EASTENDERS actress Lucy Benjamin has split from her husband of 17 years.
The 53-year-old soap star and Richard Taggart called time on their relationship saying it was over.
5
EastEnders’ Lucy Benjamin has split from her husband of 17 years Credit: BBC
5
The soap star and Richard Taggart said their relationship had run its course. Credit: Rex
Lucy and businessman Richard have two daughters together, 16-year-old Bessie and 12-year-old Rosie.
A source said: “Lucy and Richard tried to make it work but in the end decided it was best to go their separate ways.
“It’s been difficult for both of them in recent months, but hopefully they can now start to look forward to the future.
“Their children will always come first.”
The couple met on a flight to Dubai, and Richard made the first move after recognizing Lucy from TV.
She once said: “He was sitting next to me and while I was reading a book, he tapped me on the shoulder and said: ‘This must be strange for you because I know a lot about you and you don’t know anything about me, but my name is Richard and I go to Dubai’.
“Luckily, I found it very funny and we didn’t stop chatting. We were engaged within six weeks – and married within nine months.”
Lucy admitted they rushed into the wedding because “I was a bit busy but you’ve got to get on with it”, revealing she was seven weeks pregnant at the nuptials.
She previously dated EastEnders co-star Steve McFadden, who played her on-screen love Phil Mitchell, between 1999 and 2003.
The pair reunited for filming this summer when Lucy’s character Lisa Fowler returned to Albert Square.
Lucy first joined the BBC1 soap in 1998 before going on to do four separate engagements.
During one of her breaks from Albert Square, she appeared on I’m A Celebrity in 2009. . . Get me out of here! where she was voted first.
In 2002, she appeared alongside EastEnders co-star Jessie Wallace in a calendar for men’s magazine FHM.
Lucy has also had roles in BBC1 dramas Casualty, Holby City and New Tricks, as well as various panto jobs.
5
Lucy was previously in a relationship with EastEnders co-star Steve McFadden, who played Phil Mitchell. Credits: PA: Press Association
5
Lucy and Richard have two daughters together Credits: Rex
5
A source said of the relationship: ‘It’s been difficult for both of them in recent months’ Credit: Rex
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: newstars.edu.vn