Russell T Davies calls 36-year age gap ‘ridiculous’ as he discusses boyfriend
Oliver Cole and Russell T Davies (Getty Images)
Russell T Davies has spoken about dating again after bereavement, praising his boyfriend Oliver Cole for being “completely respectful” of the memory of Davies’ late husband, Andrew Smith.
Speaking on the How To Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast, the 63-year-old writer and producer discussed his relationship with Cole, 27, and reflected on grief following Smith’s death.
Davies addressed their 36-year age gap directly, saying: “[He’s] a lot younger, he’s 27, which is ridiculous, I know. But he’s Australian. They’re very grown up aren’t they, Australians?”
He went on to explain why he does not experience Cole as “young”, adding: “They know what’s what, he might as well be 40. It’s like, he’s kind of had a hell of a life actually. He’s seen a lot and done a lot and kind of fought his way to get to Britain.”
The Tip Toe screenwriter added: “He’s wonderful, and it’s a great lease of life in my life. He’s just gorgeous.”
Making space for late-husband
Davies also shared a small example of how their relationship makes room for Smith’s presence.
“My lovely boyfriend Oliver is completely respectful, and when I make him sit and watch The Chase, I’m like, ‘Andrew loved this. Watch this.’ Like that all the time, non-stop,” he said.
Smith died in September 2018 after a brain tumour diagnosis. Davies and Smith were together for two decades and entered a civil partnership in December 2012.
Living with grief
During the conversation, Davies also spoke about the reality of living with loss, saying: “I wish I could sit here and say, ‘Ah, do this and think of that’.”
He added: “But there isn’t a magic solution to grief, other than the fact that you need to earn a wage and you need to have your tea.”
In July, Davies described Smith’s death as his “greatest loss” and shared that he and Cole had celebrated their first anniversary that month.
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