignited the conflict.
"When I suggested calling it Piers, she nearly smacked me," Havers added with humour. The couple eventually settled on the name Charlie for their new black poodle, whom Havers now adores.
Redeeming himself with heartfelt praise
Despite the initial fury, Havers managed to mend fences during the interview itself by speaking fondly and emotionally about his wife of 18 years. He described their shared passion for horse racing and how their connection blossomed after both had been single.
"We just rocked on so well," he told Morgan, before becoming visibly emotional. "I'm so happy... I'm very lucky." When asked about his emotional display, Havers reflected, "It's my luck, I think. We only live once, don't we? Make the most of it. And I'm just having a wonderful time."
Reflections on past marriages and loss
The conversation on Life Stories also led Havers to address his previous marriages and personal tragedies. He was married to his first wife, Carolyn Cox, from 1974 to 1989, and they had one daughter together, Kate. Havers admitted to infidelity during that marriage, stating, "I couldn't resist these gorgeous women. I also always thought it wasn't such a big deal—it is more now."
He emphasised that he is "totally faithful now." Havers was at Cox's bedside with their daughter when she died from pneumonia in 2011.
He also experienced the profound loss of his second wife, Polly Williams, who died from cancer 15 years into their marriage. Speaking previously on Loose Women about her sudden passing, he said, "It was that sudden. It was a major shock, as you can imagine. That's a very tough one to get."
The actor's appearance on Piers Morgan's Life Stories ultimately provided not just a revealing look at his five-decade career, but also a testament to the complex journey that led him to his current happiness with Georgiana Bronfman, whom he married in 2007.
