Russell T. Davies Discusses Age Gap with Boyfriend and Grief for Late Husband

Russell T. Davies, 63, has spoken openly about his relationship with his boyfriend Oliver Cole, who is 27. Davies, the former showrunner for "Doctor Who," acknowledged the significant age difference, describing it as "ridiculous," but emphasized the maturity and depth of his relationship with Cole.

Davies tragically lost his husband, Andrew Smith, to a brain tumor in 2018. He shared that he began dating Oliver on Christmas Day last year, marking a new chapter eight years after Smith's passing. "My lovely boyfriend Oliver is completely respectful," Davies stated, noting that Cole honors his late partner's memory by engaging with things Smith enjoyed, such as watching "The Chase" together.

Speaking on the "How To Fail with Elizabeth Day" podcast, Davies reflected on navigating his grief and how Cole has been supportive. He recalled his 20-year relationship with Andrew Smith, with whom he entered into a civil partnership in 2012. Smith passed away in September 2018 at the age of 54, after being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2011.

Davies touched upon the universal nature of grief, observing that life inevitably involves loss. He drew a parallel to the aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing, suggesting that despite unimaginable tragedy, life continues. He emphasized that there are no magic solutions to grief, beyond the necessities of earning a living and finding comfort in daily routines.

He also highlighted the financial security that allowed him and Smith to cope with his illness. Davies noted that as a well-paid professional, he had saved diligently for decades, providing a buffer during Smith's eight-year illness. He contrasted this with the struggles of others he observed at cancer treatment centers, who faced difficulties accessing benefits and managing time off work due to illness.

Davies shared that his grief over Smith's death influenced his acclaimed Channel 4 drama "It's A Sin," which depicted the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. He admitted to incorporating elements of his personal loss, anger, and the mundane aspects of illness into the writing. The suddenness of Smith's death, even after a prolonged illness, was a profound shock, he recounted.

Davies publicly announced his relationship with Australian model Oliver Cole on Christmas Day last year via social media. He previously shared a moment from the "Doctor Who" set where he treated Cole to a ride in the TARDIS for his 27th birthday. A friend described Cole as bringing "a great deal of joy" into Davies' life, noting that despite the age gap, they share a strong connection and are on the same wavelength.