Russell T Davies on 'Ridiculous' Age Gap with Boyfriend and Grief
The former Doctor Who showrunner discusses his relationship with Oliver Cole, 27 years his junior, and how his late husband influences his work.
Russell T Davies, 63, has spoken candidly about the significant age difference between himself and his boyfriend, Oliver Cole, who is 27. Davies, the acclaimed showrunner behind "Doctor Who" and "It's a Sin," revealed his relationship with Cole last year, eight years after the death of his husband, Andrew Smith.
Davies acknowledged the "ridiculous" age gap, telling the "How To Fail with Elizabeth Day" podcast that Cole, who is Australian, is "very grown up" and "might as well be 40." He described Cole as having "had a hell of a life" and stated that the relationship has brought a "great lease of life" into his own.
Cole is reportedly "completely respectful" of Davies' late husband. Davies shared that they sometimes watch shows that Andrew enjoyed together, with Davies explaining, "Andrew loved this. Watch this." He also recounted how Cole accompanied him to the "Doctor Who" set for his 27th birthday, where they took a spin in the TARDIS.
A friend of the couple told The Daily Mail that Cole has brought "a great deal of joy" into Davies' life and that despite the age difference, they are "very much on the same wavelength."
Davies also reflected on his grief following Smith's death from a brain tumor in 2018. He noted that grief is a universal experience, even for those who have not yet faced significant loss. Davies emphasized that there are "no magic solutions to grief" beyond the necessity of continuing with daily life, such as earning a wage and eating.
He shared that Smith had been ill for eight years, which provided some preparation, but the finality of his death was still a shock. Davies highlighted the financial security that his savings provided during Smith's illness, contrasting their situation with that of others who faced severe financial strain when a partner could no longer work. He recalled that he was able to continue working, delivering the final episode of "Years and Years" about a month after Smith's death.
The influence of his grief has seeped into Davies' writing, particularly in "It's a Sin," which depicted the AIDS crisis. He admitted to writing death scenes that mirrored aspects of Smith's experience, including the "loss and the anger and the medicine and the boringness of illness."
Smith, a customs officer, was diagnosed in 2011 and passed away in September 2018 at the age of 54. Davies and Smith were together for two decades and entered a civil partnership in 2012.